Thermostat trouble on 2001 Ford Focus

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focusowner - 07 Apr 2007 15:14 GMT

My 2001 Ford Focus has had replaced the thermostat, thermostat housing and
gasket. In addition a complete coolant flush was performed and the system was
filled with new coolant as specified by the manufacturer. This work was done
at the dealership where I purchased the car. The car has approximately 75,300
miles on it. After the work was completed I noticed that for the first time
since I purchased the car that the thermostat was moving off center and 3/4
of the way to the red mark when not running at highway speeds. I took the car
back to the dealership the next day. They looked at the car again and
recommended replacing the radiator. The also test drove the car to see if
there was a possible air pocket causing the problem. Is there a "break-in"
period for a new thermostat? Why is the temperature guage moving 3/4 of the
way to the red mark?

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Mike - 07 Apr 2007 18:30 GMT

> My 2001 Ford Focus has had replaced the thermostat, thermostat housing and
> gasket. In addition a complete coolant flush was performed and the system
[quoted text clipped - 15 lines]
> the
> way to the red mark?

You said "thermostat was moving off center and 3/4 of the way to the red
mark when not running at highway speeds". If it only happens at low speeds
my first thought would be an inop electric cooling fan, second thought would
be a partially plugged radiator.

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Scott Dorsey - 09 Apr 2007 13:57 GMT

>My 2001 Ford Focus has had replaced the thermostat, thermostat housing and
>gasket. In addition a complete coolant flush was performed and the system was
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
>period for a new thermostat? Why is the temperature guage moving 3/4 of the
>way to the red mark?

Because when they did the coolant flush, they dislodged some junk from
someplace where it wasn't doing any harm, and now it's clogging something
up.

Assuming, of course, that it isn't air in the system.

Before replacing anything, I'd try reflushing the system again, possibly
with a citric acid wash to get some junk out. Note that if the system
is close to leaking, the citric acid stuff will open those leaks up, but
if you're considering replacing the radiator anyway it won't do any harm.

Replacing the radiator might do some good, unless what is plugged is in
the block or the pump. Better to get the clog out.
--scott

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