I have a 1997 Ford Areostar and repaired a heater hose and change out the thermostat. Once the thermostat kicks in the coolant is being force out the overflow. I was told this is either requires a new head gasket or purging the air out of the system. The van does not smoke and accelerate good. How can do I force out the air? or determine if it needs a new head gasket.

Tom, June 2009

Your van may have a head gasket light on the dash. If it lights up it will need replacing. Hope this helps

Fwaddar Motors, July 2009

take it to a garage for a sniff test , this checks for combustion gases in the coolant, if gases present, new head gasket required

bob k, June 2009

usually the water in the raditor will disappear the car will overheat and there may be steam from the exhaust

pjp513, June 2009