i have a 96 ram 2500 with the 5.9l 4x4 i just bought it and it has problems over heating. i changed the thermostat and the radiator cap. the truck runs great and doesnt smoke or anything. the temp gauge goes up to about 230 and doesnt get any higher than that. also it doesnt leak any anti freeze and actually cools down when im at idle. any help would be much appreciated.

 

I have the same problem, except mine doesn't cool down at idle, just runs hot and stays hot. One thing to check is the functionality of your waterpump. You can do this by watching the coolant as the truck gets to the thermo temp. If you see the coolant sitting still, and then it rushes quickly, your waterpump works just fine. Also, are you POSITIVE that you installed the thermo in the correct orientation? Putting it in upside down would yield crazy results too.

 

no im not sure cause i didnt install the thermo. a shop did. a shop has been doing all the work so far because i bought the truck off a car lot and the lot is paying the bill.

 

im thinking of changing the coolant temp sensor. does anybody know where that is located? ive looked all over the block and found nothing. i have the new part

 

Should be right next to the thermostat housing.

 

Then have the shop troubleshoot the problem rather than you going in there an just replacing sensors and such.

 

thanks guys. much appreciated.

 

The spring on the thermostat goes towards the engine block.. If it ain't boiling over and spewing coolant, it is not over heating.. It most likely is reading the temp wrong or the gauge is not reading accurate..

 

Check for cold spots on the radiator and try to turn the cab heat to high. If it cools
off with it on and you have cold spots on the rad change it.