I made a trip to B'Ham Alabama this past weekend, and my truck seemed to get really bad gas mileage, plus it ran a little hot!(?)

I sucked it up and purchased a new tune up; Champion Platinum plugs, Cap/Rotor, Wires etc. The cap, button and wires appear to have been all original Mopar components. I purchased the truck used at 87,000mi and she has 147,000 now...this is the first time I have had to replace them, so I don't know how old they were before I got the truck...they could have been original equipment for all I know...anyways, one of the wires fell apart in my hand, the cap had one terminal badly corroded on it, and of the (6)installed Bosch platinum's, (1) was missing the electrode...I have been so neglectful...[:@]

I also replaced the airfilter, non-cold air, and the thermastat. My Dak has had a problem with overheating while theA/C on, but now it is overheating just driving in the middle of the day with the windows down (no A/C). I saw somewhere that a 180 deg thermostat was a good mod, so I picked one up and installed it...we'll see if this solves the overheat problem, as I have alreadyR&R'd the W/ Pump and radiator fan (clutch fan)...my last resort is to R&R the radiator.

Today I did a full round of brake R&R, and tire rotation...I believe my Dak is in love with me again...I know I luv her!!

I still need a new windshield...the blazing sun busted it 2-years ago...and I need to replace the power mirrors (both) that I cracked while trying to shave ice off of a few winters back...

Then I can maybe fix the exhaust rattle...

wow! Looking over my post, I see that I have been really lax in my upkeep of my beloved truck...I'll do better, I swear it!

Johnnie

 

try flushing the coolant system sometimes helps...

 

A different temperature thermostat will not solve the overheating problem...unless the old thermostat was mechanically defective...in which case a stock replacement thermostat would have solved the problem as well. The radiator may be clogged inside.

How bad is the "overheating"? Does the temperature needle go all the way to the 260 mark on the gauge? If so, and if it's done it a few times, there may be internal engine damage. Does it use any coolant? These engines are not known to go through head gaskets like some other engine designs out there, but if the engine has truly overheated a few times in the past, it may need some more major work.

Let us know if the new thermostat solves your problem!

 

Hey, thanks for the replies...just short runs so far, I have not made any major trips since I replaced the stat. The only time the gauge ever pegged, I left the engine running with the A/C on, while I was getting something out of the house...when I returned, 10 -15 minutes later, the truck was boiling over; this was circa 2002.

Since then, the water pump has slung a bearing and was replaced, and the clutch went out on my fan. Both of these fixes did not solve any over heating issues. If the the new stat does not solve the issue, I will R&R the radiator & or flush the system.

Johnnie

 

i would try a radiator flush first. you can do it yourself with a prestone backflush kit for about 4 bucks.like Jason said, a 180 wont solve your overheating problems. i put a 180 in mine just because everyone said its a good thing and it stopped pinging and runs a little smoother, but thats about the only advantage i saw...

you are really lucky that your truck hasnt had more problems than it does considering you have put 60,000 miles on it and didnt tune it up when you got it...i did all of that the day after i brought mine home whether it needed it or not, thats just how i am. i like to know whats been done to it just for me. i guess maybe some would say i waste money that way but i cringe when i see people wait til something breaks to fix it. as the saying goes "pay a little now, or pay alot later"

 

I agree with scandal, I will be doing a tune up on my new project car when it arives and then on my Dak. Im pretty sure my dak doesnt need much (as soon as i figure out where my coolant goes) but im gonna get a 180 tstat and flush the rad. Pretty sure everything else has been done but I enjoy working on my cars and the "spend a little now or a lot later" is a good saying.

I aslo second the rad flush first. Keep an eye on your coolant level too. Sounds stupid but I had random overheating issues and it was because my coolant was disappearing.