I have two separate questions regarding my D, an '06 Limited w\ the HEMI (5.7L) & a little over 102k on it.

#1.) With colder weather now upon us, I like to start my D so it can 'warm up' inside. The problem is that it takes forever for it to do so. I can let it idle for 30-45 mins and the temp gauge barely lifts off the bottom peg. Drive it a total of 5 miles (stop and go) to drop kids off at a school and go back home and even by the time I get home the temp needle is just barely between 1/8 & 1/4 up the gauge. By this time the D has been running about an hour, and the inside is just starting to get warm.
I have flushed and filled the coolant, favoring water to about 60\40, replaced the thermostat, fan clutch and w-pump (nothing wrong with either of the 3 before replacing), even tried blocking part of the radi off but nothing has done anything to help. I know the mechanical fan is always pushing air through the radi fins with or without the clutch engaged, but even so I have never had a vehicle take this long to warm up. My wifes Caravan is halfway up the gauge in about 5 mins! Even out on the highway cruising, the temp gauge will not get past 3/8. And when I say colder temps, I mean like 35ish. Mechanically it runs great, just takes forever to warm up. Any ideas?

#2.) I want to install a Murphy Gauge (with light and buzzer) for monitoring the tranny and oil temp as I plan on pulling our camper around this summer. It has the factory installed tranny cooler. I want the peace of mind of being able to keep an eye on it myself. What is the recommend temps to set the MG's to for the oil and tranny. I don't want them to go off prematurely under 'normal' temp ranges, but I don't want it set so high that I'm at or above my 'safe' threshold either.

Thanks!

 

Rukachu:

I will take a shot at your #1.

My experience is similar to yours in that I agree that the Hemi takes a while to reach full temp.
The factory T stat is set at 203 degrees. On my 4 mile drive to work, my T stat will usually just be opening when I am at the 3.5 mile mark.

In our cold Ohio winters, it may not open at all in that 4 mile run. I do have plenty of heat though by the 1.5 mile mark.

You may have a plugged or restricted heater core. Does your D have the rear heater? Does it perform the same way?

Regarding the extended warm up. With today's computer control and fuel injection, such warm up time is not needed like the carburated engines of the early 80's and before.

Most documentation says to idle it no more than 3-5 minutes, and then go easy on it until it is warmed up as you drive.

The prevailing thought is that at idle, the engine takes longer to warm to the point where its computer controls will begin to work from live sensor data as opposed to preset computer algorithms that are less efficient.

Hope this helps you.................................Don

 

Thanks n8ech - No the cores aren't plugged. I've talked to a Ram guy here in town and he said his does the same thing. It seems to be normal, I think its one of those personal preferences. As far as the extended warmups, I know its not necessary and really not recommended, but if the operating temp would rise a little quicker....

 

Put a block heater in it and you will have heat coming out within minutes of starting. Its a lifesaver here in ND in the winter and is pretty easy to install.

 

mine doesnt take near that long to warm up, that doesnt sound normal.. i have an 05 D with a hemi.. when i leave work in the morning i start the truck and let it run for 3-5 mins so oil can circulate and within 5 mins of leaving im usually at 1/4 way heated up.. and another 5-8 im just under 1/2 where is should be.. my d has 126k