Cooling Problems......
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Joined: Dec 2004
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Cooling Problems......
I have a 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 with a 5.2L. It has been heating up on me when I sit in stop and go traffic. I check the coolant level about every 2 days now and it is always Low. I cannot find a pin hole anywhere. I have also checked the system with a tool that applies pressure in to the through connection of the Radiator. I held 15 lbs and did not leak down. My first guess was the clutch fan, but it feels like it has tension when the motor is cold. Where is the coolant going? What is going on with my truck?
Help Please.
Help Please.
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: PA
RE: Cooling Problems......
Check you oil and make sure there isn't any coolant in it. Also, you might try replacing your radiator cap since the system held pressure. Caps do go bad from time to time, and coolant can evaporate and escape.
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2004
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RE: Cooling Problems......
I just checked the oil and it looks good, so my head gaskets should be ok right. I also checked around the intake manifold, nothing visual.
I changed the thermostat in my truck to a 170 replacing the stock 195 for cooler temp on the requirments of the JetChip Stage 2. Would the temperature change have any effect on the Clutch Fan?
I will change the cap today.
I changed the thermostat in my truck to a 170 replacing the stock 195 for cooler temp on the requirments of the JetChip Stage 2. Would the temperature change have any effect on the Clutch Fan?
I will change the cap today.
Professional
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 143
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From: Cuyahoga Falls,OH
RE: Cooling Problems......
My 96 seems to go just above the mid point...even when it's near zero outside. Every few days I get a slight smell of coolant inside the engine bay even though I can't find any leaks. The coolant level seems ok. Also,shouldn't the radiator cap be pretty warm at full operational temperature? Mine is as cool as the outdoors right now when it's running over 200+ degrees. The truck only has 42k on the ticker. I'm I just being parenoid or does it sound like I may have a problem here?
Record Breaker
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: DuQuoin,IL.
RE: Cooling Problems......
ORIGINAL: Scootr
My 96 seems to go just above the mid point...even when it's near zero outside. Every few days I get a slight smell of coolant inside the engine bay even though I can't find any leaks. The coolant level seems ok. Also,shouldn't the radiator cap be pretty warm at full operational temperature? Mine is as cool as the outdoors right now when it's running over 200+ degrees. The truck only has 42k on the ticker. I'm I just being parenoid or does it sound like I may have a problem here?
The cap should hot. From the guage reading, it probably has the stock thermostat in it.
My 96 seems to go just above the mid point...even when it's near zero outside. Every few days I get a slight smell of coolant inside the engine bay even though I can't find any leaks. The coolant level seems ok. Also,shouldn't the radiator cap be pretty warm at full operational temperature? Mine is as cool as the outdoors right now when it's running over 200+ degrees. The truck only has 42k on the ticker. I'm I just being parenoid or does it sound like I may have a problem here?
The cap should hot. From the guage reading, it probably has the stock thermostat in it.
Professional
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Cuyahoga Falls,OH
RE: Cooling Problems......
The radiator cap should or shouldn't be hot/warm at normal operating temp??
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Professional
Joined: May 2004
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From:
RE: Cooling Problems......
if you still have your 195 thermostat...put it back in and see if the problem goes away....if could be that the 170 isnt allowing the coolant to get hot enough for the fan clutch to engage and therefore the temp has to go up when you just sitting there before it will kick on. 25 degrees of change can do funny things