Ok, so heres the deal. i have a 96 mustang 3.8 v6. About a month ago, i observed that my temperature gauge would begin to go slightly above the normal range when i drove in heavy traffic. the more i drove it the worse the problem got till the gauge almost reached the red range. If i cruise down the interstate, the car works perfectly fine and doesnt overheat. so i did some research, and read that i should flush my radiator and add some new coolant. so i did that and everything was cool for a couple of days. then all of a sudden my lower radiator hose bust, and i lost all of coolant and the car began overheating again...so i replaced the hose and put some more coolant in there. I was good for about another week, then all of a sudden tonight, the thing start to overheat again after i drove for thirty mins or so in stop and go traffic. What should i do next. i checked the radiator and im not low on coolant, so could it be the thermostat or should i quit being cheap and take it to a pro?

P.s. the cooling fan is operating properly as well

 

I would change the thermostat and do a flush, and if that doesn't work maybe a new radiator?

 

Is your fan comming on?

 

Ok, well i think i solved the problem. turns out i had slow leak because i didnt tighten the clamps on my lower radiator hose enough. Next time ill use a ratchet instead of a screw driver. but thanks for yalls responses.

 

If your rad isnt low then its not a leak. Sound like you have a blockage somewhere. I would say get a flush to make sure you dont have anything blocking the coolent path.

Matthew

 

I would still make sure the fan is turning on/off or else it will continue to do that. Also, might want to look at that thermostat, they're dirt cheap and can fail at any time.

 

Let us know how it turns out.

 

Definately replace the thermostat. Whats your coolant (colour) like, is it bright green or gungy or rusty?

 

thanks for posting yall. i really appreciate it. I found out i really was leaking fluid out of the radiator hose. i just didnt tighten the clamps on tight enogh so coolant was slowly dripping out. i also changed the thermostat for good measure. everything has been good so far. i'll post if any thing changes. yall can feel free to respond to my other post as well. it's titled stuttering.