I have a 2001 durango 4.7L. Took it to Zap Lube for oil change and radiator flush. Guy doing the service said radiator hose looked swollen. Asked me if it was overheating. Going up streep hills w/a/c on it will or in hot stop and go traffic needle will get to center or just to right of center. Going up steep hill w/ A/C on it went past right of center, but once over the hill it went back to center and then left of center. He said I should have it looked at just in case. Should I have it looked at, or is this normal?

 

Does the hose feel soft and swollen to you? Check it after a day's driving but be careful, it's very hot. If you feel that it's too soft anf you can actually squeeze it, replace it. It's a dealer part cause there is an inner spring only the dealer has that supports the hose in case of a collapse. If you'r going to replace it, I'd suggest you replace the bottom hose as well as along with the t-stat. The t-stat is located under the engine with the lower hose. yeah, nice engineering, Dodge! YOu can probably do it yourself if you're mechanically inclined but if not, take it to a trusted mech so you know it's been done properly.
Now for the a/c portion. You should have an efan located between the back of the rad and the clutch fan. With the a/c on, use a strong flashlight and see if the blades of the efan are turning. The efan helps in cooling off the engine and also helps in cooling off the condenser coil for the a/c. If the efan s spinning, you have one less problem to deal with. If not, then you have to see if the relay os bad or the efan is bad. To testthe relay, open up the PDC. it's located in the engine bay between the battery and brake booster. You can switch out any relay cause they're basically the same. If the efan comes on, then you need a new relay. If not, you have to test the efan to see if it's dead. To test it, crawl under the front bumper and look for a green connector right past and behind the bumper. Disconnect it and run a hot ground line from the battery to see if it runs directly from the source. If not, you need to replace the efan. You can find alot or writeups on how to replace the efan using teh search button. Good luck!

 

Replace the the hose. If he said it needs it do it before it breaks.

 

If you have a 2001 and unsure about condition I would replace it...... 4.7 there is a "Burping" procedure to get air out of the system.

I would recommend removal/replacement upper and lower hoses and thermostat while you are there. Personal recommendation is GoodYear for hoses. While you are in the neighborhood......have you checked the waterpump lately? if you are replacing I would recommmend BOSCH water pumps.......With that said I very strongly DISCOURAGE PEP BOYS.......

Pay very close attention to the thermostat....there is a very specific detailed procedure for the 4.7 and pretty much has to be followed TO THE LETTER.

 

So if I say your motor looks to be on the way out, will you let me rebuild it and charge ya just because "he said it needs it"?


Dude, if I listened to people like you then I would have been raped over a sand pit of snakes a long time ago.

Good thing there is a thing they call a "Second Opinion" so people can stay away from penny pincher's like you. Why in the hell would someone just do something without researching it first?


This post just continues to show your ignorance here.

 

i agree with magic, and dan

 

I did forget about the inner spring.....Mine was transferred from hose-hose.....if you dont have one that maybe part or most of the problem.....