New radiator??
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Joined: Jan 2007
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New radiator??
Alright,I had a post about maybe needing a new thermostat. Now, I think I have a new problem......I was told to let the truck warm up and feel the lower radiator hose, if it is cold, my radiator is probably shot. Well, its cold. All other hoses are warm/hot but not that one. When I put a piece of cardboard in front of the radiator and the temp shot way up! What does this mean? Also, the fan (blowing on the radiator) is ALWAYS running. Right when you turn the truck on, it runs. I obviously have an issue somewhere in the cooling system but where do I start. Thanks!!!
BTW: I have a '99 3.9 V6.
BTW: I have a '99 3.9 V6.
Professional
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 221
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From: Colorado Springs CO
RE: New radiator??
Hard to say. But as I understand it, the bottom hose should always be cooler than the upper hose. Basically coolant flows into the motor from the bottom hose. As the temperature builds up, the thermostat opens and allows the coolant to flow to the radiator for cooling. Thus the top hose hot and the bottom hose cool. Not sure how cool, but noticeably cooler.
Remember the thermostat can fail both ways (not open or not close). If the thermostat is stuck open or opens too quickly, it would take a much longer time for the coolant to heat up and I would think you would have less heat for the heater available like you said in your earlier post. If it was stuck closed then you would have the motor overheat.
If you haven'treplaced the T-stat, I would probably dothat first. And since the coolant is drainedremove your hoses and flush the radiator if you haven't already done so.
I base this off my 5.9L but would think the principles are the same.
Remember the thermostat can fail both ways (not open or not close). If the thermostat is stuck open or opens too quickly, it would take a much longer time for the coolant to heat up and I would think you would have less heat for the heater available like you said in your earlier post. If it was stuck closed then you would have the motor overheat.
If you haven'treplaced the T-stat, I would probably dothat first. And since the coolant is drainedremove your hoses and flush the radiator if you haven't already done so.
I base this off my 5.9L but would think the principles are the same.
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9
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From:
RE: New radiator??
you and I have the same problem. there is probably nothing wrong with your radiator, or your stat. you and I most likely have a water pump thats on the way out or our core sucks. we did every thing we can do. bring it to a machanic or try a flush one more time. I have a 2000 3.9 with 100, 000 on it. that should not be enough to kill the core since I take great care of the truck. two stat swiches and the first one was good but I replaced with a fail safe . Ive decided to live with it till I have time to a figure out If I do have air trapped in there which I think I do or look into a waterpump. I hear that the dodge pump can start to go with out pissing out water. but Im not counting out the core either.