Strange noise and engine temp

UCALLMEFAT4711

MEMBER
DODGE INTREPID

I have a 2002 Dodge Intrepid ES. It has about 82000 miles on it. I've been hearing a strange noise for the past year whenever the engine is running. And about a month ago the engine started overheating. When it first started overheating it wouldnt go up all the way to red, about a week later, I had to run the heat and that would bring the temp back down to normal. Now its gotten so bad that even with the heat on high, it wont go back to normal, it stays up very high. One of my friends who know some stuff about cars says it is the water pump. Any suggestions?

Friday, July 14th, 2006 AT 7:14 PM

2 Replies

MIKEYBDMAN

MECHANIC
623 POSTS

First off, have you had to add water? Is it low? If you have a very small leak, it will slowly get hotter and hotter. I would check for proper servicing both in the radiator, and the over flow container.
If the water level is correct, when was the last time you replaced your thermostat? If you havent in several years, its a good idea to replace it before it sticks closed on you. This may fix your problem. But if not, a water pump may be the problem, but usually they go bad by leaking.
Its a good idea to get this fixed before you have major engine problems. Do not let the water tempt get into the red zone. You can warp heads and have big problems real quick.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Friday, July 14th, 2006 AT 8:14 PM

VANDRAGON

MECHANIC
298 POSTS

I agree with all he said and get the pump replaced. Chrylslers are called, water pump eaters. My own van did the same for about a year. It would only loose coolant once in a while. The noise sounds like a rock is knocking around in the front of the motor. Look at the white lettering on the drive belt, if there is none or it's brownish get the water pump and belt changed asap. If it's a 3.3 or 3.8 and the belt breaks or pump locks-up your stranded. Mine went bad at only 37000.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Saturday, July 15th, 2006 AT 1:05 PM