I am having cooling problem what to check?

Asked by tamera22 Sep 01, 2014 at 11:00 PM about the 1996 Ford Thunderbird LX RWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Thermostat works, flow from inlet to bottom outlet
but not out petcock. Gets too hot in a few miles
only. Bad radiator or water pump? Is there a way
to check these without removing them?

4 Answers
144,885

T_S_T answered 10 years ago

I would think water pump,the only true way to check is remove cap,let it heat up,and if it doe,s not circulate good when thermostat open,s it would be the pump.

Mark helpful
63,195

BoholMark answered 10 years ago

Start with the radiator. While your there swap out the water pump. Hell, do the thermostat. Your right there and you'll be good for the next 20 years.

1 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful
15,935

Larry answered 10 years ago

Not sure I would just replace the water-pump/thermostat first. Although they are not real expensive, you don't say if you can do the work yourself. If you have to pay someone then it can get a little expensive. Is the radiator the same temp top to bottom on front side? If so, I would think there is no problem with it. If there is a temp change top to bottom, then you need to pull the radiator and have it rodded out. If it is ok, then go the water pump/thermostat route.

Mark helpful

Your Answer:

Related Questions

Thunderbird

Looking for a Used Thunderbird in your area?

CarGurus has 28 nationwide Thunderbird listings starting at $14,888.

Postal Code:

Shortcuts

Search Ford Thunderbird Questions

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Larry Sturgis
    Reputation
    3,020
  • #2
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    2,080
  • #3
    MrBlueOval
    Reputation
    1,580
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Ford Mustang
58 Great Deals out of 1,366 listings starting at $4,995
Used Chevrolet Corvette
27 Great Deals out of 1,082 listings starting at $15,000
Used Chevrolet Camaro
20 Great Deals out of 281 listings starting at $7,995
Used Jeep Wrangler
139 Great Deals out of 4,992 listings starting at $4,500
Used Ford Taurus
6 Great Deals out of 80 listings starting at $4,880
Used Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
10 Great Deals out of 141 listings starting at $13,869
Used Pontiac Firebird
14 listings
Used Lexus LS
3 Great Deals out of 30 listings starting at $9,995
Used Ford Bronco
22 Great Deals out of 1,281 listings starting at $37,000
Used Honda Civic
195 Great Deals out of 4,054 listings starting at $440

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.