What happens is that the engine overhetas and 25% of the time it comes back inside the Normal range. Other 80% time it overheats to the max. The mechanic fixed this once and it went bad again.gradually.
Is there a sensor and / or just a thermostat ? . How hard is it to replace whatever it is (thermostat and / or sensor) > Can you tell me wher it is located and how it looks like ?
One indicator is that the heat would also come on excellent and go totally cold in random fashion
The thermostat could be bad.Not real easy on this van. Make sure you bleed all the air out after changing it. I hae one that ended up being the head gasket. Good Luck
Most likely a sticky thermostat, what is happening is that it's staying closed most of the time causing the engine to over heat, eventually it will open allowing the fluid to circulate and cool down from the radiator. I suggest changing the thermostat rather quickly or you could do damage.
There are two hoses coming from the radiator, the thermostat is located on the top hose where it seats on the motor. Usually fairly easy to change only a few bolts, but you will have to drain most of the fluid from the radiator. I also recommend getting some 'indian head' gasket sealer and apply to the motor side of the gasket, not the side that seats onto the thermostat.
Fuel Economy
Fuel Type
Regular
MPG (city)
16
MPG (highway)
21
MPG (combined)
18
Fuel Economics
Cost to Drive 25 Miles
$3.39
Fuel to Drive 25 Miles
1.39 gal
Annual Fuel Cost
$2152
402 views
Usually answered in minutes!
My van (1998 Villager) is doing pretty much the same thing. I've also been having problems with the heater not always heating. So far we've had the radiator blown out and the thermostat replaced. When that didn't work, the radiator was removed and given an acid bath (I think?). We're still having problems and apparently the fan to the radiator is always running. The guy working on the van thinks there is a sensor that needs to be replaced, but he hasn't found where exactly it's located, nor is her sure it will resolve the problem. I also have some belt squeak, but NOT when I start the car, but after it's been going for a while.......(But believe it or not.....the van actually runs great and I love driving it).
I had the same thing happen. Three mechanics. Changed thermostat, water pump, radiator, and my bank account.
Final analysis seems to be the head gasket.
×