Grocery Getter Overheating

[fear_nothing]

2009 Dodge Grand Caravan Grocery Grocer getting starting overheating yesterday.
4.0/6pd/80,000 mile

Its typically this design flaw (Y-pipe, pictured) that fails. Say three (3) time since we've owned this mechanical marvel. However not in this case. After the van gets up to operating temperature it starts to dump fluid into the overflow tank and the temp gauge eventually pegs. Gonna start with the simple stuff, replace the thermostat, and radiator cap.

What else should I be considering, besides getting something else.
-Radiator
-water pump

 

[dyeager535]

I think I'd replace the radiator cap alone, first. Thermostat governs minimum temperature, not maximum. If the cap is bad it should start dumping fluid early, not wait until up to operating temp, but perhaps you just aren't noticing it start to allow coolant past?

if the cap is bad the hoses won't pressurize (get hard) properly, which you may or may not be able to tell by trying to squeeze them as it warms up. This is how hoses suck shut...if the radiator cap doesn't allow the system to pressurize, the hoses will have no resistance to collapsing.

 

[fear_nothing]

I think I'd replace the radiator cap alone, first. Thermostat governs minimum temperature, not maximum. If the cap is bad it should start dumping fluid early, not wait until up to operating temp, but perhaps you just aren't noticing it start to allow coolant past?

if the cap is bad the hoses won't pressurize (get hard) properly, which you may or may not be able to tell by trying to squeeze them as it warms up. This is how hoses suck shut...if the radiator cap doesn't allow the system to pressurize, the hoses will have no resistance to collapsing.

Makes sense - however this beast starts to dump fluid when the temp gauge is halfway between hot and cold.

 

[Phil513]

So it's not actually overheating, just puking coolant?

 

[fear_nothing]

So it's not actually overheating, just puking coolant?

Yes it is overheating, it will eventually overheat. about 15 ish minutes of running from a cold start.

I should prob mention the overflow tank / hose is missing. It been that way about a year... trans shop failed to re-install after they rebuilt the trans on this wonderful piece of machinery.

 

[dyeager535]

That new, isn't it a pressurized tank?

Quick search seems to indicate the tank should be pressurized. Which is an issue if not hooked up.

 

[fear_nothing]

That new, isn't it a pressurized tank?

Quick search seems to indicate the tank should be pressurized. Which is an issue if not hooked up.

Oreillys in stock for 71 bucks

Rock Auto FTW - 26 bucks shipped.

 

[dyeager535]

Normally Rockauto's shipping is so bad it's not worth it anymore. But I guess that is when you are unlucky enough to need three parts, all coming from separate warehouses. Even summit has started the multiple warehouse game, but so far shipping isn't additional for every location.

Glad you got what you needed at a more reasonable price!

 

[diesel4me]

Junkyard,10 bucks probably...

I'd be leery of a failing head gasket if it peukes before the gauge pegs...

 

[skunked]

Normally Rockauto's shipping is so bad it's not worth it anymore. But I guess that is when you are unlucky enough to need three parts, all coming from separate warehouses. Even summit has started the multiple warehouse game, but so far shipping isn't additional for every location.

Glad you got what you needed at a more reasonable price!

Really depends what your buying. I bought a window regulator for my Acura for $68 through Rockauto which included Fed Ex overnight service, had it the next day. Same dorman part was $135 through Autozone and they had to order it.

 

[brans87]

Don't mind me or my opinion but I hate those vans and that engine! Only mini vans I would look at would be Sienna and the Odyssey both Japan vehicle but way better built besides Honda's Tranny problems then there torque converter problems. Not sure if newer ones as in last 2 yrs have improved.

 

[fear_nothing]

I hate to call this a fix as it's not supposed to be this easy. I didn't have to change into old clothes, zero knuckles bloodied, no broken tools or cuss words udder-ed.

10 dollar radiator cap replaced - temp normalized, the van is no longer overheating. Did I just jinx the fix

 

[454Sub]

The only real problem with Rock Auto is it is putting actual people out of work. You end up doing all the work, like a restaurant that you cook your own food. And they are putting parts houses out of business which is terribly inconvenient.

 

[tRustyK5]

I wish these local parts houses would take the time to understand where their business is going...then adjust their pricing. When I can save over 50% on a part while getting it faster buying online through Rock Auto there is way too much mark up locally. I'm in Canada, all my RA orders have to go through customs, international shipping costs, exchange rate, etc etc and RA still is faster and way cheaper. On top of that RA commonly has the part I need available compared to local that make a big production out having to special order something so oddball.

It's less 'work' for me to order from RA. The aggravation at the local parts places is ridic!

Great example was a full engine gasket set for my '57 Pontiac, a specifically Canadian model. I went to three different parts houses locally. Best price was $170 and 2-3 weeks to get it here.

I went home, checked RA, found the exact same gasket set there for $58. My final cost was about $85 cdn after all the BS and it was here in a week.

 

[snowdriver]

My sons girlfriend was having the same issue,I looked at it and told her the same thing get a new radiator cap,problem solved ,4 dollar and change and fixed,she was getting ready to call a mechanic cuz my idiot son(about anything mechanical) told her the head gasket was bad,this was on a 2002 pt cruiser,kinda a pos,n my opinion anyways,but that is what she's got

 

[diesel4me]

PT Cruisers and Neons do blow head gaskets often.my friend has done probably half a dozen of them in the past year,and a few engine swaps because the owners kept on going after the gasket went hoping to make it home..
Their engines only can be overheated once it seems,and the aluminum head and cast block eventually rips the gasket..
Anyone who gets away with just a new radiator cap needs to buy a lottery ticket..wish I had that kind of luck!..

I kind of like the PT Cruiser's look,but its too bad they decided to make it out of a glorified Neon...I think a 318 with a 5 speed manual and rear wheel drive in one would have made a great grocery getter and weekend hot rod..