Hello,

I currently own a 2002 x-type that has a terrible cooling system issue. So I recently replaced the water pump, thermostat and reservoir as I was overheating. First, I replaced the water pump to no avail, next was the reservoir, then the thermostat as of 2 days ago...Still overheats. I have no leaks but I hear a hissing when it starts to overheat, and steam comes from the reservoir. I keep seeing stuff saying I may have a clogged radiator. The top radiator hose collapses after cooling for a minute, what is that about. Also my fans use to be extra loud, but I haven't heard them in a while like over a month. Can anybody help?

 

It is a 3.0 V6 AWD

 

Do the fans come on when you turn the A/C on?


Also the X-Type has had an updated fan and module that came out later, if you still have the original fan and module, odds are one ( if not both ) fans have failed.


Also - when you changed the thermostat, it did come with the cover correct, or was it just the thermostat only? I've seen the cover, where the thermostat sits, break inside, and can cause issues with cooling system. Radiators have also been a known issue as well....


Check to make sure you're fans are working.... if not you'll either need to source a second hand unit or order the updated fan, module, and you'll need a wiring harness adapter as well.


You may need to do a TK test as well - check for blown head gasket if its overheated.

 

Remove the thermostat, do the cooling system flush; Drain all the coolant out, pour in a bottle of coolant flush, fill in the water, turn the heater on high, run the engine to the operate temp., Drain the water out, if you see the murky water, repeat until water is clear, the last flush you should use the distill water before fill in the coolant.

 

Ok so, I haven't turned on the a.c. because it is winter, however my air did get Luke warm around the fall, I refilled the a.c. but it lasted for like ten minutes figured it had something to do with the cooling system. But I will try the fans and the TK test.
I will look up the updated fans. They use to run when I would turn off the car for a long time. Thats why I replaced the water pump and reservoir. I didn't hear them any more, so I figured problem fixed! Now i know.

As far as the thermostat, it was that cylinder with the three bolt points on the base, in the shape of a triangle, came with a gasket and new bolts. I just took one off and put the other on.

Are those fans high? I've seen some in the 300 range. Thanks again.

 

Ok so, I haven't turned on the a.c. because it is winter, however my air did get Luke warm around the fall, I refilled the a.c. but it lasted for like ten minutes figured it had something to do with the cooling system. But I will try the fans and the TK test.
I will look up the updated fans. They use to run when I would turn off the car for a long time. Thats why I replaced the water pump and reservoir. I didn't hear them any more, so I figured problem fixed! Now i know.

As far as the thermostat, it was that cylinder with the three bolt points on the base, in the shape of a triangle, came with a gasket and new bolts. I just took one off and put the other on.

Are those fans high? I've seen some in the 300 range. Thanks again.

 

This sounds like the hose technique without the hose, which is perfect. I don't have a hose in this apartment. I need to flush it out and I didn't want to drop the whole radiator just to push water through it...its a pain in the a** to get to it. Thanks, i will do this as well!

 

Well is the fans run for a bit after engine shut down, its usually thermostat, but it could be something else within the system. The fans should come on straight away when you turn the A/C on, even if its winter.


Just start the engine when its cold, turn the A/C on, and see if the fans come on. At some point they should come on, but you need to watch the fan speed. They might come on, but spin very slowly.


As for cost - I'm sure the new ones will be more than 300, but the updated ones will be your best bet. The older ones will definitely fail, hence the update. You could get a 2nd hand fan for now to get you through the winter, but be prepared when summer rolls around.


Let us know what you find with the fan, if they aren't working, no point in looking at anything else just yet.