What does it mean when a 97 Ford Taurus overheats coolant leaks and steams from the overflow tank and the coolant in the tank is the color of rusty water?

Answer 1

i had that problem....thermostat was stuck closed.jusr replace thermostat,like $5

It could be a thermostat, or a water pump, or any other component in the system. The key here though, is probably the color of the coolant. Rusty brown coolant indicates dirt or rust in the system, or that someone added a sealer to the system. Either way it's a bad thing. Contaminated coolant loses its ability to transfer heat properly. In addition, the rust scaling or a "bar's leak" type product can plug up the thermostat or any other small passage ways and cause the overheating concern. I would verify the cooling fan comes on when the engine is hot then flush the system thoroughly and replace the thermostat.

This may not fix the issue but it's an easy and inexpensive place to start and it will rule out the basics tomake it easier to diagnose any other problems.