Keeps running hot. Even with the proper amount of coolant.
Hello,
First, feel the top radiator hose (after engine has been running) - if the hose is not hot, but the engine is, then the thermostat is stuck closed. Also check the drive belts and make sure they are sufficiently tight. You should be able move them (pushing with fingers) less then a 1/4 of an inch. If you suspect they are loose, tighten them up. I also recommend purchasing, or borrowing a service repair manual.
If your van keeps running hot, and you have no leaks, then it sounds as though you need to replace the thermostat. Follow the top radiator hose to the engine. Where this ends is where the thermostat is. You will need to do this when the engine is cool. There should be two bolts that hold this to the block. Purchase a new thermostat (roughtly 8-10 bucks, and the gasket, if it does not come with it), and make sure to check the box; if it doesn't have one, request one from the parts associate. They are usually less than a buck.
When removing, make note of how the thermostat comes out, so that you put the new one in correctly. If it's put in upside down, you'll end up having to take it out again. So...with that said, once you replace this, you will be good to go.
Now, if for some reason the van shows it's reading hot again, make sure first you are not leaking water (anti-freeze). Watch for drips and water under the car, as well as around the water pump (passenger side engine, behind drive belts). If there are no visible leaks, and the van still shows it's reading hot, the thermostat (new) is installed correctly -then you may just have a bad sensor. This is the thermostat sensor which should be located on the bottom passenger side of the radiator. If so, you will need to drain the radiator (plug on either this side, or other, on the bottom; remove cap for faster drainage) - If you have a clean tub or container for which you can drain into, and reuse the fluid, do so - if not, simply purchase a new gallon of (un-diluted) anti-freeze (preferred, not necessary - 50/50 will work); and put into ridiator after installing new temp sensor.
For safe measure (as I recommend and do myself), when purchasing the new thermostat and gasket, purchase the temp sensor as well, this way you have covered both of these and know they are both good.
Please let me know if you need further assistance.
carsandcomps
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