I just purchased an 04 Durango with 4.7. I have noticed over the past week that it has been overheating some times, but not sure it is, temps hear in Cincinnati have in upper 80 to mid 90. It has be going up above 1/2 way on gauge, at slower speeds and stop an go traff. but cools off at highway speed {not as bad with ac off.} The gauge at time flickers up and down a little but doesnt move far almost like it cools quick but does not move very much. Toady it went 3/4 way between 1/2 and hot.{gauge does not have numbers} Took temp gun and check temps at top radiator hose 185, and bottom hose 175, also checked at temp send in manifold about 200-205. Elect.fan working. Radiator fan feels ok but does not make roaring noise at cold stat like my last two dodges did. also dont hear it roar at high temps either. Car has 73000 mi. Any suggestions? Have powertrain warrenty but does not cover cooling system. Have read a lot of others having same Problem.

 

You could replace the thermostat with a low-temperature one or flush the radiator as this is required every two years,
FF

 

Moose:

Going thru same right now with my 04 Durango 4.7L (97k miles). I read hundreds of postings about this situation with what seemed to be very few solutions. I ended up calling local Dodge dealer and the head mechanic was kind enough to share some wisdom. He said that the folks at Dodge had acknowledged that during the casting process some of the core material (sand and phenolic resin) had remained in many of these blocks. Over time this material erodes from the walls of the water jacket and your radiator acts as a filter. I had my radiator flow tested the other day and it failed miserably. I have a new one sitting at the house to install tonight. I'll follow up when I know results.

 

Ran fine all day today but went up a steep hill about 1/4 mi long jumped up to 3/4 on gauge. When I got home let it sit 15 min. went out and started it and it dropped down to 1/2. will have radiator tested. thanks for info.

 

The new radiator did the trick for me. I drove 30 miles last night after the install and it never got above 40% on the gage.

 

A flush and fill is a great place to start. It can do wonders.

 

Those of you that put in new radiators, did you use 1 core or 2 core radiators ?

 

Moose: I bought a direct replacement single core unit. So far its doing real well and heat remains where it did prior to the problem. Acid test will be a week from today when we head to the beach.

 

Noticed the resivoir tank was low filled it and burped the syt Sat. ran it did not get as hot ckd tank this morning was a little low. ckd for leak filled per serv man. will run tommorow and se ho it works.

 

i have a 04 durango 4.7 and had the same problem and losing antifreeze but very little at a time come to find out he tested for gases in the the coolant and found out it was head gasket .know it doesnt go over halfway in the hottest wheather in traffic with ac on