'97 Dodge Stratus Overheating

[cfaison]

Okay,
My car is overheating and I don't know what else it could be. I've changed the thermostat; I checked all the hoses; I don't have any leaks in coolant; my fans work fine; I flushed the radiator and the engine block and added new coolant and water; etc. The only thing I'm not sure of is the water pump. I'm not sure what the water pump does but, I have a book that says if a water pump is faulty it can cause damage to your engine do to overheating. It told me that if it is faulty that the pump won't cerculate hot water to the heater core as it should. Does this mean my heater won't put out hot air? (Because it doesn't). I think I've tried everything but that.

If anyone has any suggestions I'd really appreciate it. Thanks!

[DarkblueTA]

The radiator caps can be the issue if they don't hold the pressure any longer. If you can't get the cap tested anywhere, buy a new radiator cap for your car and install it.

If you continue to have issues, then make sure the pump is working. Take off the cap, start the car and watch to see if the water circulates after the car warms up.

[rhandwor]

If you don't observe circulation in the radiator feel the top and bottom radiator hose and feel if they are hot. If not I would suspect a plugged radiator. A pump impeller would have to break or corrode off to not pump if the belts are tight. This can happen but with the age of your vehicle I would suspect the radiator. Disconnect both heater hoses and try to flush them with a water hose. If it flows clear it could be your pump. Only put a nozzle in one end and it should flow.