So I noticed something on my recent V10 purchase...the upper radiator hose makes contact with a bolt head on the AC compressor. Makes a fairly nice bit of contact. Clearly someone before me found that to be a little alarming as well...because they created this 'shield' to protect the hose ---electrical tape and something resembling a sponge.

Is it normal for this hose to contact this nut...or is this some kind of ill fitting after market hose?

picture forthcoming momentarily.

-Ray

 

 

I've also noticed that the engine seems to run kind of cool...in 30 degree or cooler temps if I'm running at highway speeds the heater gets 'warmish' but not hot....so a thermostat replacement seems as though it might be in order.

 

There screen comes on all good hoses (i.e. Gates). it is meant to keep the A\C from rubbing on the hose. The tape, that is likely to keep it in place as mine had moved down the hose before I took this. When cold, loosen the clamp on the T-Stat and turn the hose abit to clear the A/C. You may need to do the same on the raditor side as well, twist it clockwise to get the hose off the bolt. I'd leave the tape for now.

 

Thanks very much for the picture. I'm going to try to move mine this afternoon, if work goes as easy as I hope it will. I'm not sure it will adjust quite like yours...looking at your pics there seems to be a subtle but distinct difference in the shape.

If it won't fit right then I'll just replace it when I replace the thermostat (according to the temp gauge I never get near operating temp..I stay closer to 170...that's obviously ballparking it based on the gauge on the dash cluster).

-Ray

 

The temp gauge is NOT linear. Plug in with a scanner, and see what temp the PCM thinks the engine is before replacing the thermostat.

 

Mine has that "to cold" thing thing too. Being a street rodder I don't see the problem with it running cold but, HeyYou is right, if have a scanner use it. The PCM sets fuel curves, timing and, the like by temp. If yours is a pre '98 you can use the key to see if there is a code 17. Too cold to long in the PCM. That's going to be a hint to put it no the scanner to check.

Here is how if you need it: http://dodgeram.info/Engine-Gas/OBDI/pcm_fault_code.htm It is a limited list however 17 is on there.

 

On my '99 w/heavy duty cooling package it also runs cool on the gauge even with a 190 degree thermostat, Stant #14539. Also have the hose screen over the a/c pump, with never an issue.

 

This really bothered me. So I ended up replacing it. The dayco 71867 fits much better. Same length but taller.