Expert: Skip Bollinger - 7/31/2006

Question
I just had a new radiator, cap, complete engine rebuild, new thermostat and water pump about 1 month ago.  Now my engine gets very hot-the gauge goes up the 3/4 after driving for a mile and when I turn it off there is a loud hiss coming from the engine. What could be causing this?
It is a 93 ford taurus with 3.0 v6 engine.
thanks

Answer
Brian,
  Let me preface my answer with this statement. I'm a parts professional, not a repair tech. I have been on a parts counter 32 years and have learned a thing or two. With that being said, please allow me to offer my $0.02 worth of thoughts.
  First, I'd take it back to the repair shop that did the work. Obviously they have done something wrong. Before you do, you can check a few things. Is the radiator fan coming on? Run a jumper from the battery directly to the fan. It should come on. IF NOT, relpace the fan. IF IT DOES, check the coolant temperature sensor to make sure it wasn't damaged when the engine was installed. IF IT LOOKS GOOD, start the car and turn on the A/C. Does the fan come on now? IF SO, the coolant temperature sensor is bad. Even if it looks good. IF IT DOESN'T, replace the radiator fan relay.
  There are some Ford V-6's that have a right and left head gasket but this isn't the case with the 3.0. There could be a book written on this problem but when I first read it, you said this happend within 3/4 mile from when you begin driving. The fan was the first thing to come to mind.
  In retrospect, I'd take off the radiator cap when the engine is cold, NOT HOT, drive it 1/2 mile and get out and look to see if the water is circulating. Leave the engine running. Just be careful it doesn't boil over onto you!!!! For it to get that hot within 3/4 mile, the water may not be circulating. Like I said, a book could be written about this problem.
  Check the fan stuff first. If you get everthing you need all laid out and ready to run the tests, you could do them in 3 minutes. I don't think the thing will overheat that quickly.
  Keep in touch. Let me know what you find. I hope this helps..
Skip
CarPartMan@aol.com
816-455-2337