My friends 6 cyl Mav is over heating. After it gets hot all of the antifreeze and water boild right out of it. He replaced the radiator cap today and that seemed to keep the temperature down but it is still getting way to hot. After it warms up it sounds like an old water heater. Think maybe the thermostat is sticking?
Could be. Does he have a shroud on it? That helps a lot. Also has the radiator ever been cleaned by a good radiator shop. If not it could be partially plugged up. I'd try the thermostat first and if that doesn't work take the radiator in and have it cleaned.
The water heater comment leans me toward an air in the system issue. Whether it be air locked from filling the system or air from another source causing a lock like head gasket. Just something to consider as you try to diagnose it.
Finally had a chance to work on my friends Maverick. Changed the thermostat and it's running like it should. Put a 180 degree one in, the one that was in there was pretty flimsy. Thanks for all of the help. Now my friend is back on the road with his Mav.
Good news. Nice to get it resolved without a big expense. The infra red temp probes are a very handy tool to diag cooling systems. A bad stat is obvious right away. All of us guys with these old cars should have one at home. I use mine for all kinds of stuff around the house. Just a suggestion.
Thanks, will have to get me a temp probe for my tool box. What was throwing me for a loop was that as soon as it warmed up all of the coolant would come out thru the over flow. There are only a couple of Mavs/Comets here in El Paso Texas so we have to keep them running!
Cooling systems are funny things and sometimes a challenge. The temp probe is a big help though. I even use mine for cooking fish to check the oil temp.
