Not a Taurus, just an interesting mystery

[COMpulse]

So here's the WTF image of the day. This is my wife's car after coming home on Friday. She drove about 100 miles highway and around 10 city miles. Would anyone care to guess what's up with the tire?


I think I know what happened. But I've never seen this before. There's a clue on the ground.

There was also a light on the dash, but I think that would give away the mystery.


(I know this isn't Taurus related in any way, except that she'll be driving my SHO for a few days).

 

[Hebes10]

its strange that the tire markings line up with the rim spokes. Is that brake fluid on the ground? Maybe the brake locked up, rim overheated and started to melt the coating on the rim?

 

[Zpak]

I’m literally scratching my head, but I think I just need to wash my hair. I give.

 

[COMpulse]

its strange that the tire markings line up with the rim spokes. Is that brake fluid on the ground? Maybe the brake locked up, rim overheated and started to melt the coating on the rim?

That's actually pretty close.
It looks like a rock hit the radiator. I couldn't get a good picture, but I'll try again later.

And since the car has had previous electrical issues with sensors and lights on the dash, my wife kept driving (probably 50 miles) while the engine temp light was on (flashing). I imagine the coolant was fairly hot by the time it had all sprayed out, apparently spraying or collecting on the back of the wheel or the brakes, and then dripping out around the spokes. Most of her drive was highway and it's been cooler outside, so hopefully it was only the city miles that did any damage.

Engine still runs. Car is paid off. Need to see what the oil looks like, since it was just recently changed.

Having just installed a GH intercooler in my SHO, a radiator install sounds easy.

 

[luigisho]

50 miles on engine temp light? If it's just a rad replace I'd consider you the luckiest SOB this year...and I'm rooting for you!