So my Dakota does what Altair's did in this post when it's hot:
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/3rd-gen...aking-hot.html

It goes over the mid-line on the temp, but will drop again under. It is hot outside and it seems random. Radiator was flushed by the dealer at 63k or so and it's at 72k. I haven't see it go higher than a tick over the midway point.

Radiator fins appears to be good and I'm not seeing a whole lot of debris in it.

I moved the fan back and forth and it doesn't seem to be loose (not sure if that's a good test for the clutch).

There are no leaks and the radiator cap was replaced (since it's the cheapest easiest thing to do).

Quick examination of the belts appear to be okay with no cracks.

So the question is... should I throw a 180 T-stat in it to keep it cooler? I don't want the valves to pop like in some of the other 4.7L's that have overheated. The truck is stock to my knowledge.

Also I assume it has the heavy duty cooling since it's a TRX4. What's the difference between the heavy duty and the "regular" radiators?

Thanks in advance.

 

Yeah, get a clean container and drain that fresh coolant into it to reuse it. Once everything comes out of the radiator there will be minimal mess when you remove the thermostat housing. It is just two 8 mm or 10 mm bolts or w.e..you can pop in the new thermostat without removing the lower radiator hose. Don't worry about cutting that notch into the NAPA stat that everyone on here gets. It isn't needed, it is just an extra precaution to make sure you put the gasket/seal on properly. It is $8..cheaper than $2000!
edit: here is the part

 

been running the napa stat since I purchased the truck in 2005, runs cool and never gets to the half way point in 100 degree weather with the a/c on sitting in traffic, part number is 530080

 

I have a 180 stat, I get a needle width above half way only once or twice a summer, on the hottest days in traffic with the AC running full blast. It used to run halfway between half and hot in the same conditions before the 180 stat. Worried the crap out of me.

 

Just imagine this. HHR fan at it's best.

IMAG0017.jpg
IMAG0018.jpg

 

Gas gauge is a little scary too man

 

Hell, mines always like that.

 

So it gets THAT hot with a 180 Tstat and an HHR fan? Wow mine doesn't go THAT high :-D. You know approximately what temp the engine is at there?

I needed to order some stuff from Amazon last night and I just ordered the Jet 180 T-stat... I know it's more expensive, but what I've read it's better built and it has the gasket included (and I know it's a $2 gasket). Also ordered the Fumoto oil plug with the nipple.

06Dak4.7Silver - I'm hoping this is easy... not like my freakin' struts! :-)

Thanks for the help!

 

I've been running that 180 t-stat from Napa for 3 years now and mine will get to the level FrenicX does. Heck it used to go even higher until the clutch fan kicked on. I've never liked it, but every shop I've taken it to says the truck looks and runs fine.

I got a really good coolant flush last summer which has helped significantly. Now it'll only get that high if I've got a trailer or quad in the back going up grades in 110+ heat. 108,000 miles and counting...

 

That's very comforting that putting the 180 T-stat should help keep it cooler. So far I haven't towed with it, but it looks like it came with the factory tow package since the bar has no logos and it has the foldable side mirrors.