Well, I got the car back together, running ok. I was trying to find anything about the following cooling issues, but I can't find the posting I thought I had originally saw on the V6 overheating problems.
After examining things, I have a couple problems.
1-First is the car seems like it is running alot hotter than before. It had run on the lower half of the temp gauge, and now the thing is running half to 3/4 up the temp gauge. I got a used radiator, flushed it, and installed {which was a pain, never have I dealt with a car that the rad had to go in from below. Stupid design}
I am wondering if there possibly is an air bubble in the system, as I was only able to add one gallon of antifreeze.
What is the capacity of tha radiator, and are there any proper procedures for allowing the cooling system to be purged of air? This is the first car I own where the cap is on the recover tank. I refilled the tank, let it warm up, and I kept adding to the max line. I put a 50/50 mix, One gallon total. This morning I saw it was slightly low, but could not add because the car was warmed up {wife started it before asking me, ran for 5 minutes}.
I have not installed the filler panel at the bottom of the front bumper, and I got to thinking, before the accident my SE never had that black plastic filler piece. I got one with the SVT front clip, good or bad if not on?
1.5-I searched the board, and saw postings for the water pump issue, mine is a late 1998 SE, and I was wondering now if I should have inspected the water pump while the car was apart. Too late now, of course! it's all back together.
I swore I thought I heard a sqeaking by the water pump, but I am not sure now it wasn't just the idler puller for the belt. Does anyone have a suggestion for a dealer service book? Unlike my Ford service manual sets for my Torino, the Chilton's book is worthless except for a few select things.
2-I need a wheel alignment, I recentally put a new set of BFG's on my SE, and the inside edge is starting to go bald. The dealer had never said a thing to me in the last year about any bad tire wear. Not happy about that.
I normally do my service work, but as my SE was under warranty I had the dealer perform the service work.
Are the front ends very adjustble on the Contour? My right tie rod seems like it has a very small amount of play compared to the left, it is tight. I am doubtful it's a ball joint issue, the tires still feel tight, no rocking motion top and bottom wise. Just the right tie rod issue.
3-I fixed the a/c and now it's blowing colder than before. Nice surprise. Only issue is I notice while under the car, alot of red dust on the compressor, and lower engine.
At around 89k, would it be time to do the compressor clutch?
not making noise, just trying to be preventative.
Sorry for such a long post, I do appreciate the help.
Andrew
