Hi All, Just purchased a 2012 Fusion SEL 3.0 V6 with 82,000 miles and a known overheating issue. So far I can confirm that the radiator fans function normally, thermostat is new, water pump appears to be recently replaced by previous owner. Thinking it may be a head gasket I performed a combustion leak detector test which came back negative.

Just idling in the driveway it does not overheat, needle stays at midpoint (9 o'clock) and only the low speed fan comes on. When driving the temp needle fluctuates from 9 o'clock to 11 o'clock with the high speed fan on. Oil appears to be free of antifreeze contamination. No dash lights have come on for me up to this point. I've only driven it a couple of miles.

Is there something I'm not checking before I take it to the dealer next week. Would much rather diagnose and repair myself if possible.

Thanks in advance!

 

The lower radiator hose is supposed to have a spring coil inside to prevent the hose from collapsing when RPM goes up and negative pressure is created by the water pump pulling from the engine. If you can squeeze the hose you should feel the coil spring inside. If it is absent , you most likely have found the cause. New hoses come with the spring already inside.

 

Problem solved... Cylinder head temp sensor.

 

Thanks for the update.