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Overheating

Tiny
FANTASTICW
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 DODGE CARAVAN
  • 3.3L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 170,000 MILES
The van started overheating after travelling most of the day in ninety five degree heat, we were using the A/C.
The radiator fan runs, there is coolant in the reserve bottle as well as the radiator. I flushed out the radiator, but the only thing that will help cool the engine is using the heater, (A/C off), full blast. There is noting coming out of the exhaust pipe to suggest a head gasket. I am thinking possibly thermostat, but I do not know how to check it.
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Thursday, July 13th, 2017 AT 4:49 PM

12 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,363 POSTS
Hello,

The best way to check the thermostat is to replace it. Here is a guide that will show you what you are in for when doing the job:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-thermostat

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-overheating-or-running-hot

Here is a diagram on how to do it on your car. (below)

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken
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Friday, July 14th, 2017 AT 11:54 AM
Tiny
FANTASTICW
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I replaced the thermostat, but it still over heated. I then back flushed the radiator, (a lot of brown colored water came out), and it has been running okay without the heater on. I can run the a/c, but I can see the gauge climb to close to 3/4 on the freeway.

Is it possible the radiator may still have some clogs in it and just needs to be replaced?
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Friday, July 14th, 2017 AT 1:12 PM
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,937 POSTS
The radiator may have some blocked core tubes, a radiator repair shop can clean this out for you, the tanks need to be removed it is not something that you can do at home.
If it was neglected long enough for brown liquid to come out it may very well be clogged and need a "Rod-out" which requires disassembly of the radiator. New radiators are aluminum and plastic, so after so long they are not repairable and need to be replaced due to fatigue of the materials.

See the guides below for flushing your cooling system and replacing your radiator.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/coolant-flush-and-refill-all-cars

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-car-radiator
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Monday, July 17th, 2017 AT 4:30 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,363 POSTS
It sounds like you may have a blown head gasket, please run this test:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/head-gasket-blown-test

Please let us know what you find.

Cheers, Ken
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Monday, July 17th, 2017 AT 9:34 AM
Tiny
NITRA22
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
  • 2007 DODGE CARAVAN
  • AUTOMATIC
It is overheating but when the A/C is on it cools down a little and it look like thick orange stuff in the radiator vale. Can you tell me what is wrong please?
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Wednesday, September 19th, 2018 AT 5:31 PM (Merged)
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
Is that thick orange stuff feel oily?
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Wednesday, September 19th, 2018 AT 5:31 PM (Merged)
Tiny
NITRA22
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
No, it feels like when flour and water mix it is light and fluffy.
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Wednesday, September 19th, 2018 AT 5:31 PM (Merged)
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
You need to have that looked at to determine what that is before it does any damage. You are gambling with your whole engine there.
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Wednesday, September 19th, 2018 AT 5:32 PM (Merged)
Tiny
NITRA22
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Okay, but is this why my is van overheating but not smoking?
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Wednesday, September 19th, 2018 AT 5:32 PM (Merged)
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
I have no idea until someone figures out what that stuff is.
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Wednesday, September 19th, 2018 AT 5:32 PM (Merged)
Tiny
NITRA22
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
It is rust and scale.
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Wednesday, September 19th, 2018 AT 5:32 PM (Merged)
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
Then you are probably going to need a radiator and system flush and go from there.
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Wednesday, September 19th, 2018 AT 5:32 PM (Merged)

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