i got a problem with my engine overheating occasionally. i have a 2001 dodge 1500 reg cab 5.2 the engine is fine while driving but the temp slowly increases when im parked and in idle but then goes back down again to normal when i start driving we have replaced the thermostat and obviously that isnt the problem anyone else experiencing a similar problem?

 

Is it a big climb or just a little? Are you boiling over or just watching the needle climb a few degrees higher?

Heat climbing at stop or idle is not necessarily a problem. In extreme circumstances (towing or high outside temp), the clutch fan can't keep up in high heat without the ram air from moving forward helping out. I don't think it's the fan clutch, as the clutch usually locks up and spins full power at all times, which hurts power but not temp.

Start by flushing the radiator. If that isn't it have the system flow and pressure tested. You might have a clog somewhere.

 

no dont flush the radiator, i had it done now i have to replace the heater core, cause they blew it out

 

sounds like you need to flush the cooling system... you may also need a fan clutch. what I'd do is drain it, then fill it with water and drain again... repeat this until it comes out clear, then fill it back up and add the coolant system flush. this will get all the gunk out, once your done with that, re-flush it with fresh water until it comes out clear again. once your done, drain it all out and re-fill using distilled water & antifreeze... you should be good to go then.

 

If this is something that just started, then yeah, flush the cooling systmem. If it has been happening for a while and only on hotter days, rising temp. while idling is a sign of transmission heating up. Do you have a trans. cooler between the radiator and the A/C condensor? Do you have an a/c condensor? lol
If no tranny cooler, ya might want to add one.
WC

 

i am having the same issue. mine run 200/210 while driving and then jumps to 230/240 when i stop. i have narrowed it to the radiator i think. the entire lower half of my radiator is cold, even when the temp is reading 210 to 230. get your truck up to operating temp and feel your radiator in different areas and down the lenght of the plastic resevoirs along each side (turn off before checking, don't want to lose those fingers). it should be warm over the entire radiator. cold spots would indicate clogging. i plan on pulling mine out this weekend. will advise on outcome later.

 

mine does the same thing.. is the cooling system full?? i know whats wrong with mine.. i just have to fix it.. if you look real close.. at the heater hoses.. mine leak just a hair where they connect to the heater core..cant really even tell .. i got lucky and barely seen a drip coming off of there.. what it does is leak down the firewall.. and drips off of the transfer case underneath.. odd.. but thats how it does it.. check pressure and make sure its full

 

UPDATE from my previous post...... I pulled the radiator over the weekend. replaced it with one from autozone. cured my problem. my temp gauge won't even get near 200 now. of course its not real hot outside right now (mid 70's). you should have seen the gunk that came out of the drian and lower hose area of the radiator. hope this may help you or someone else with the runnng hot issue.