I have a 2005 dodge grand caravan I recently got my timing cover replaced (alternator tab broke) an new water heater a few days later after driving I heard a gurgling noicethen when I got in it next day I saw coolant on the ground. it doesn't overheat I tried to purge the air out of the coolant system an it did not again. I'm lost an confused it doesn't overheat but it steams from the radiator cap I tried to find the leak but couldn't

SOURCE: '97 Grand Prix 3.1L...Head Gasket? Manifold? Control Module?

Hi Melody- it feels like you could be right. it feels like your car was well worn when you got it. common causes of overheating are coolant too low, which is what i suspect was the case when you first got it. a stuck closed thermostat not allowing coolant to circulate. i assume you have an electric cooling fan- check to see if your fan motor is fried. you could also have large air pockets inside your cooling system which can give false coolant level. when you pour coolant into your radiator rather than your overflow tank, you introduce air into the cooling system that has to be purged by allowing the bubbles to work their way out through your radiator by squeezing your coolant hose you can assist the escape of these air pockets (with engine running) evidence of a cracked head can be presence of coolant in your engine oil-pull your oil dipstick and look. you say no evidence of coolant leakage, however, look underneath your car and check to see if there is coolant splatter surrounding the underside. it maybe that your car is maintaining enough pressure to run but when engine temps reach a point to where the radiator fan should kick on, and/or the thermostat should open to allow coolant flow and these things dont happen-the result is what you describe with no power and overheating that will eventually overstress your head(s) warped heads can cause the symptoms you describe. you can perform a compression test to help pinpoint a blown cyl. an idea for fixing your car for cheap would be to take it to your local high school auto shop. the only way kids learn the trade is by subject cars. ill bet you can even arrange them to pick it up. the will fix your car for cost. you would only need to supply whatever parts are needed to make the repair. its a win-win situation because they get to learn by fixing your car and you get to use your car for doing mommy things without fear of labor fees. which are around $120/hr. I hope i have helped you with your car good luck!

SOURCE: car overheats and coolant boils

this could also be head gasket related- have your radiator fluid tested for carbon deposits/ blow by from exhaust.

SOURCE: 2000 Cadillac DTS with Northstar

occasional sticking of the thermostat may be the culprit if it has not been replaced or may be seizing up

SOURCE: 1999 mercury grand marquis occasionally overheats,

Check the antifreeze for oil, pull your dipstick out, see if antifreeze is in oil or smells sweet or over full, sounds like you may of a bad head gasket. You can also check this by having a compression test done on the cylinders.

SOURCE: my radiator has a leak.

if you can go without the car for a bit then just rip it out and take it to a radiator specialist, they may even be able to repair it. if not then just go to either a dodge dealership or aftermarket parts shop and give them the specific model etc of your car and they'll be able to look up and get the right radiator for you.