1999 Mercury Cougar problem with vehicle overheating

1999 MERCURY COUGAR
170,000 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • MANUAL
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CAVGUY360
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I have a 1999 Mercury Cougar that is overheating at fluctuating intervals. At first i believe it to be a cracked head or head gasket because it was burning antifreeze and thick white smoke was coming from the tailpipe. I used some liquid stuff meant to stop the leak that i bought from Auto zone and it seemed to fix the problem.
It has been about a month and the engine is overheating again, but the gauge fluctuates. Also there is no heat coming from my vents no matter how long i let it run and even while the gauge says it is overheating. The radiator fluid seems to fluctuate as well, at one point it will be very low so i add fluid. Then after running it for a while the radiator fluid will be overflowing.
Any ideas on this? And is it a fix i can do myself or will i need to take it to a mechanic?
Jan 23, 2009 at 8:11 AM
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MIKE H R
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check the thermastat, with putting stop leak in it may have caused the thermastat to stick, causing it to vapor lock. I would have a compression check done on the cooling system. this will tell you if you are still loosing fluid. If it is still leaking I would think that it is a blown head gasket. Depending how mechanically inclinded you are you can do the repair. I am not saying it is easy. If in doubt take it to a repair shop.
Jan 23, 2009 at 8:46 AM