Hy guys..new here. I'm driving a 1990 Dodge Dakota 3.9L V6 with only 95,000 miles on the engine.. My problem started with a leaky water pump that caused an overheating engine. Replaced water pump AND radiator (due to radiator shop advising to due to rusty core) as well as new thermostat. Here's the problem..after taking it out for about a ten mile test drive..the temp gauge pegged out after the thermostat opened up and the engine started running hot again. Got it home and after checking everyhting I found this...bottom radiator hose and both heater hoses were cool to the touch while the top radiator hose was very hot. So my question..after replacing all those parts any ideas as to why it is still overheating?

 

sounds Like That "New" WaterPump Is No Good. if Both heater Core Lines Are cold, It's Not Circulating Coolant Like It Should. Bring It Back To Where You Got It Fixed.

 

its possible that the thermostat could be bad out of the box. the last time i changed one i had 5 new ones that were bad in a row.
the cap could have failed or not be the right pressure. i believe ours are supposed to be 15 or 16lbs.

the system could be blocked and not letting the coolant flow.

or the rad hoses could be expanding and not letting the coolant flow. ive experienced that before.

theres a number of things that can cause it but first things first the cheap and easiest things to look at are the thermostat, cap, and possibly flushing the system

 

Oh, You Did It Yourself... Nevermind. Time To yank It Back Apart.

 

Have a 2002 Stratus over heated and now it wont start. any suggestions?

 

Ask your question on the right forum, maybe?

 

sorry i'm new to this which forum do i go to. just trying to find some help. i am not a mechanic just disabled. thanks

 

the Stratus section of the site:
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/dodge-stratus-30/