overheating and no heat

Norco · #1 07-23-2009, 04:26 PM

my mom has a 98 caravan, while drivin it over heats al of a sudden and it doesnt blow any hot air, would this be thermostat related or somethign to do with heater core? any info would be great thanks

This ad is not displayed to registered and logged-in members.
Register your free account today and become a member on Dodge Forums!

vabear · #2 07-23-2009, 04:32 PM

I would suspect air in the system as opposed to a thermostat issue. Try taking off the radiator cap and then burping the system by squeezing the upper radiator hose several times. Do this both with engine off and engine running.

Norco · #3 07-23-2009, 04:53 PM

the resivoir level was below min(possibly how air would get into system?) about 2 inches, i just topped it off but ill try what you said

master tech · #4 07-23-2009, 11:17 PM

If the T-stat is stuck close the cooling system will overheat and only cool air will come out the vents.

Norco · #5 07-24-2009, 04:18 PM

well after tryin that burping thing, doesnt seem to make a diff so im guessin its the thermostat, is it easy to change? im not even sure where its located on her van lol, im a pontiac owner

vabear · #6 07-24-2009, 04:42 PM

Pretty easy, follow the upper radiator hose to the engine, remove hose, remove thermostat housing and replace the thermostat.

spetznazer · #7 07-29-2009, 05:08 AM

Sounds more like head gasket blown up. Is there any air comming from expanding reserviour? Do you smell gas and exaust gas in engine compartment? If so - I bet it is head gasket.

Norco · #8 07-30-2009, 01:37 PM

isnt it really loud usually if you blow a head gasket, van still runs fine, doesnt sound any diff, other than the lifter noise, which every van with a 3.0 seems to have that problem lol

Norco · #9 07-30-2009, 02:23 PM

yeah was head gasket lol mechanic looked at it, 310k kilometers on the engine and tranny, id say it lived a good life lol

spetznazer · #10 07-31-2009, 05:58 AM

Why LIVED? Change gasket and back on a road. I did it by myself without any previous experience and gess what? It worked, I put another 10K miles on it before I sold it and it was still running!

If you need follow ups let me know. It is not that hard and it is cheap. It cost me $110 for gasket set.