My 1998 Dodge Dakota V6 heater only gets warm, I have replaced the thermostat. I have back flushed the heater core. The heater hose coming from near the thermostat gets hot, but the hose coming from the heater core going to the water pump only gets warm. The large hose coming from the thermostat is hot near the engine, but is only warm near the radiator. Is the water pump bad? If I open the radiator cap there is no signs of circulation. How do I check the water pump?Thanks,Gene
plugged heater core? the fact that the hose gets hot lets you know that the water pump is circulating coolant.
Have you checked the valve that shuts off the coolant when the heater is not required? It, or the pipes/ hoses to it, may be blocked, or the valve inoperative. I'd bet the coolant is not being allowed to circulate through the core by something. Backflushing doesn't guarantee the core isn't gunked up, either.
check for leaks in the system, the water pump may show signs of leaks or perhap even make a noise, flush out the radiator, it may be stopped up preventing good circulation, make sure thermostat is installed properly, if there is no signs of leaking,or no noise such a a bad bearing, or water pump not loose when you try to shake it, most likely I would change out the heater core.. and also replace the radiator cap so the system is properly pressurized.
to answer your question directly, you can check a water pump the same on any car. water pumps have whats called a weep hole there is a small hole that is designed to leak coolant when your water pump seal goes out. find the pump and see if there is a trail of white from this 'weep hole' then yes your pump is bad. if not, i dont know the layout of the hoses for your car so i couldnt diagnose it for sure. but check your water pump for the signs i gave you. its a tell tale sign
about all you can check on a water pump is for free play in a front bearing,if its not circulating real good that's a true sign the blades on the pump are getting worn out,if its not circulating good replace it,you should have back pressure built up in the system when you remove the cap also,this may also be sign there may be a leak in the cooling system,good luck.
