It's a Ford Focus hatchback. My check engine light has been on for a while, and I had someone with one of those computer thingies read it, and it said it was a problem with the exhaust system. I changed the filter, but there is a sensor behind it that I can't easily get to (I forget which sensor it is) that needs to be fixed. The car was running with no other symptoms other than the check engine light until 2 days ago.
Then, the important part, the reason why I need it fast, is that *something* blew and spewed some liquid all over my engine compartment and now it overheats and can't hold coolant.
The liquid is brown, so I suspected it was oil. But the smell is coolant. Inside the coolant tank, there is a very thick layer of orange sludge that wasn't there a couple of months ago when I last filled the coolant tank. I have no idea what it is or where it came from. I can drive for about 30 minutes before my tank is empty and I have to fill it with water again. I was hoping to find a mechanic to fix it on Saturday so I could drive to Tampa on Saturday night, but as soon as possible after Friday is acceptable, just as long as its fixed :-)
Seems like you blew a coolant hose. The thermostat may also be bad. Both easy fixes if this is the case. i can look at your car on Saturday morning/afternoon if you would like.
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no subject
Date: 10/23/09 03:34 am (UTC)From:no subject
Date: 10/23/09 03:56 am (UTC)From:Then, the important part, the reason why I need it fast, is that *something* blew and spewed some liquid all over my engine compartment and now it overheats and can't hold coolant.
The liquid is brown, so I suspected it was oil. But the smell is coolant. Inside the coolant tank, there is a very thick layer of orange sludge that wasn't there a couple of months ago when I last filled the coolant tank. I have no idea what it is or where it came from. I can drive for about 30 minutes before my tank is empty and I have to fill it with water again. I was hoping to find a mechanic to fix it on Saturday so I could drive to Tampa on Saturday night, but as soon as possible after Friday is acceptable, just as long as its fixed :-)
no subject
Date: 10/23/09 05:30 am (UTC)From:no subject
Date: 10/23/09 02:04 pm (UTC)From: