Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Still overheating

I have a 1996 with a 2.0 Zetec engine. I have just changed the waterpump because there was no problem with the thermostat, what other problem could I be having with this car overheating if it's not the pump nor the thermostat???

Welcome . Did you test the thermostat? Coolant strength? (buy a $5 tester), radiator fan?, plugged radiator? or maybe just the temperature gauge sender.

Checked the thermostat, fan works, 50/50 antifreeze, and the car blows cold air inside the car!!!

You could also have air-lock in the cooling system.
Raise the front tires off the groud so you have good incline.
Take the cap off the expansion tank. Start the engine.
This will help force the air out the expansion tank. If your pump is working you should see the coolant circulating. You can feel it on the hoses as well.
Ensure your T-stat isn't in backwards.

Is airlock the reason for the bubblin in my resevoir???
and if I have to flush the system how do I do it?????

"Is airlock the reason for the bubblin in my resevoir???"
Could be or it could be a bad headgasket (not a good thing).

Here is a cheap quick way to test the headgasket.

Fill antifreeze to the brim on recovery tank (leave cap off). Remove all spark plug wires. Remove all but one spark plug and have someone crank the engine. If the antifreeze bubbles over, there is leak from that portion of the engine (or cylinder). If not, go to the next cylinder, and then the next.... Note, it could be more than one area or more than one cylinder. Good luck.

For flushing coolant, purchase on of those Prestone flush kits from Autozone or Advance. I think it cost less than $10.

speakin of spark plugs, I just went to start my car and the #3 spark plug wire just popped off!!! Now I am confused

sorry, that was the #4 plug!!!

If it's bubbling in the tank it is moving through the system.
Perhaps the heater core is plugged. Try the test that Tony2005 gave. It is 100% accurate.