engine cooling problems?

Question

my girlfriend's family has a 1998 chevy ventura van with the v-6 engine.. yesterday all of a sudden her dad said that the low coolant lite came on he filled up and everything was ok but then later on he noticed that the lite came on again.. found out that there was a small hole in the bypass hose.. a new hose was on and now no more leaks.. filled back up with antifreeze.. everything should be fine.. but the heater is blowing out hot air and all but the upper radiator hose is not getting all that hot at all. and the radiator fans( there are 2 of them) are not coming on.. checked fuses for cooling fans and they are ok. also the temperature guage will read a little on the cool side.. it just barly will make it to the normal range... any ideas on what might be wrong...? thanks in advance dave..

Answer 1

put in a new thermostat

Answer 2

Sounds like the thermostat that doesn't normally open until the temperature reaches like 180 or 190 degrees isn't opening up all the way, they do wear out and get corroded, depending on the coolant type and if hard-water has been added to the system instead of distilled water. The upper hose should be cool until the valve opens and that depends on the outside temperature and how long you have been running the engine. You shouldn't have to drain the system, since the thermostat is normally on top, under the connector for the upper radiator hose and should come with a new gasket so you don't have a leak once replaced.

Answer 3

with engine off and fairly cool remove radiator cap. locate upper radiator hose and follow it to the thermostat housing. notice a funny looking nut on top. its the bleed valve...hold the bottom nut tight while loosening the top screw..careful not to take it out all the way..it'll fall and you may lose it. i'm an ex GM tech......been there. now with the screw loose add coolant and water 5o/50 to the radiator...it will force air out the bleed hole....this may take awhile.........engine sits lower than radiator which causes air to get trapped.sometimes i had to raise the front of the van up with a jack to help the air out.be careful and good luck. e mail me back if you need more help

Answer 4

the thermostat is bad