I have had an array of overheating issues with my Dart over the course of the last year and some change.
It started with a bad thermostat last year October, got the code and replaced it with a Motorad from Advance Auto. Replaced that, code went away. Car would intermittently overheat following that, but never bad.
Couple months back noticed the heater line going from the thermostat would get really hot and spill fluid from the plastic connector. I replaced the connector with a new one, and then noticed the same issues. My mechanic said it must be the heater core. Never had any heater issues, or fluid leaking in the passenger cabin, but I went with a bypass kit it because it was a cheap fix.
Couple days ago it starts overheating bad, I check and that same connector is spewing fluid. The bypass kit is fine, so I just take off the plastic connector and go straight hose to thermostat.
Drives great all day long, take it on the highway and she's doing great. Park, check, no more leaks at all! First time I haven't even had a dribble in awhile, I guess that connector was leaking a lot more often then I thought. Well no....
Wake up this morning. Coolant on the ground. Not a lot tho, thought maybe it was fine. Drive 15mi on back roads to the dentist, starts to overheat and I push her. Steam starts coming from the driver side of the engine bay and out the driver fender.
Check it, radiator blew.
Now I am ordering a new radiator and it's coming on Wed but I noticed that I have to get the refrigerant out somehow to remove the upper and lower that connects to the radiator?
I am looking for some advice as I think the new Radiator isn't going to fix the issue, but I may be wrong. I also am trying to get an idea if I can recover the refrigerant myself. I know a little about using a yellow jacket series 41 manifold for other non-vehicle applications but wasn't sure if that would translate at all. I also would have to borrow some old equipment from a friend to use it.
The mechanic at Advance said it could also be something with the valve cover gasket? I know I saw a video about the dart's having issues with that, and I had to replace the 3rd coil and spark plug exclusively which was something that they mentioned could be related. I remember buying a kit awhile back to replace that gasket, never did and returned it. If I remember correctly, it was in-case I needed it. I think this is when I replaced the thermostat.
I can update with photo's as needed.
Thanks everyone!
It started with a bad thermostat last year October, got the code and replaced it with a Motorad from Advance Auto. Replaced that, code went away. Car would intermittently overheat following that, but never bad.
Couple months back noticed the heater line going from the thermostat would get really hot and spill fluid from the plastic connector. I replaced the connector with a new one, and then noticed the same issues. My mechanic said it must be the heater core. Never had any heater issues, or fluid leaking in the passenger cabin, but I went with a bypass kit it because it was a cheap fix.
Couple days ago it starts overheating bad, I check and that same connector is spewing fluid. The bypass kit is fine, so I just take off the plastic connector and go straight hose to thermostat.
Drives great all day long, take it on the highway and she's doing great. Park, check, no more leaks at all! First time I haven't even had a dribble in awhile, I guess that connector was leaking a lot more often then I thought. Well no....
Wake up this morning. Coolant on the ground. Not a lot tho, thought maybe it was fine. Drive 15mi on back roads to the dentist, starts to overheat and I push her. Steam starts coming from the driver side of the engine bay and out the driver fender.
Check it, radiator blew.
Now I am ordering a new radiator and it's coming on Wed but I noticed that I have to get the refrigerant out somehow to remove the upper and lower that connects to the radiator?
I am looking for some advice as I think the new Radiator isn't going to fix the issue, but I may be wrong. I also am trying to get an idea if I can recover the refrigerant myself. I know a little about using a yellow jacket series 41 manifold for other non-vehicle applications but wasn't sure if that would translate at all. I also would have to borrow some old equipment from a friend to use it.
The mechanic at Advance said it could also be something with the valve cover gasket? I know I saw a video about the dart's having issues with that, and I had to replace the 3rd coil and spark plug exclusively which was something that they mentioned could be related. I remember buying a kit awhile back to replace that gasket, never did and returned it. If I remember correctly, it was in-case I needed it. I think this is when I replaced the thermostat.
I can update with photo's as needed.
Thanks everyone!
