Overheating

Tiny
KYLE LANC
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 DODGE VAN
  • 5.2L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 296,000 MILES
My van is getting hot. I have replaced fan clutch heater core and thermostat. If I take off radiator cap I can see water circulating pretty good. I’m not losing water and there is no water in oil or water in oil. I’m not a mechanic but can work or cars so I have done everything I can think of any help would be appreciated. The picture is my temperature gauge at about 65 mph going down interstate. Thank you in advance.
Tuesday, April 30th, 2019 AT 6:42 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,421 POSTS
Welcome back to 2CarPros. I noticed the check engine light is on. I would start by getting it scanned to find out what codes are stored. Something like a lean engine code or catalytic converter code could directly cause a hot engine. The lean code because that causes an engine to run hot and if you have a partly blocked catalytic converter that will also cause it to run hot. Next I would use the scan tools live data to see what the temperature is according to the computer and sensor. Most engines actually run over 200 degrees normally. You don't need to chase a problem that actually isn't one. If you want to go farther you could get a non contact thermometer and take readings in multiple places on the radiator and the engine. You are looking for areas that are cooler than the rest with the radiator, those indicate blockage.

Has it actually boiled over or pushed out coolant? Are you running 50-50 coolant and water mix?
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Tuesday, April 30th, 2019 AT 7:06 PM
Tiny
KYLE LANC
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
The engine code is emission related and yes I have coolant full strength not 50/50 but it is mixed with water. Now I haven’t let it overheat yet but it has gotten real close it seems to get hotter the faster I drive if under 50 mph not too bad but in interstate around 70 is when it starts getting hotter like in the picture I sent. The only way to keep temperature down is run the heater.
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Tuesday, April 30th, 2019 AT 8:21 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,421 POSTS
Okay, that sounds like the radiator is partially blocked or the pump has an issue. It doesn't take much to block one, if this has AC a common issue is crud getting between the condenser core and the radiator. That blocks airflow. For that I use an air wand to blow through the cores and clean out the fins. A good strong light can show that type of blockage. The IR thermometer will show internal blockage.
Also do not run any coolant mix stronger than about 60/40 water. It will cause an engine to run hotter. The water is there for heat transfer and the coolant is there to assist with that as well as keep the coolant passages clean and raise the boiling point of the water. However excess coolant doesn't transfer heat as well and can cause a hot engine.
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Tuesday, April 30th, 2019 AT 9:28 PM

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