Hi everyone,

I have a 2004 Durango 5.7L which only runs hot each morning.

When I leave for work in the morning, the temp gauge gradually starts climbing as the engine gets warm (normal, all good so far). But when it gets to 1/2 way (where I would expect it to stay around), it continues to climb to about 3/4 and then drops back to just under 1/2 way for the remainder of the trip.

If I leave the car for hours and return to use it, everything is normal. It seems that the issue only happens after the engine has fully cooled down.

Also, I'm losing coolant but can't find a leak anywhere.

I'm taking it to my local Dodge Dealer (we are now on first name terms since I've been there a few times in the past) to chat about the issue but wanted to see if any experts here had any ideas first.

thanks

 

i'd guess you have a bad thermostat thats slow to open up. or it might have air in the system.

most likely coolant leak would be water pump, although it'd be a premature failure for a 04. run the engine at normal temp and then shut it off. after about 5-10 minutes the engine temp and pressure will climb some. this is the best time to look for leaks under the water pump pulley.

 

I would get a low temperature thermostat to replace your old one,
FF

 

Thanks for the replies.

I'm taking it in next week and will let you know what they say.

I've noticed today that there is squealing now coming from under the hood when the engine is running. Could that be the Water Pump?

thanks again.

 

I forgot to ask. How much is a Water Pump?

 

It turns out it was the thermostat. They replaced it and changed the Coolant. Driving home, it was nice to see the temp gauge get to just under the mid point and stay there. It never went above halfway.

Thanks for the help guys. Appreciate it.