Getting desperate here!

Pretty much most of my cooling system is new. I installed a Dodge Certified Radiator, water pump. The thermostat and fan clutch purchased from Auto Zone about 9 months ago. Did a complete coolant flush as well when installed the radiator.

So what's the problem????

This past winter (I live in Chicago) on the highway during rush hour on the way home my temp gauge practically reached 270 degrees and close to 290 at most and its about 5 to 10 degrees outside. Now that isn't normal, can't be, can it? But when traffic began to move and got some air going thru the radiator the temp goes down and runs normal again. Can it be that the fan clutch is bad and not engaging the fan to cool the radiator off?

Thinking of changing the fan clutch to an electric fan. Hear different stories of electric fans, good and bad. Haven't made a decision yet.

Can anyone help me with this??

I'll appreciate and help

 

Sounds like your thermostat is stuck. Any time your truck goes above 230 degrees you should replace the thermostat because the spring starts to relax. Also did you put the big spring down into the manifold? You might have put it in upside down which is what it sounds like. One other note you might have the engine back flushed maybe some of your ports are plugged.

I would start at the thermostat.

P.S. What motor do you have?

 

also if it gets hot sitting still but cools down when you move that means no air is being pulled through the rad ,,go electric ,if you are tight on money go to a junk yard and get a electric fan off of a 98-02 ford crown vic that fan keeps a big block 460 cool in the mud( my other truck)if you got some extra cash then order an electric fan off of a dodge viper your a/c will be cooler and so will the truck ,,,,,,,,,,,,,but check the therm. stat first

 

I have the exact same issue. I have replaced the thermostat, the fan clutch and the water pump is new and the radiator is new. When i sit in traffic the 5.2 V8 over heats in my durango too! The best i can figure is that my A/C condensor is clogged up and without movement across it (from driving) it will slowely over heat. I am going to try to clean the A/C condensor couls with a power washer and see what happens. The vehicle cools fine as soon as i step on the gas and the clutch fan spins up when i am moving. It jsut over heats when idiling after driving iher for a while

 

Mine did for alil bit, they've got the right idea about the engine fan i bought one from summit an never had any problems since then, it's loud as hell when u first take off because it will spool at it's max speed when u are at 1500-2000 RPM, after that it shuts down an lets the engine fan take over. Mine cost me $250 but u can get them just as good at advanced for less.

 

Yeah,

I have this problem with my 99 Durango Magnum SLT 5.9l...I'm in Saudi Arabia so I'm pretty paranoid about overheating.
I had the dealer look at it and despite his reassurances the car overheated with coolant everywhere 2 miles from having picked it up from him...!!
He subsequently replaced the radiator and the problem seems to have gone away - but just occasionally the needle starts to head up again, although it hasn't had the "check gauges" light come on again (the thermonuclear engine meltdown 2 minute warning).

The engine seems particularly vunerable after a long hot drive and then suddenly in to slow moving or stationary traffic with hot "dead" air. The fan is electric but I notice that when you switch off the engine - it just stops. Most cars seem to have the fan stay on for a few minutes to help with cooling the engine down, is this your experience...??

It's going back to the dealer (again) tomorrow since I have a vibration in the steering wheel and I notice that the bushes in the upper suspension arm look like there falling apart...However I'll talk to him about the fan clutch and also the point that the A/C radiator may be at fault with stopping airflow due to clogging - with the sand and **** in this country I can believe it after 5 years of motoring

Chris

 

Hydrashocker.....I have a 5.2L. Yes the thermostat is placed correctly, checked it this weekend and pulled it out. Just decided to take it off while I get the money together for the electric fan.

And yes my Durango also cools when air flows thru it, but when in a stand still it begins to overheat.

1 bad durango.....so I replace the electric with the clutch fan?

 

no get rid of the clutch fan if you buy a strong electric or two 12 inch electric fans you dont need a clutch fan,,,i can assure you this will work i have an 01 5.9 putting down over 415 hp no clutch fan ,,check jegs or summit for fan options

 

OK!!

Im going to go for the Viper V10 electric fan. Summit Racing has it for $170.

So do I need to make mods to install it and purchase sensors or that sort to run properly?

 

Anyone know how to just speed up the Idle for a Durnago 5.2L 318? I have knoticed that is i give the vehicle another 100 RPM's it does not overheat. She runs about 790 rpm at idle if i can kick her up to 900 rpm she stays cool like she should! Zachary@buchhorn.net If you have an answer. Thanks!