2002 Ram 5.9L Hotter Than Normal While Idling
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2002 Ram 5.9L Hotter Than Normal While Idling
I've searched the web for weeks and haven't been able to find an answer for this issue, so I'm hoping someone here might help.
I've got a 2002 5.9L 4x2 Ram QC. Auto, tow package, 140K...
Starting around 4 months ago, the temp would creep up to around 3/4 on the gauge. As soon as the engine is lifted off idle speed it cooled back down to below center.
Due to age and mileage, I went ahead and replaced the water pump, t-stat, hoses and belt. This made no changes so I replaced the fan clutch, t-stat again and flushed the cooling system. Still no changes, replaced the fan clutch again and flushed again, this time clamping hoses and forcing flush in all directions. Again, no changes. No obvious coolant leaks (no drips or smells) and the heater works fine. I believe the cooling system is burped well, I've let it run for 30 minutes in 95 degree temps with the cap off. Also checked for air restrictions in radiator/trans cooler area. (The condenser is on the side with an E-fan that works fine.)
Engine still runs below center of the temp gauge (with 195 degree t-stat) all the time unless idling for more than 5 minutes, then it creeps up to 3/4 gauge. Never gets into the red and never overheats. If I raise the idle speed with my foot to 1000 rpm when idling it immediately cools back down. Normal idle speed in P or D is 550-600 rpm according to the tach.
Any ideas or experience with this issue would be extremely appreciated.
I've got a 2002 5.9L 4x2 Ram QC. Auto, tow package, 140K...
Starting around 4 months ago, the temp would creep up to around 3/4 on the gauge. As soon as the engine is lifted off idle speed it cooled back down to below center.
Due to age and mileage, I went ahead and replaced the water pump, t-stat, hoses and belt. This made no changes so I replaced the fan clutch, t-stat again and flushed the cooling system. Still no changes, replaced the fan clutch again and flushed again, this time clamping hoses and forcing flush in all directions. Again, no changes. No obvious coolant leaks (no drips or smells) and the heater works fine. I believe the cooling system is burped well, I've let it run for 30 minutes in 95 degree temps with the cap off. Also checked for air restrictions in radiator/trans cooler area. (The condenser is on the side with an E-fan that works fine.)
Engine still runs below center of the temp gauge (with 195 degree t-stat) all the time unless idling for more than 5 minutes, then it creeps up to 3/4 gauge. Never gets into the red and never overheats. If I raise the idle speed with my foot to 1000 rpm when idling it immediately cools back down. Normal idle speed in P or D is 550-600 rpm according to the tach.
Any ideas or experience with this issue would be extremely appreciated.
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 17,003
Likes: 21
From: Albany, NY
Could be radiator. At 140kmi, it's not a bad idea to change it out, however, I wouldn't rule out a partially clogged heater core! I would try to pressure clean the heatercore lines.
Even before doing the heatercore, you can bypass the lines and see if that solves your problems. I'm not sure how the 02's are set-up and if they even use return cooling through the heater cores but there are alot of cars out there that do that. You can hook the out directly to the in to bypass it. Advance sells kits with the plastic connectors for flushing. You can use one of those for a temp bypass.
Even before doing the heatercore, you can bypass the lines and see if that solves your problems. I'm not sure how the 02's are set-up and if they even use return cooling through the heater cores but there are alot of cars out there that do that. You can hook the out directly to the in to bypass it. Advance sells kits with the plastic connectors for flushing. You can use one of those for a temp bypass.
