OK, so turning the heat on probably happened at about the time it was going to over heat like it did this last time without the heat being on. That would indicate lack of water flow or some type of restriction in the cooling system. It must of been very hard to install the water pump backwards. Did the Ford dealer install the thermostat? It might be up side down as they are mounted only one way. Does the radiator built up pressure on the upper hose when it is warmed up? Hang in there you can fix this, and good luck.

 

The V6 water pump varies by year...even thought they all bolt up to the block.

 

we don't think its the thermostat b/c it wasn't overheating until we installed the water pump - we got rid of the leak but then obtained the new problem.... still very confused. going to get it looked at again tomorrow and see what's going on; do you guys think the water pump is in wrong? we ordered the part from can tire and its prestone, specific to the year and everything, so i can't see it being the WRONG one.... thanks again guys.

 

oh, and the rad hose gets really hot, so we're almost positive it's not the thermostat.

 

well if the problem started after replacing the water pump.... obviously was installed bad or wrong pump.