98 Durango overheats after 15 miles

[boomboom]

I have a 98 Durango that overheats after driving for 15 miles. It has 5.9L engine. I have replaced the thermostat, belt, and clutch fan. Still the same problem. I think it may be a cracked head or bad head gasket, but when I change the oil I did not see any water in it. I also do not see any oil in the coolant. Any ideas on what I should check before I tear into the engine?

Thanks.

[steelerguy]

Originally Posted by boomboom

I have a 98 Durango that overheats after driving for 15 miles. It has 5.9L engine. I have replaced the thermostat, belt, and clutch fan. Still the same problem. I think it may be a cracked head or bad head gasket, but when I change the oil I did not see any water in it. I also do not see any oil in the coolant. Any ideas on what I should check before I tear into the engine?

Thanks.

There is some kind of a gases test that can be done by a shop. My 89 Chevy truck did the same thing & never used a drop of coolant. Changed all the same stuff & the radiator. When my mechanic pulled the head, the cylinders were burnt. Changed the whole engine out cause I got a good deal. Don't think that a shade tree mechanic can do the test.

Good luck.

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by steelerguy

There is some kind of a gases test that can be done by a shop. My 89 Chevy truck did the same thing & never used a drop of coolant. Changed all the same stuff & the radiator. When my mechanic pulled the head, the cylinders were burnt. Changed the whole engine out cause I got a good deal. Don't think that a shade tree mechanic can do the test.

Good luck.

Right on there steelerguy.
Here is the thing that does it.
http://tools.batauto.com/index.php?c...on=show_detail
MT

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by boomboom

I have a 98 Durango that overheats after driving for 15 miles. It has 5.9L engine. I have replaced the thermostat, belt, and clutch fan. Still the same problem. I think it may be a cracked head or bad head gasket, but when I change the oil I did not see any water in it. I also do not see any oil in the coolant. Any ideas on what I should check before I tear into the engine?

Thanks.

How is the rad? check for proper air flow and coolant flow threw it and for hot spots.
Head gasket or cracked heads do not always leak coolant into the oil
Run the block test as outlined in upper post.

[boomboom]

Thanks for the tip. I will check with my favorite parts store to see if they have this tool.