engine running hot, then normal

[Jeep Man]

Re: engine running hot, then normal

I have owned a few of the same vehicle. Changing from your current type of coolant MAY NOT be a good idea. Most of this engine is aluminum and regular antifreeze is more corrosive than what is recommended by GM. Remember though, all antifreeze / coolant will become more corrosive with age, therefore change your fluid at least every 2 years. Secondly, there are two types of 3400 engines, those that have the gaskets replaced and those that need the gaskets replaced. Every 65k-75k either the head gasket or intake gasket will go. Always change both.
Pertaining to your current problem, if it's not due to a gasket issue, you may have air lock in your coolant line, causing an intermittent problem.

 

[windsors03cobra]

Re: engine running hot, then normal

The current color of the dex-crap will tell you alot about your system, is ot clean and fresh ? Is it old, brown and muddy ? is it leaking so ya got a nice blend of green and red in there ?

Yes dump the dexi-garbage and get some green in there and bleed the air out.
Make sure to flush all that dex cool out with water, undo hoses and flush with garden hose. Then refill with full power green.
I done alot of those intake gaskets and HG's on 60 degree V6 but never in a minivan and at this point in my life I doubt I would ever attempt it.

Good luck

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: engine running hot, then normal

...
I done alot of those intake gaskets and HG's on 60 degree V6 but never in a minivan and at this point in my life I doubt I would ever attempt it.

Good luck

IF it needs to be done, what you have to do in the minivan is remove the front upper motor mounts (they are shaped sort of like wish bones) and ratchet the motor forward. Someone on here told me another trick is to take that mount loose and then rock the van, thus titling the motor forward, and apply the E-brake to hold it in place.

Keith, the Haynes manual at Autozone is about $20 for those vans, and a worthwhile investment, in my opinion. I'd let you borrow mine, but you're pretty far away, I can't just run it over to you!

 

[kei9th]

Re: engine running hot, then normal

thanks everyone bled the system but i had no air. i will change the dexcool to regular antifreeze. as for the manual i will be going to get it soon. gauge still sweeps but ive put a few hundred miles and it seems to be a normal thing. i will just keep my eye on it.

 

[BoatBuoy]

Re: engine running hot, then normal

kei9th, I have a vehicle that habitually pegged the temp guage. I replaced the water pump, belt, hoses, thermostat, temp sensor, had the radiator rodded, everything.....except the stupid gauge on the dash panel. Guess what....gauge was bad. I put a mechanical guage on it 10 years ago and have had no problems.

 

[phipps]

Re: engine running hot, then normal

No matter what you do, keep an eye on the coolant level!! We had an 01 Venture with the 3.4 and ended up blowing a head gasket when the IMG failed. The 3.4's are known for IMG issues.

My mechanic switched over to green coolant when he replaced the IMG and head gasket.

 

[DECK SWABBER 58]

Re: engine running hot, then normal

if i replace the dexcool will it harm the motor or radiator?

Nope, properly flushing the cooling system and replacing the fluid with anything BUT Dexcool will HELP it!

Dexcool is no good. Any auto parts store sells "universal" coolant designed
to go in any year, make or model. A couple bucks more than regular green
but in our shop we can just stock one coolant for everything. Nothing wrong
with regular green either.