I am having a cooling/heating issue. The problem is with a 2004 3.3l Caravan. Couple years ago I changed to radiator and thermostat. Since then I have had nothing but problems. After I changed the radiator and stat the heat was good, It also operated at normal temp (just below half). The problem was there was no flow through the radiator. No pressure build up in the system (top hose was squishy and just warm). Didn't worry cuz i had heat. Fast forward 2 winters, It developed a manifold leak after i replaced the water pump. I had the manifold gasket replaced along with the thermostat again.

Current issues: It will only warm on the gauge 1/4 the way (Half of what it used to). Heat is not that great for the passengers. Still no pressure in the top hose. The top hose is still just warm. I loosened the bolts for the thermostat housing and fluid came gushing out from behind it. I see there is pressure behind the stat just not getting through. I tested the old stat and it opened. My best guess is the fluid is not getting hot enough to open the stat.
Is there anything I could be missing? Thanks in advance for the help.

Going to get a oem stat tomorrow.

 

Try removing the t-stat and run the engine and check the system for flow.

 

Whala Coolant flow. No stat and flow. So I put in the Motorad stat. Heated up normally and coolant flowed. The odd thing is that I had bought 2 bad thermostats in a row.

 

Good job!

Now you are member of the do it yourself club. Hope to see you on the forum more often. Because there is a lot of information here for everyone.