Hi all, I have a 2007 5.7 Hemi 4WD Durango.

The temperature gauge has always sat just below centre on the dashboard dial even when in the desert driving in deep sand. Recently, however, I've noticed that under heavy(ish) acceleration on road the dial creeps up above the half-way mark. It creeps back down as the engine isn't under strain.

It was due a service so I mentioned it to the guy and he said it was completely normal to do this - any thoughts? Other cars I have owned have been fairly rigid in their temperature gauge (even an RX-8 which ran extremely hot).

The only thing different I have done is put 30 oil instead of 20 as per the dealer's recommendation - would that make a difference here?

Thanks in advance.

 

All 5.7L need 5w-20 per the manual,
FF

 

I have switched the oil back, will I have done any damage - probably about 2,000kms on the 5W-30 oil?

 

It should be alright,
FF

 

Cool, thanks very much - hope the temperature is supposed to shift around, probably because it's quite often well over 100F here.

 

RLG:

Your Hemi needs the 5w20 because of the MDS cylinder shut down system. The 04-05 Hemi's like my 04 use the 5w30.

I doubt you have done any harm.

Don

 

OK, cool that is great news. Interestingly I did a big sand drive the other day and the temperature hit just below 3/4 at times but the engine behaved brilliant, though I did get stuck several times (not ideal dune-bashing car!). Ambient temp was about 40 C.

Thanks for all your help everyone, extremely helpful and reassuring.

 

Try electric fan convertion, is more eficcient, your temp will never reach above half marker

 

The electric fan conversion will also give you a bit more horsepower,
FF