Hello everyone. I have a 2004 4.7 Dodge Dakota. It always seemed to run a touch warm but seemed only to be when it was 100 out so I thought it wasn't out of the norm. But today the check gauges light came on in traffic with the AC on temp gauge was toward but not in red. It seems to run at a reasonable temp on the highway (below center of gauge). I pulled over, turned on the heat and ran it up to 1500 rpm or so in neutral and it cooled down fine. Coolant is low in radiator cap and overflow tank is now full. Fans appeared to be running, upper radiator hose was hot. Radiator itself seemed cool to cold. Any ideas where to start would be appreciated.

 

How low is the coolant? That will cause you to overheat if much. If the coolant isn't making it's way back into the radiator when things cool off, then change the radiator cap. You may also want to replace the thermostat. Follow the bottom rad hose to block and that's where it resides.

 

Previously I'd topped off the coolant, maybe a few cups is all. It was quite low this time, maybe a couple quarts. I just replaced the stat and running it now with the AC on. So far seems to be staying cool so I think I may have it taken care of.

And yeah, I think I'll replace the rad cap as insurance because it dose seem it's not sucking coolant back in when it cools. I was going to replace the fan clutch but the new feels the same as the old so I'm thinking it's actaully good to go.

 

Yeah a couple of quarts will cause overheating. If all the missing coolant was in the overflow, then you're good. Once you change cap, you should keep an eye on it daily, till you're confident it's not leaking or burning coolant.

 

It was definitely all in the overflow, just barrow Ed a pressure tester from the parts store and it held so I'm thinking it was the stat that caused the initial heatup. Definitely going to keep an eye on it and make sure it's topped up as the air works out.

 

Discovered the cap was missing the outer gasket. So that explains all the coolant ending up in the overflow. Pretty sure I've got it all taken care of now. I appreciate the input, thanks!