If she's overheating, there are some simple causes.
One is: is the radiator flowing properly? Only way to tell for sure is to pull it and have it tested at a radiator repair shop. A clogged radiator won't be able to carry enough heat away to cool the engine properly. If it's plugged up with road grime, caked on oil/dirt, and/or bugs, it won't flow enough air through the fins to cool. So what kind of shape is the radiator in? Two: are the cooling fans coming on? If you're experiencing overheats in stop and go traffic, but it seems to be cooling fine on the highway, chances are there's a cooling fan problem. You can check just by running the engine at an idle with the hood up on a moderately warm day. The fans *should* kick on at some point when the engine temp begins to rise. If they don't, you've found your issue. Three: you don't have any symptoms of a blown head gasket, do you? No obvious coolant leaks, no bubbles in the reservoir bottle at idle, no sweet-smelling white steam from the exhaust? Head gasket problems sometimes manifest themselves in overheating conditions. If your engine has overheated, sadly, you probably have an issue here, since a bad overheat tends to warp the cylinder heads, making for a head sealing issue. Four: what kind of shape is the radiator cap in? If it doesn't properly hold pressure, the cooling system cannot work as effectively as designed. You mention replacing some other parts, but how 'bout that cap? Replacing your car to save money on gas, eh? Hope you've done the cost-benefit analysis. Typically that doesn't work out so well in the long run. --Geoff On Apr 4, 2005 9:40 AM, James Doctor <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > > *sigh* > > Ok. My '96 3.5 has been spitting up for some time now. Here's the story. > Once upon a time, a 1996 Dodge Intrepid 3.5L dumped it's coolant all over the > road. The thermostat was replaced that day, and still, she was a hot chick, > and remained as belemic as ever. The water pump, and timing belt were next, > and were replaced, at no great cost (about $150 with parts and labor), and > yet!!! What beast doth yonder DUMP it's coolant!! Why hark! Tis the the > same moster of Intrepidation! It runs like a top!! Drives like a racecar, > and heats up like an oven! HELP!! > > Sadly, I need to fix it, so I can sell it. :( Finances as they are, and gas > prices. Maybe Dodge will make a motor scooter.... the Intremoped. I'll shed > some tears, and pat her fondly as she pulls away. > > Chris > ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~--> Give the gift of life to a sick child. Support St. Jude Children's Research Hospital's 'Thanks & Giving.' http://us.click.yahoo.com/5iY7fA/6WnJAA/Y3ZIAA/46t0lB/TM --------------------------------------------------------------------~-> Web: <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dodge_intrepid> Subscribe: <mailto://[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Unsubscribe: <mailto://[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Moderator: <mailto://[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dodge_intrepid/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
