Ask the Car People.SM


Chevy Venture overheating problem

178 messages,  Last post on Feb 12, 2013 at 10:47 AM

You are in the Chevy Venture Forum.

What is this discussion about? Chevrolet Venture, Engine, Van

Messages Page 1 of 18

#1 of 178 re. overheating problem by mikayla10

Jun 06, 2007 (3:23 pm)

I read where someone had the thermostat changed and it still overheated. there are 2 bleeder screws one on the thermostat housing and one on the waterpump.they must be removed with the engine cold. take the radiator cap off and add water till it comes out the bleeder holes. this is a very slow process you will have to add a little, let it set then add more don't get in a hurry it will take time.

#2 of 178 1999 Venture Van - Overheating by sharkeym

Aug 03, 2007 (12:38 pm)

Why would a van with a new thermostat, continue to overheat?
I just spent over 2 grand having the waterpump replaced, thermostat replaced, radiator replaced. Yesterday my husband had to pull off the hwy, because the van overheated & the engine shut off. When he opened the hood, he said there was water dripping out of 2 bolts/screws on top of the radiator. Does this mean it needs replacing again? Have had the van only a year and it has been in the shop like 4 times so far.

#3 of 178 Re: 1999 Venture Van - Overheating [sharkeym] by colonic

Aug 17, 2007 (2:30 pm)

Replying to: sharkeym (Aug 03, 2007 12:38 pm)
I had the same problem with my 2001 Venture, but my symptom was a fluctuating temp gage. The problem was intake manifold gasket was leaking causing the change in temp. Sounds like yours went undetected resulting in overheating. This is a known problem and I would have the dealer fix it under good faith.

#4 of 178 Smoke coming from under the hood by sharkeym

Aug 19, 2007 (3:03 pm)

We get a stinky smell coming from under the hood again, like antifreeze burning. The van overheats even more when the ac is turned on. Husband thinks it is the heating coil. Smoke pours out from under the hood, even when ac is not turned on and that stinky smell appears. Anyone ever heard of this?

#5 of 178 Venture Vans by sharkeym

Aug 19, 2007 (3:06 pm)

Are these vans worth buying? My sister paid ten grand for a used, 1999 chevy venture as a gift for me. I had it for 1 year & it has been in the shop 5 times & counting.

#6 of 178 Re: Venture Vans [sharkeym] by theksmom

Aug 24, 2007 (6:15 pm)

Replying to: sharkeym (Aug 19, 2007 3:06 pm)
Oh my. I have a 2001 Venture with 107,000 miles on it. I purchased it in 2001, with about 15,000 miles on it. I got about 18 months of warranty out of it, and had myriad problems with the a/c and transmission. The tranny really went south around the 50,000 mile mark, and I had it replaced at about 60,000 (rebuilt,about $1,800). After that the problems intensified: various a/c issues; lots of brake/rotor issues; intake manifold gasket; water pump and water pump housing. For the last year it has run hot hot hot, I've had it in and out of the shop, replacing various hoses and parts and finally the radiator (and less you think the mechanic is taking me for a ride, he's my BIL and a superb mechanic and the ONLY reason I've kept this car for so long.) It's been 2 months since we replaced the radiator and it's overheating again on rides longer than 15-20 minutes, and I sure as heck can't idle anywhere. We have both given up on it and I am now shopping for a Nissan or a Honda. After much Internet research I am finding that the burning coolant problem is very widespread and seems related to some sort of problem with the DexCool coolant system GM liked to use in these vehicles in the last 90s and early 2000s. Another problem is the way the engine compartment is laid out -- everything is jammed in there so tightly repairs are pricey because the mechanics have to dismantle the dang engine everytime they want to work on anything of any importance. So. My advice is to dump it as soon as possible! I LOVED this van, the way it rode, and comfort and styling, and I'm thankful to have driven it for as long as possible, but as I said, without a relative to do the repairs, it would've been in the junkyard long ago!

#7 of 178 98 Venture with a new water pump overheating by davet_1961

Oct 19, 2007 (9:16 pm)

My wife's 98 Venture overheated on a 150 mile trip about four months ago. We had a local shop change the water pump and the van ran fine until a week ago when it started overheating at red lights. As of two days ago the temp gauge fluctuates wildly and drops to cold on startup then back up almost to normal range.
 
Anyone got any ideas?

#8 of 178 overheating ISSUES! by chases

Oct 22, 2007 (2:56 pm)

Replying to: davet_1961 (Oct 19, 2007 9:16 pm)
If your looking to a cheeper fix before you do a headgasket:
 
Get your cooling system flushed professionally. The over-the-counter flush is ok but will not get the gelled stuff unstuck. The DEX-COOL in these vans gel when it gets old.
 
I had to get my system flushed twice just to get all the coolant passages clear. This means changing your thermostat, inspecting your water pump and new/non-corrosive coolant.
 
FYI: open your themostat to heat the rear too. Opt for an aftermarket water pump when you replace, don't go for the like/factory water pump.

#9 of 178 Re: 98 Venture with a new water pump overheating [davet_1961] by chases

Oct 22, 2007 (2:59 pm)

Replying to: davet_1961 (Oct 19, 2007 9:16 pm)
You have a air/DEX-COOL gel gap at the guage sensor.
 
Flush your system or get the air out of the system.

#10 of 178 Re: Smoke coming from under the hood [sharkeym] by chases

Oct 22, 2007 (3:00 pm)

Replying to: sharkeym (Aug 19, 2007 3:03 pm)
Look for a small coolant leak!

Messages Page 1 of 18

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement