How do I check the coolant flow to the radiator?

GREGFLYNN778

MEMBER
1999 DODGE CARAVAN
189,000 MILES

My 99 Grand caravan seems to have no coolant flow thru the radiator. Ive run it to temp with the rad cap off, and there appears to be no flow thru the radiator. The heaters, however, are as hot as you could ever want them. The van experiences overheating if you run without the heater blowers running. Has a new radiator, thermostat, and water pump. Could the water jacket in the block be clogged? How do I check this, and if this is the problem, how do I fix it?

5 Replies

FIXITMR

MECHANIC
9,990 POSTS

Maybe thermostat is sticking shut? This might stop reduce flow thru radiator.

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Friday, February 10th, 2012 AT 2:20 AM

GREGFLYNN778

MEMBER
6 POSTS

I thought that too, after I replaced the themostat. I then removed the thermostat and ran it for about ten minutes without it. Same result, leading me to believe its a clog in the block. I just dont know how I would test for that, or clear the blockage.

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Friday, February 10th, 2012 AT 2:26 AM

FIXITMR

MECHANIC
9,990 POSTS

With no thermostat there definately should be noticable flow.

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Friday, February 10th, 2012 AT 6:23 AM

GREGFLYNN778

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6 POSTS

Found my problem. The mechanic that changed the water pump replaced the serpentine belt incorrectly. It was routed around the water pump pulley in such a way that the pump was turning backwards. I replaced it correctly and now, my problem is gone.

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Saturday, February 11th, 2012 AT 1:55 AM

FIXITMR