1997 Dodge Intrepid

ANYAMABOY1

MEMBER
1997 DODGE INTREPID
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
100,000 MILES

My car overheated yesterday, the first time in a year. I had the radiator replaced when I had this problem last year. I just got back from a 1800 mile trip. Is it possible that there are just air pockets in the cooling system or should I check for a blown head gasket?

4 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,724 POSTS

Hi:
If you had it replaced a year ago, air pockets wouldn't be the problem. Have you replaced the thermostat? Are you seeing white smoke from the exhaust or coolant in the oil?

Joe

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Tuesday, December 30th, 2008 AT 4:43 PM

ANYAMABOY1

MEMBER
3 POSTS

The thermostat was replaced last year also and it seems to be working just fine. I've driven about 160 miles since it overheated and haven't had a problem.

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Wednesday, December 31st, 2008 AT 9:29 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,724 POSTS

If it's running fine, it may have been a fluke. Is the engine running good? Is there excessive white smoke from the exhaust?

Joe

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Wednesday, December 31st, 2008 AT 9:34 PM

ANYAMABOY1

MEMBER
3 POSTS

My only known problem is an oil leak, the rear main seal, I think. I have been told that adding oil would be my best bet. There is no visible or scented smoke coming out of the exhaust. It has been suggested that it was a bad relay in the cooling fan, apparently a well-known problem with this type of vehicle. Otherwise the motor runs fine.

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Wednesday, December 31st, 2008 AT 11:14 PM