I have recently purchased a converted 2000 ram 3500 van. The van has no cabin heat and the temperature gauge has never reached 210. The radiator was about 2 inches empty and the overflow tank was empty. The coolant inside the radiator other than being low is a clear yellow and smells fresh. I was thinking the thermostat was stuck open until I saw the low coolant. Now I wonder if the coolant wasn't changed recently but never properly had the air burped out. Or if it is the thermostat or both. The family blows like a champ and I can hear the flapper flap when I turn the temp **** as well. Any thoughts?
Frank

 

Are the hoses properly routed? What coolant is that supposed to have? I thought it was the green stuff..... Mixing coolants can lead to plugged up systems...... Low coolant would tend to make the van run hotter..... I would pull the thermostat, and see if there is one.....

 

IF it does have one see what temp it is, May be lower than the stock one. You may want to drill a small hole in it if it doesn't have one. Check out this thread (post 14).

 

Had the shop look at it. They think the issue was from low coolant and a bad blend door as well.

 

Well I have heat when I move the blend door. Now to search down an actuator and arm.

 

One of the gears inside was broken into 2 pieces. Apparently it is easier to remove than to find a replacement. Still searching

 

It is discontinued; you'll need to get an aftermarket one.

 

The aftermarket ones I am finding say they fit both the ram truck and van but when I check vehicle fit it says it don't fit the van just pickup.

 

3d printing is getting really popular and that gear could be replicated.

 

Any way to just connect a cable to it and work it manually?