ratterrier
Active Member
- Joined
- November 24, 2001
- Messages
- 63
- Reaction score
- 0
- City, State
- Livingston, NJ
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- '96 XLT 2WD
Hi folks,
Here's the lowdown...the temp gauge on my 96 Explorer moves up and down a lot. It rises enough to set off the check gauge light at times. Usually keeping the heater switched on prevents it from going that high. The gauge will read near the top, and then fairly quickly drop down to a cold reading. Most times, the gauge will stablilze after a while, but again this is with the heater switched on.
Another problem surfaced some time ago, where one of my head gaskets weeps coolant. It doesn't leak so much that one would notice...the coolant level doesn't noticeably drop. Since I don't have the skills or cash to get this properly repaired at this time, a mechanic put in a can of sealer a while ago (I think it was called BC or BG brand). I believe it is supposed to have fiber in it to plug leaks.
I was wondering if the gauge fluctuation is caused by a build up and release of pressure from the point of leakage in the gasket. It seems to me that it would constantly release some hot coolant, and no build up would happen. It's hard to believe an engine could heat and cool so quickly. So although the gasket is a problem, might there be another reason for the gauge to go awry ? That is, is this a common complaint for Explorers ? Or could the sealant itself cause the gauge/sensor to go bad ?
Thanks for any advice !
Richard
Here's the lowdown...the temp gauge on my 96 Explorer moves up and down a lot. It rises enough to set off the check gauge light at times. Usually keeping the heater switched on prevents it from going that high. The gauge will read near the top, and then fairly quickly drop down to a cold reading. Most times, the gauge will stablilze after a while, but again this is with the heater switched on.
Another problem surfaced some time ago, where one of my head gaskets weeps coolant. It doesn't leak so much that one would notice...the coolant level doesn't noticeably drop. Since I don't have the skills or cash to get this properly repaired at this time, a mechanic put in a can of sealer a while ago (I think it was called BC or BG brand). I believe it is supposed to have fiber in it to plug leaks.
I was wondering if the gauge fluctuation is caused by a build up and release of pressure from the point of leakage in the gasket. It seems to me that it would constantly release some hot coolant, and no build up would happen. It's hard to believe an engine could heat and cool so quickly. So although the gasket is a problem, might there be another reason for the gauge to go awry ? That is, is this a common complaint for Explorers ? Or could the sealant itself cause the gauge/sensor to go bad ?
Thanks for any advice !
Richard