I am having overheating issues with my 97 Daktoa. Checked the radiator and the coolant is still green. The reservoir is bone dry. Check the top and the bottom hose and both are hot. When the ac is on low it takes about 10 mins and the temp has climbed over 200 deg. If i put the ac on the highest setting it will take about 30-45 mins to climb over 200 deg. I believe that the thermastat is part of the culprit but i believe that something else is the problem as well. Any suggestions?

 

you need to look for dry rot on the hoses plus leaks around them and the water pump. also a bad heater core can add to the issue. plugged up radiator, but the best bet right now is to replace your thermostat, it's probably stuck shut if it's overheating. an engine will run anywhere from 195-210 degrees, and i believe the system is works on 21 psi. best way to check for leaks is have the system pressure tested.

 

I agree, look into the t-stat and have it pressure tested. I chased and chased an overheating issue on my '95 and it wasn't until I pressure tested it that i saw the problem.

 

Does your Dak have an electric fan too? Some of them have a clutch fan and an electric fan and neither one by themselves will keep it cool for long. The electric fan should come on when the A/C is on or at temps 210 or higher. Also when the truck gets hot, cut it off and see if the clutch fan spins freely or if it is tight. At operating temps, the clutch fan shouldn't freewheel.

 

maybe your t-stat gasket is bad. is it leaking around there?

 

moe in wichita ks
i read a story about chrysler was troubleshooting overheating. the enginers found that chrysler changed the co they got there stats from. seems the new co was used to making close tol valves, ie air tight. so the stats chrysler got were air tight making it hard to fill a rad. so the enginers drilled a 1/8 inch hole in the stat so it wont get air lock. factory apporved!