Overheating with a/c on
p diddy
06-21-2010, 01:31 PM
my van has a 183000 miles on it. The only time it overheats is when i turn the a/c on. I changed to water pump, tremostat,rad cap,flush sysytem 3 times. It's like 100 degree out i need it fix. Also no water in oil, both fans work. Please help me I'm lost.
RIP
06-21-2010, 04:23 PM
Is it overheating with A/C on at speed? Fans turn on within seconds of turning on A/C? What's the model year? Are you needing to add coolant?
p diddy
06-21-2010, 07:23 PM
It does it all the time at idle or on the highway. Takes longer if it not the hot outside. Yes the fans comes on when you turn it on. I done a test today i unplugged to compressor and turned the switch on to c if it will run hot. It never moved.
p diddy
06-21-2010, 07:25 PM
I forgot it's a 1999 chryslar town& country limited 3.8 fwd
No i don't have to add coolant.
No i don't have to add coolant.
RIP
06-22-2010, 06:23 PM
Looks like you've touched all the bases. What is telling you the van is overheating? The gauge pegged on hot? Is the reservoir boiling over/gurgling? Could it be an indication problem?
Two things I was thinking when reading your first post were clogged radiator or exhaust leaking into coolant. Overheating only when the A/C is on doesn't jive with either at face value unless you add a theory to the mix. Suppose the radiator is clogged only to the point there is just enough coolant flow to maintain coolant temps within spec at speed or idle. Add the cooling demands of an A/C compressor on the engine and suddenly the coolant system can't dissipate the added heat. Same for the exhaust leak. Could be a small leak.
What to do? I'm sure you're tired of throwing money and time at this. Short of replacing the radiator you could have a competent radiator shop back flush it with combined compressed air and chemical agents. They may be able to do it on the van without removing the radiator. As for the exhaust leaking into the coolant. Most parts stores have kits to detect exhaust in the coolant. Usually called combustion leak detect kits they cost around $30. I've seen them on Ebay and Amazon too. If there is a leak you're looking at a head or head gasket change.
Two things I was thinking when reading your first post were clogged radiator or exhaust leaking into coolant. Overheating only when the A/C is on doesn't jive with either at face value unless you add a theory to the mix. Suppose the radiator is clogged only to the point there is just enough coolant flow to maintain coolant temps within spec at speed or idle. Add the cooling demands of an A/C compressor on the engine and suddenly the coolant system can't dissipate the added heat. Same for the exhaust leak. Could be a small leak.
What to do? I'm sure you're tired of throwing money and time at this. Short of replacing the radiator you could have a competent radiator shop back flush it with combined compressed air and chemical agents. They may be able to do it on the van without removing the radiator. As for the exhaust leaking into the coolant. Most parts stores have kits to detect exhaust in the coolant. Usually called combustion leak detect kits they cost around $30. I've seen them on Ebay and Amazon too. If there is a leak you're looking at a head or head gasket change.
p diddy
06-22-2010, 07:04 PM
I did notice some whilte flakes in the overflow jug when it overheated
p diddy
07-02-2010, 04:37 PM
Today i changed the radiator. That done the trick
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