Hey whats up guys, I''m new to the forum. Seems like there is a lot of knowledge here. I would appreciate any help you guys could offer.


I have a 97 3.2 rodeo that is running hot. Today it actually overheated. I don''t know to much about mechanical work, so I do plan to take it to a shop or at least a competent mechanic.


I know the the electric fan on the front of the radiator is not working, but it hasn''t been for awhile. It stopped working months before the overheating problem so I don''t think that is the problem.


The thing that seems odd to me, and may be a hint as to what the problem is. When I''m running hot if I rev the engine up to 6k or so the temp gauge shoots back down to cool, and sometimes stays there, usually it just creeps right back up to right before overheating though.


Any ideas on what my problem is.


Thanks, Mike

 

Could be the fan clutch is going bad, seen a few of those that had been replaced. Another common problem is the radiator getting build up inside with junk from age. Alot of ppl with overheating problems on pre ''98 rodeos solved it by replacing the radiator.

The fan in front of the radiator is for the a/c condenser.

 

I think you right about the fan clutch. Whenever I start it up I get a load screeching noise for about 5 - 10 seconds. I thought itwas just a belt slipping or something, but it would makes since that it would be the fan clutch. How difficult is it to replace? How many hours for a competent mechanic?


Thanks for the reply, Mike

 

Fan clutches are easy. Anyone should be able to do it in about 15 minutes at the most.

 

i have a 97 with the 3.2, and its been overheating too.

ive already replaced both radiator hoses, thermostat, and radiator cap. the radiator is only 3 years old... was replaced after hitting a deer. i refilled with fresh fluid, and let it run on an incline for about 20 minutes to get all air out ("burped" it). since i put the new thermostat in, refilled, and burped it, it hasnt been overheating as often, but it still didnt completely fix the problem. it usually starts to get hot when you arent moving. sometimes it jumps up or down in temp depending on if you are making a sharp right or left hand turn. i figure that is mainly due to it being low on coolant (bubbles out the overflow when hot), and it sloshing to one side or the other when cornering.

ive also noticed a quick squeal from time to time on startup. i figured it was just a loose belt. how could i tell if its the clutch fan? it spins and seems normal when i am looking under the hood. is there any way i could confirm this is the problem. i found a new one on the autozone website, but it costs $118.99. i dont want to spend that much money on a "maybe".

anyone have any other ideas, besides the fan? i was thinking that i could be the water pump. i dont hear it making noise though, and fluid levels drop when i give it gas. it appears to be alright, but im not 100% sure.

thanks in advance!

Edited by: double b in wv

 

i mangled the crap outta my hands when i was taking mine out