1997 dodge dakota help

bought a '97 V8 dakota with a 318. overheating issues getting home. seller had no idea of issue and gave it to me. trying to get it fixed to give to a good young guy. what is my 1st move? any ideas on how to get it running well? how do i test if the water pump is functioning correctly?

 

More specific description would help.

Gave what to you? I thought you bought it?

Super

Basic Google cooling system diagnosis. No leaks? Radiator cap good? Remove tstat and see if stuck? Flush system? Borrow a pressure test tool from parts house if need to dig further?

Running well meaning what? Just stop from overheat, or something else?

Usually if the radiator, cap off cold, starts flowing water when the T stat opens the pump is working. Also check for wobble on the pump shaft and leaking at the weep hole. If weep hole is weeping, the bearing has or will fail soon.

 

i did agree to buy it. drove it around the block to do a 4wd hi/low test. it was warm when i arrived. guy is a neighbor of a long time aquaintance so fearing getting screwed was low. has maintenance records from a shop i know. driven very little. dump run truck mainly. after hearing my problems he said f**k it have it to be square. have an adopted nephew that needs a rig so im trying to get it fixed for him.
coolant is low, oil pressure is fine. my bad back makes crawling under cars/trucks no fun.

 

Just fill it with water and see what happens.

Always start simple.

 

truck claimed to not leak. no signs in driveway of futher leaks.

 

Yea, could be any part.
Does it lose coolant? I'd flush first and see if it's actually a circuit without leaks.
Use water till sorted, then flush and fill.
You can rent for free all test equipment from the parts houses.

 

i do have some water wetter but no chysler coolant on hand. probably should get some.

 

i work long days with 5hr commutes. doing things like this stinks on days off.