Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Engine Overheating ---- Won't blow hot air inside

I have a 1995 V6, Yesterday I got a 95 contour v6 from a dealer about an hour away. Made it home ok and when I took the offramp and came to a stop the engine temp spiked up and the heater stopped blowing hot air... I only had 1 mile to arrive home (at 35mph) the temp stayed redlined the whole way. Now when the car is in the yard (idleing) the temp stays at 3/4 and won't blow hot air.
I know about the faulty design in the water pump however and as a last resort I'll tear it apart and see if its that. What I'm wondering is, is if it could be the thermostat??? Would a t-stat stuck closed (which would explain the overheating) also cause me to lose heat inside the car?

Now as a second question, how big of a job is it to replace to waterpump in one of these v6's?

Thanks

Jay

Waterpump is gone.
Get a Prestone Waterpump form the Autoparts store (Murrays)

It's a 1 hour job at most to swap.

first off all stop running the car, you dont want to warp anything that wouldnt be to good at all , now when you say wont blow hot air, you mean the air is cold or there is no air blowing atall because its very possible that the thermostat is stuck closed and isnt allowing any coolant to flow in you heater. check your hoses see if they are warn or if there seems to be any fluid in it. the waterpump isnt a hard install at all , at least i think so but its up to how inclinded you are, the waterpump might also be the issue and is probally the most likely cause, im almost 100% on that , since you were on the freeway at high speeds it might have failed .if the pump is bad theres no coolant flow and no heat so good luck

Yeah, I'd most definitely put my vote in for the water pump.

There's an FAQ on the site about replacing it. When you pull the old one out, make sure you get all the little pieces out (if it's shattered, that is).

Good luck.

Welcome . And don't forget to put in a new WP belt for $12.

http://www.contour.org/mods/mods.php?s=howto&displayid=14

In addition, coolant level half inch above max and engine oil half quart above max.

To download an owners' manual, www.fleet.ford.com

Just took off the waterpump,, yep she broke into 2 peices... thanks for the advice everyone.

Mine broke in 3 pieces, and a couple tiny ones came out with system flush. You might want to install a new thermostat, or check for debris.