Guest SaleenSC302 Posted February 19, 2004 Report Share Posted February 19, 2004 Hey, what's up. I just wanted to see if anyone has any ideas as to what the hell is wrong with this engine. It's a chrysler 2.5 liter turbo in a 1990 dodge caravan. The thermostat keeps crapping out on me. I've replaced it probably 5 times. Each time with a different brand. I've used the thermostat from NAPA, autozone, and some other ones. This has all been within the last year. It works for a month or so, and then all of the sudden, it craps out and the engine temp goes way high. I was thinking maybe I need an OEM thermostat, but that shouldn't be the case. All the aftermarket ones should work just as good. I know that the thermostats work because of a cylinder full of wax that heats up, melts, and then pushes a rod to open the valve. I've thought about the internal workings of the thermostat, but it seems retarded that this has happend numerous times. Am I totally missing something, or does anyone have any ideas about this problem? Thanks. Adam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skinner Posted February 19, 2004 Report Share Posted February 19, 2004 not sure what would cause it but would buy one that sticks in the open position that way you dont over heat the engine. Also have you tried to flush you coolant system ?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nate1647545505 Posted February 19, 2004 Report Share Posted February 19, 2004 putting it in backwards? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest SaleenSC302 Posted February 19, 2004 Report Share Posted February 19, 2004 Haha.....actually I wish I was that stupid because this problem is ridiculous Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
desperado Posted February 19, 2004 Report Share Posted February 19, 2004 Seen em jam with stop leak. I know that you would never use stop leak because it plugs up radiators, heater cores and such. But has someone else in the past, say a previous owner done that. And you need to test the stat, take a pan of water, and a themometer that will go to 250 degrees. Put the stat in the pan with the water, and heat the water, when the water reaches the stat opening temp, it should open (180 to 220) it will be stamped on the stat some place. If it opens then you have a different problem. I would say either a clapsing hose, or a partly clogged radiator. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cdk 4219 Posted February 19, 2004 Report Share Posted February 19, 2004 If it is getting hot and you have put many thermostats in it, maybe it is an air pocket that forms in the system after a while. WHen you change the stat maybe you get it to go away for yhe time being. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ElCaballero81 Posted February 19, 2004 Report Share Posted February 19, 2004 hey they sell a kind of thermostat at jegs. the way it works is if the thermostat sticks it still wont overheat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave1647545494 Posted February 19, 2004 Report Share Posted February 19, 2004 your getting air in the cooling system is there a little valve on the water outlet? if its stuck or not there you need to idle the car with radiator cap off and add coolant a little at a time untill it starts to flow over. put the cap on let it get warm and then cool down open the cap and satrt over do it a few times should get all the air out it may take a while so don't get discouraged. also check to make sure your radiator cooling fan is working you may want to check it first. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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