Car running very hot but not overheating...

I wouldn't replace the water pump. The only way they fail and let you know is by starting to leak. Just watch the fluid levels and the ground around the vehicle. I am not that familiar with the contour as I really work on Hondas but an engine is an engine. Have you thought about replacing the temp sensor or did they check that as well. The guage only reads the temp sent to it but the sensor is responsible for finding the temp and passing it to the guage. Now you as the driiver should be able to recognize whether the guage itself has been acting different as in sticking a bit, reponding slower, etc. The last suggestion I have is don't overlook the radiator cap as it is responsible for regulating the overflow.

Bruce,

Thanks for your timely reply! I got lost trying to find my way back here so it took me a while to figure it our. Very frustrating...

I have thought about sensor but, when the car is hot after driving for a while (say 20 to 30 min), the car smells like it's hot. I'm sure you know the smell. Makes me nervous at consecutive stop lights or caught in med to heavy traffic. The fluid levels remain ok, there are no leaks. The Contour has no radiator cap per se. The system is pressurised through the overflow bottle. This also makes it difficult to see how well the system circulates. In the mean time I will probably buy a new sensor (if not to expensive) and give that a try.

If you can think of anything else I would appreciate the heads up, if not thank you for trying and the previous info.

Mike Salvas
Swansea, MA.

*****************************************


[quote:382b003166="Bruce Hunt"]I wouldn't replace the water pump. The only way they fail and let you know is by starting to leak. Just watch the fluid levels and the ground around the vehicle. I am not that familiar with the contour as I really work on Hondas but an engine is an engine. Have you thought about replacing the temp sensor or did they check that as well. The guage only reads the temp sent to it but the sensor is responsible for finding the temp and passing it to the guage. Now you as the driiver should be able to recognize whether the guage itself has been acting different as in sticking a bit, reponding slower, etc. The last suggestion I have is don't overlook the radiator cap as it is responsible for regulating the overflow.[/quote:382b003166]

The system could possibly be air locked.