Montana thermostat

[David Townson]

Should I attempt to change out the tehermostat meyself? It looks pretty tough.

[pjoshyjosh]

I had 2 occurrences this weekend after cool nights (~40F) where the engine overheated. However, no hot air came from the heater and the radiater overflow tank stayed full... I believe this must be the thermostat -

Were you able to replace yours? I think mine is located right at the radiator on the upper radiater hose?? Is this the same place you found yours?

[David Townson]

Unfortunately, mine turned out to be a blown head gasket. The 2002 3.4L Chevy/Pontiac engine has a rubber/plastic composite gasket that leaks. What you’re experiencing most likely is an air pocket that is trapped in the system which can move around. The local dealership wants +/- $1000.00 to replace the head gasket, but I know the dealership shop foreman. He said he would do it for $400.00. I wound up trading it off for a new Durango, it needed tires, shocks and other stuff.

Check your radiator. If there is coolant caked up on and near the cap, there is an air leak in the system. When air hits that red-100,000 miles coolant, it turns to mud and consequently stops up your water pump. If you have mud in you radiator, you definitely have a gasket leak. Good luck.

[pjoshyjosh]

Thanks for the quick response.. this doesn't sound good - I'll definately check it tonight. I did see the coolant in the overflow tank at almost full while the car was "overheated" but all of the sudden it started flowing and sucked all the fluid out of the tank. I hope what you describe below is not my problem.. but I will definately look tonight.

Thanks

Originally Posted by David Townson

Unfortunately, mine turned out to be a blown head gasket. The 2002 3.4L Chevy/Pontiac engine has a rubber/plastic composite gasket that leaks. What you’re experiencing most likely is an air pocket that is trapped in the system which can move around. The local dealership wants +/- $1000.00 to replace the head gasket, but I know the dealership shop foreman. He said he would do it for $400.00. I wound up trading it off for a new Durango, it needed tires, shocks and other stuff.

Check your radiator. If there is coolant caked up on and near the cap, there is an air leak in the system. When air hits that red-100,000 miles coolant, it turns to mud and consequently stops up your water pump. If you have mud in you radiator, you definitely have a gasket leak. Good luck.

[richtazz]

follow the upper hose to the engine and there is your t-stat. It's not a hard job, just make sure you bleed the system of air. If you notice you're low on coolant, you probably have a bad intake gasket, the famous achilles heel of the 3.4 engine.