98 grand cherokee limited 5.9l 360

Rad blew while driving.
Replaced rad & therm.

Now...
no heat, both hoses are cold, weep hole dry, rad stays cold, serpentine/pulleys fine.
Both hoses dry except during backflush of course.
Going to replace the water pump also but.....

Why is water NOT GETTING TO THE PUMP!!!!


Any help GREATLY appreciated!!

 

I would guess that you may have either a blocked radiator or a air lock. I would run some water through the radiator to see that it goes through ok. Then if that is ok I would see if you could run some water through the engine and get rid of the air lock.

 

I know this is going to sound far out and stupid, BUT did you check to see if the radiator had shipping plugs in the hose necks? Some manufacturers put plugs in all the openings and a rad cap on them before shipping them.

 

Well, Tilly, it's been a while. What did you find out? Don't feel stupid if that's what it was. We all do stupid stuff now and then.

I know of a plant maintenance crew that put 600 gals of hydraulic oil in a tank without checking for that plug!

 

Ended up pulling thermostat and boiling for a bit to check (even though it was new, wouldn't be the first time a new out of box one was bad.) Took hose and ran water in through the thermostat housing put it back together and so far so good. Thanks for everybody's input. I really do appreciate it.

 

I know of a guy that supercharged his mustang only to find out it wouldn't run with the supercharger on. Couldn't figure it out. Finally he realized he forgot to take a protective cover off the bottom of the supercharger that said in big letters remove before installation

 

Thanks for the reply, tilly. It sometimes helps others and that's the reason for this forum.

Just for reference, I've found the best way to get air out of the block and head is to take out the temperature sensor, fill the radiator until coolant flows out the sensor hole, then re-install it, filling it up the rest of the way. It works for me.