Just replaced the radiator - new coolant.

What is the normal operating temperature as far as where the arrow should be pointing at the guage?

Thanks,
Joe

 

It will vary from van to van but somewhere around low to mid range when the van is warmed up.

 

On my 2002 the temp gauge is a touch over 1/2 way and a little more in the summer.

FYI - Just in case - If you end up going after the water pump, do not pry on the harmonic balancer to raise the motor so you can get it off.
To replace the WP one needs to loosen the motor mount and do some moving around on the motor and such (lots of U tube vids on it out there).
If you pry on the HB you risk distorting or moving it out of shape at the dampener and it will wobble and take out your AC clutch bearing.

I changed my WP and then my AC clutch bearing gave me fits and I seen the HB wobbling. The belt comes off the HB very close to the AC clutch and the wobble will vibrate it to the point the AC clutch bearing bore will open up just enough make you think its the bearing. In some cases it will take out the bearing and open the bore.

Just don't use the HB as a pry point. And don't use a WP with a plastic impeller.

I'm sharing this because changing my WP cost me two AC clutch bearings and a Harmonic balancer and lots of four letter words..

 

much appreciated! thanks.

My wife says it used to run right on the half way mark. After the radiator and fluid change it runs between l1/4 and half. not sure what to think of it.

 

Clean coolant has better heat transfer capability than dirty, old coolant, so this is not necessarily a bad thing. As long as the needle moves off of cold in a reasonable amount of time you should be okay. If the needle is still at cold after about 30 minutes of driving your thermostat is stuck open and needs to be replaced. Doesn't sound like this is your problem, though.

One thing you might want to check is whether you have a proper 50/50 EG-water ratio. If your cooling system was flushed with straight water (as it should have been with the radiator replacement) it's possible that some water remained in the block or heater loop. If the system was then filled with a 50/50 solution then the water remaining in the system would have diluted that solution. Most auto parts stores and even some big box stores sell coolant testers for less than US$20 that are essentially turkey basters with a testing gauge in the middle. Depending on the manufacturer the tester may tell you either the dilution ratio or your "protection temperature" level.