It seems like every morning when I first drive my 96 Ram with the 5.9 for the day the temp climbs all the way up until about 210-220* then drops after maybe 30sec to a minute down to 180-190. My truck has a 180* T-stat in it with a newer water pump and I know there is no more air in the system. Also yes there is the proper amount of coolant in it. It never hangs in the 210-220 range, it always drops. Should I just accept this for how it is? I guess I just never remember it doing this before I did a complete engine rebuild. Other than that it runs like a top.

 

Me thinks the t-stat might be a tad late to open.

 

Why do you have a 180 t stat in your truck? If you have no mods to support it, install a 195 Stant super stat. You'll might get a little better MPG's.

 

My 5.2 goes to 210 when first driving then hovers between 194-198. I have a 195* stat. I think its normal.

 

I had the same experience after installing a new water pump on my truck, I wouldn't worry to much. I ended up changing to a 180* t-stat after the 195* went 3/4 the way to overheating from how hot it gets where I live.

 

It 's not normal, even when outside temperatures are high. T-stat is opening late most likely. Air in the system and bad radiator caps can make engine run hotter by 10 to 20 degrees, but will stay up in the 210 to 220 range and not drop to normal.

 

Check coolant level. This is a classic sign of low coolant.

 

Mine does this as well. A few years ago it was working just fine. Then the thermostat got stuck open so I had to change it. The new thermostat did this exact symptom but I didn't worry too much about it. When I did the plenum I threw in the thermostat from the hughes kit (180) and it got stuck open as well. So I changed it out for the 195 again and it still goes way past 195, then cools down to normal operating temp on the initial warmup. Thought I had all the air out. I would like to know what you do to fix this as well.

 

MY 1996 5.9 always runs a tad above the center 200 degree mark, might get to the center of the second 0 of the 200 degree number on 100 degree + days, slow driving with A/C cranked up. Doesn't go near the red area of temp gauge. Always 200 or above, winter, summer, A/C on. Don't know how you can tell if is 210 or 220 as I don't have those numbers on gauge. I have new cap, no air in fluid and it is full.

Since that is normal for this truck, I don't worry. I would only be concerned if it was getting out of range of what has been normal for what I am use to seeing.

 

Mine runs 1 needlewidth under the 210 mark.

I feel like it's too warm, but I don't get spark knock, so meh.