Ford Repair: thernostat location on 97 taurus, dual overhead cam, radiator leak

Question
QUESTION: my niece has a ford 97 taurus wagon 3.0 with dual overhead cam she recently has no warm air coming out of her heater but the temp gauge wants to overheat (it hasn't) because I made her pull over before it hit hot. Is this a sticky thermostat? antifreeze also boils in reservoir. if it is the thermostat where is it located i know that the thermostat usually are connected to top radiator hose but i don't see the goose neck.

ANSWER: Look at where the radiator hose goes in and remove the three bolts that hold the housing,the thermostat will be inside.I would try the thermostat first.Good job not letting the car get to hot.Another possibility is the water pump.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: we took it to fire***** service center on sunday.  they call a few hours later and told her that she had a radiator leak that it needed to be replaced, they also was to perform a pressure test. come monday at noon we picked up the car and (almost $800.00 later) load & behold it was doing the same exact stuff. they changed the radiator & thermostat. It was towed back at their expense. the man mentioned heater core and I mentioned it needed to be burped.  What do you think is wrong here now?

Answer
Unfortunately,when one runs even a little hot it takes out many parts.The service center you mentioned has at least one to two A.S.E Master mechanics at all centers.I know that it will seem that they are running it up on you.Heater core is possible,as I would be almost certain that they followed all procedures to install the thermostat and radiator correctly.No I do not work for them,I just trust them.Try not to second guess them because there is nothing more aggravating to a mechanic.The second most is having one come back for a second time on a wrecker.I bet that they get it right this time.The part that I hate for you is that you are probably going to get an additional charge,and there is really nothing that you can do about it.Ask them one thing,is it the head gasket?