So tonight I went out and started my dodge for the first time in a few weeks. Puppy started right up. I haven't drove it yet this winter cause I haven't really needed to. Plus my commute is better on my wallet if I drive my BMW. So its really just sat for 2 months or so.

Anyway onto the problem. Like I said I started it up and it did start right up. I turned on the defrost and went inside for a while. I went back out and got into the truck. There was still very little heat coming out of the vents. I shut off the truck and noticed water/fluid pouring out of under the hood. Popped the hood and looked. It was out of the raidator.

To me it appear it could be the thermostat? Anyone care to commit? I will say the guage in the truck didn't show that it was above normal heat? I want to drive it tomorrow, but I want to make sure its not going to leave me stranded.

thanks in advance
Shane

 

First find where it came from, then say, if its coming from the top engine, take the top hose off and check that hose. Also, if its cold where you are is there any way it froze? too much water in the system?

 

It was coming out the cap. Yes I'm in Indiana and its about 17 right now.

 

the engine can actually freeze up and overheat at the same time.

with insufficient antifreeze, the engine can warm up and open the thermostat and start pushing coolant out to the radiator. if the radiator is frozen up, then it can't flow through - and you have a big mess that can damage the engine.

try putting a heater blowing on the radiator. cover the whole thing up with a tarp to trap the heat. thaw it out and drain the system and fill it with 50/50 or 75/25 antifreeze. caution - your radiator may already be busted.

 

I guess that could be it. I didn't think it was low but it might have been. I put some fluid in it over the summer.

I'll drain it tomorrow and fill it back up. After I put it in the garage and get it nice and warm.

 

What really sucks is not having the 4x4 tomorrow. I was hopeing to get it about 30miles to work then maybe a shop if needed.

 

Update:

I opened up the rad, and pulled the drain plug. I got less than a gallon drained. I'm a little worried something else might have been the problem to have that much come out the cap.

Its staying in the garage tonight, and I'll fill it up tomorrow with new fluid. Then take it for a drive.

 

So far up to $959 to get this problem fixed.

 

959 on what exactly?

 

Was it made of solid gold?