OVERHEATING-2000 sport

[stang1366]

I have a 2000 Grand Caravan Sport.Just got it and it over heated and blew the top radiator hose opening right off. {plastic}. Put in a new radiator and changed the thermastat at the same time. Since then the van runs nice until the a/c is turned on. Then it over heats. The fan comes on when it gets half way, but the water doesn't seem to get hot in the radiator. We've checked the oil and tranny fluids for contamination. Looks fine. HELP!!!!!!!

[sandokana]

When the radiator stays cool but the engine overheats that usually means the thermostat is not opening. Most likely you have a faulty thermostat or you installed one with a higher temperature rating.

[OSUCowboy27]

Originally Posted by sandokana

When the radiator stays cool but the engine overheats that usually means the thermostat is not opening. Most likely you have a faulty thermostat or you installed one with a higher temperature rating.

or installed it backwards or the impellers in the water pump and gone.

[B33p3r]

I agree with above. Recheck your thermostat first. You wouldn't be the first person to install one backwards or for that matter get a brand new bad one. I know from personal experience you would be at least the 2nd person to do it. It's also a good idea to drop the thermostat in a boiling pot of water and see if it opens up. If it opens and still cool radiator, blockage or water pump. Pump usually gives you some sort of sign though. Noisy,vibrations,leaks......Good luck