Over Heating Problem
 

Hi all, I Would like to start by wishing everyone a very merry chirstmas,
I have a 1998 Voyager 3.3l thats currently on 113k miles that has started to have over heating problems.

I noticed this the other day driving home that the needle in the car was in the red. I pulled over to check things over and noticed the water bottle was empty. So i cooled the car down got it back home (was only 5mins away) and filled the car back up with water.

I thought no more of it as it was properly was my error for not checking the water levels as often as i should. So i carry on driving the car over the next few days and noticed the needle in the car starting to rise over the normal mark again. Got the car home check everything out and again noticed the water levels are really low again.

At first i thought great ive got a water leak, but after looking all over i can'nt seem to find any evidence of water leakage.

Has anyone else had a problem were the car dinks water like no tomorrow, and if so what was the problem with the car. I have been told that possible the head gasket is on it way out.

Your input will be greatful.

RE: Over Heating Problem
 

check to see if your fans are comming on there is a solid state relay that likes to go bad. U can see if your fans are working easy , start yor can then turn on the AC,u should hear the fan come on with in 30 seconds profided u are not in 32 or below weather. If thats the case u might be in luck if u dont mind emailing me the last 8 of your vin number i know there is recall out for the 98 NS 3.3 minivan where u get the relay replaced and a reprogram of your computer done for free. Need to know your vin for that it is a certan build date only. If not then u can install a new one under the air filter housing. I live in the ATL area let me know.
Kevin

RE: Over Heating Problem
 

Check the tubes under the van going to the rear heater if you have a Grand model. They rust out.
Check the water pump weep hole.
Head gaskets usually don't go bad on that engine unless it is over heated or driven by a jerk.
The head gaskets do sometimes leak externally on the corners of block on driver's side, usually after very high milage, around 145,000.

RE: Over Heating Problem
 

he said there were no visable leaks right ??? Head gasket maybe check what I posted first b4 u go into looking for engine.

RE: Over Heating Problem
 

Hi Guys,

Thanks for your replies so far, sorry I have not been back in a while.
I had someone look at the car just after xmas - who suggested that the thermostat could be out, so I decided to change this. It seemed to work for a few days, but the problem soonreturned.

I'm afraid this is not the grand version - but would the tubes still be there for me to check?

I can see no visible leaks from the car - either standing cold or after a 30 min drive and the Fansseems to kick in at the right time.

Is there away I can check if the head gasket is on it way out without going to a specialist.

Your suggestions will be much appreciated

Regards

RE: Over Heating Problem
 

a headgasket would put the coolant out or suck it through to the exhaust.
ifits being pushed out u would see the over flow tank getfull and over flow.
Out the exhaust u would see white smoke and smell sweet out the tail.
What other issues are u having that u can see maybe a relation.

RE: Over Heating Problem
 

Come to think about it, the A/c has not been working for a long time, it stop working last summer, could this effect the way the car uses so much water?

Mike

RE: Over Heating Problem
 

I have a 97 t&c that did the same thing, turns out it was the fan relay at the bottom of radiator on drivers side had went bad and the plug-in prongs would not make contact with new relay so check the relay and the plug-in. mine ran in the red zone on temp gauge when it went out like yours is doing now. Hope this helps you.

RE: Over Heating Problem
 

u did not read what i said about the relay in the other posts i said to check the relay.
I know there is a recall on some vans for this relay if u give me the last 8 of your vin i will check. Yes if the relay is bad the ac will not work and the fan willnot come on. Now its not arelay of what u think it is a solid state relay no moving parts. U can change it yourself is u have some tools flat head screw driver,10 mm socket 1/4 inch socket. its located on the driver side of the frame under the air filter. Ifs it under warranty then u have nothing to worry about but if not the part is around 80 bucks.

RE: Over Heating Problem
 

Sorry about that - this is the first time back on this site since i first posted. tried the fans out in your first post, and no it does not come on. the last 8 of my vin is WU515661.

Also white smoke is comming out the back and did does smell sweet. (Could not try this until i got back home)

Thanks for all you help so far

Regards