1996 Dodge Intrepid trying to solve overheat problem

AMAZINN22

MEMBER
1996 DODGE INTREPID
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
141,000 MILES

I have 1996 dodge intrepid 3.5L with 141,000 on it I just got it and it was over heating I replaced the thermostat and the engine coolant sensor. It over heats while it sits and on the drive 15 to 20 min on the sit and 10 to 13 min on the drive before the needle going all the way to the red. The upper radiator hose is or becomes hot so I figure it was not the radiator or the thermostat but as it runs the coolant goes back to the resivor fill box and comes out the over flow tube (hot) I was woundering what else can I check do you think its the water pump that could be making it over heat or that radiator bad I don't know just seeing if I could get some help.

1 Reply

SERVICE WRITER

MECHANIC
9,123 POSTS

Try this bleeding procedure:
3.5 Bleed procedure:
1-jack up front of car
2-loosen the heater outlet hose. ( You will appreciate the inconsideration of engineers on this)
3-Place 5/16” clear vinyl hose on bleeder on thermostat housing, opened bleeder screw, run hose to jug on floor.
4-Using a pressure tester, pump pressure and watch hose. When coolant flows without bubbles, close bleeder. Wait a few minutes and repeat until hose is clear consistently.
5-Listen for air escaping from heater hose. When the air stops and coolant starts running, replace heater hose clamp.
6- NEVER let coolant tank run out of coolant.
7- Start car and aain with pressureon system, continue to open bleeder screw, let run until clear, close again, open again, as much as needed until you get no air bubbles.
8-When the car is close to fan operation temp (210 F?) Don’t open bleeder.
9- open bleeder again just after fan shuts off.