2003 explorer sport Trac has overheating problems out of nowhere. It's stranded in parking lot

[newaroundhere]

the check gauge light came on and the temp was at the highest it could go.. I pulled over and opened up the hood. there was no smoke or anything, but the reservoir was overflowing. I waited awhile for the car to cool off. Opened the radiator cap and coolant came rushing out. Bought a new radiator cap and a jug of coolant as the radiator needed to be refilled and it made no difference. None of the hoses are collapsed. I took the cap off and when I started the truck, coolant began violently shooting out of the radiator. After letting the truck sit for 1 hour, I start it back up and it overheats in 1 minute idling.

 

[410Fortune]

Overheats in 60 seconds from
Cold?

Coolant shoots out of radiator as soon as you start the truck?

Something is very wrong like you lost a head or head gasket
Or the thermostat housing exploded and you didn’t see it
Or the thermostat is completely stuck closed

I have never heard of overheating in one minute and I have never had coolant shoot out of a cold radiator

Not good!

 

[Josh P]

Overheats in 60 seconds from
Cold?

Coolant shoots out of radiator as soon as you start the truck?

Something is very wrong like you lost a head or head gasket
Or the thermostat housing exploded and you didn’t see it
Or the thermostat is completely stuck closed

I have never heard of overheating in one minute and I have never had coolant shoot out of a cold radiator

Not good!

What do think the odds are of the water pump being the initial failure? The system held pressure till the cap was removed.

 

[newaroundhere]

What do think the odds are of the water pump being the initial failure? The system held pressure till the cap was removed.

Yes there is definitely a lot of pressure when I removed the cap.

 

[Josh P]

Yes there is definitely a lot of pressure when I removed the cap.

No other issues, like the serpentine belt slipping, the fan free spins or obstructed air flow through the radiator, like a plastic bag getting sucked through the grill? I think your original problem was lack of coolant flow or airflow, but now as stated by 410, you probably have an issue with the engine, like a blown head gasket.

 

[newaroundhere]

No other issues, like the serpentine belt slipping, the fan free spins or obstructed air flow through the radiator, like a plastic bag getting sucked through the grill? I think your original problem was lack of coolant flow or airflow, but now as stated by 410, you probably have an issue with the engine, like a blown head gasket.

No other issues. It's either thermostat or gasket.