Need input please. My 2001 Dakota sport 4X4 4.7 V-8 is running warm. This is what happens. It never gets to the red, but will move up and down. Antifreeze will spew from the reservoir. Have replaced the thermostat, and put a used radiator in it. I am getting ready to tow a 1500lb camper, and for sure dont want todo this until I get this problem resolved. Ifa new radiator is the answer, what type should I go with? Plastic or aluminium? Thanks for any input on this problem.

 

I'm going to refrain from adressing your question on the radiator, because that's a topic which I know absolutely nothing about. There's a few other people on this forum who should pick up that habbit too

However, I do have a question for you which may lead to some answers. What mods have you done, and more importantly, what's the temperature of the thermostat?

I'd suggest getting a 180* one, if you haven't already. It will make your engine run cooler, and it's been proven that the 180* is better for our trucks than the stock 195* thermostats.

 

Tmedic-

Are you losing water from somewhere else other than the resivior?? She could be leaking water from somewhere, causing her to overheat and spew water from the resivior. I would start it up, and look high and low for water leaks before she starts to overheat. If you dont find any drips, and she still overheats, then it is possible that the radiatior is jacked up. Keep us posted!

Red- A 195* thermostat will not make the engine overheat. He obviously has other problems. But you are correct on the 180* thermostat. It is an easyway to keep the engine cooler, so the ECM will advance the timing and run the fuel a little leaner. It should slightly increase throttle response and may make a tiny bit more pep.

 

Correct. I never said that the 195* thermostat would make the engine overheat, I just said that the 180* would make it run cooler and more effectively. Clearly there's another problem, but it wouldn't hurt anything to get a better temperatured thermostat.. it probably wouldn't solve your overheating problem if it's a problem with the radiator, but it would make your truck run better (and cooler.. so it will help your problem) and it's a good mod everyone should do just for the life of your engine.

Hey chris we agree on something! Imagine that No hard feelings from the other thread, it has nothing to do with you. I got a little sick of everyone preaching to me about how I was pissing away my gas money and that the gears weren't helping at all. You're just the one I took it out on. I think if you drove my truck before and after, you'd feel a little bit differently, but hey. We'll get over it. I have a few questions for you, so im going to shoot you a PM in a few minutes after I do a little research.

-Red

 

Its all cool brotha!

 

Does it get hot while idling, or when driving down the highway, or both?

 

seems to me the clutch in the fan is on its way out. also make sure there is nothing blocking the fins on the radiator. when was the last time you had the system back flushed and new freeze. there could be a slight blockage some where.

 

Thanks for the input. The thermostat temp is 180d. She never completely overheats, just runs very warm, when idling and running on the interstate. The radiator will let me pour about 1 gallon antifreeze/water into it , and the it spews from the reservoir. There are no leaks anywhere else. I think the fan is ok also. never back-flushed, but is scheduled for the weekend. Also have ordered a new radiator. Hope this might fix the problem. Will keep u guys up to date, and again thanks.

 

pump..?

 

Replace the water pump while you're at it.