How do I bleed the air from the cooling system of a Chrysler Town and Country 3.8?

Subject pretty much says it all. There is no radiator cap and the
thermostat housing doesn't have a bleeder valve. Periodically, the
van will run hot, and no heat out of the heater. After a minute or two
it returns to normal and I have heat again. I have replaced the
thermostat twice to no avail.

TIA,

ngpost1

 

Why is there no radiator cap?

 

My Intrepid doesn't have a radiator cap.

The system 'flows' through a coolant tank on the wheel well. This tank
is NOT full, it has an air space. Fluid comes in and goes out as
coolant circulates. Bubbles in the air 'should' collect at the top of the
tank.

The problem is there can be some air pockets at the 'top' of the engine.
My Intrepid has a 'bleeder' valve, similar to a brake bleed valve, on the
top of the thermostat housing. Even with that, there can be air pockets.

Actually, the system is pretty neat when it works. And usually it will
'self bleed' as long as there's not other problems. When I refill after a
flush, I squeeze the hoses until I can stop bubbling, but even then, the
next few times I drive the thing I have to 'top it off' as the works itself
into the tank.

 

Could try to run it until hot, release pressure by loosening the coolant
tank cap. Do it a few times, may help get air out. Be careful of
overspill, though, out of the tank, it bubbles out rather fast.

 

The subject says everything except the year of the vehicle, If it is an
older model just loosen the heater hose at the intake and let the air go out
that way as you fill. If you replaced 2 thermostats and the problem is still
there...you have another problem. Is the coolant going low and you don't see
any leaks?

Glenn Beasley
Chrysler Tech

 

if you have rear heat you have to drive it a couple times and each time check the coolant level

 

ngpost1The subject says everything except the year of the vehicle, If it is an

2001 Town and Country with 3.8L

 

ok, you ansered one out of 2 questions.

Glenn