1994 Dodge Shadow overheating problems

[quote:4ba92b2cfb="walsh66"]Engine Cooling problem
1994 Dodge Shadow 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Manual 116000 miles
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so i have a 1994 plymouth sundance 2.2L 5 speed manual, so i just picked this up from some kid for $350, and i bought it knowing it overheated, i recently replaced the thermostat, and both radiatior hoses, obviously drained coolant (didnt flush though) i jacked the front of the car up and let it "burp" the air out of the system seemed to work for awhile but about 15 min later it started overheating so bad i had to shut it off, does not blow hot air!!! ever, my bosses brother in law is a mechanic, he says not hot air, its a head gasket, so im gunna try that, any other ideas, the water pump dosent seem to be bad if you squeeze the upper radiator hose you can feel the coolant flowing, any ideas??? also outside of engine is super clean no leaking anywhere no oil even on the outside of the engine, also if left idle for more than 3 or 4 min seems to idle rough, not real rough but almost like a mild miss! just did cap, rotor, plugs, wires, coil, and air filter
thanks
josh[/quote:4ba92b2cfb]

Not blowing Hot Air doesn't nessarilly mean blown head gasket, it could be that the Heater Control Valve isn't working.

Before digging into a head gasket do a few more things....

Does the Cooling fan(s) come on? No check relays? If has 2 fans turn A/C on one should come on.

Check engine oil is it over full and milky looking? Indicates Blown Head Gasket

Open Coolant over flow bottle is it bubbling if so does it smell like exhaust fumes? Indicates Blown Head Gasket

i did check the fan it does work, but still is overheating, it smells of exhaust somewhat but the oil is clean! any other ideas?

[quote:a4104c3240="walsh66"]i did check the fan it does work, but still is overheating, it smells of exhaust somewhat but the oil is clean! any other ideas?[/quote:a4104c3240]

One other thing to check... run your fingerup or down the fins on the Radiator. If fins desinagrate then replace radiator. Do this in a couple different areas of the radiator.

What was smelling of exhaust? the Coolant?

yeah the coolant slightly smelled of eshaust, what am i supposed to be checking the radiator for what??
thanks again
josh

[quote:e10a64f9d9="walsh66"]yeah the coolant slightly smelled of eshaust, what am i supposed to be checking the radiator for what??
thanks again
josh[/quote:e10a64f9d9]

Well if your coolant smell like exhaust then you have a blown head gasket.

With the Radiator when you run your finger up or down the fins, they should be stiff or they may bend a little depending on how much pressure you put on it. Anyway if the fins turn to dust when you run your finger up or down them then you need a New Radiator. The Fins are what cool the coolant and if they are turning to dust then they are not doing there job.

ill check it out and let you know
thanks for all your help