Over heating problem

[Brian.Smith]

I have a 98 Escort, 131,000 miles on it, automatic. Engine runs like a top but after about 10 miles it slowy inches it's way up the gauge to hot. Hovers just before the red for a long time. I pulled over opened the hood. No signs of over heating. No steam, no broken hoses, coolant up to level. After it sits for about 5 min it goes down quickly and as you drive comes back up but no other signs except the gage. Of course I am worried about a head gasket etc. But at the moment I am thinking I should pull the thermastat and replace it and see what happens. At no time does it lose heat. I ran the heater WFO and it helped bring it down a bit. HELP!!!

 

[87ranger2.0]

i would change the stat.it could be stuck open alit just enough to keep heat but it's more like your water pump is going.it could just be a bad coolant temp senser.

 

[Brian.Smith]

Well I just went out and took the radiator cap off and fired it up. When the gage was up to normal temp, the anti freeze was BARELY circulating and the upper hose was warm but not like it should be. The fan came on though? I felt the anti freeze and it was still pretty cold.