Dodge: can a broken heater core cause my van to overheat?, heater core, special tools

Question
someone told me to bypass the heater core and see if the van still overheats and it does. I tried to get at the thermostat but forget that. There are way too many things in the way unless you have a suggestion as to how to get at it. I don't think I have the right tools to get in there.
What do you think?


Dave

Answer
Dave,
It is a pain to get to,but if you bypassed the heater core and it is still overheating it is probably the thermostat and will need to be changed.The tools needed are not special tools.It's just a pain having to remove all the stuff  to get to it.There is 2 bolts holding the thermostat cover on.