Thought of this right after my last post.

Any "soft" hoses or crimped lines restricting coolant? When was the last time you flushed the whole system.

 

I changed the antifreeze along with the thermostat less than a week ago, I did not "flush" the system, only drained it. There are no kinks or soft spots in the hoses.

 

Not sure if there are bleeder screws on the dodge trucks for getting air out of the collant system? I had a simalar issue with a Firebird, which had bleeder screws to get the air out of the system.

 

The thermostat is in the bottom radiator hose, any air SHOULD pass back to the radiator from the top, not positive though. I am picking up a new radiator cap this evening when I get off work. I hope that does the trick.

 

Any rust or scale when you drained it?

 

No rust or scale, there was some "rubber-like paisty stuff" that I noticed while putting the new radiator cap on.(about a teaspoons worth, chalky brown color and it floats) The temperature problem is under control again. However, I haven't had time off to replace the plugs yet, and the "Amber Check Engine Light" is back. I noticed the engine was running better between the time the "ACEL" went away and the time that it returned. I'm hoping to have the new plugs installed in the next couple of days and hopfully this will resolve it. I will post the results when I get that done. I can't wait to retire and finally have time to work!

Thanks Again

 

If you found stuff other than antifreeze in the radiator, I'd do a flush with a cleaner, whether it be prestone or whichever brand you prefer. Have you added an antifreeze that isn't compatible with the long life antifreeze prior to this problem? I understand that this can cause some gelling. If not, and your temp is fine, I possibly wouldn't worry about it.

Also, check the engine code again to see if it is the same code.

 

If you take your truck into a shop that does tyres batteries and clears codes etc. You know the El-cheapo "tyres are us" type store, I believe you can get a test done on your coolant.
They suck up some fluid from your radiator and the hydrometer type thing has a chemical dye in it. If the dye changes colour, it indicates a blown head gasket/cracked head, as emissions are entering the coolant through either a damaged head gasket or a cracked head. The test is cheap (here in the UK it is) and is a primary indicator of gasket/head problems.
You might just have a small nick in the gasket or crack in the head to allow the coolant to overheat like that etc.
Just a thought and a quick cheap way of ruling out head damage.
Hope this helps and I more than hope I'm not right.
Al.

 

Thanks for the input Doc and Al. I haven't added anything to the coolant before I changed the thermostat. I'm sure it was a longlife coolant, so the Prestone may have congealed with it since I didn'tflush it and it wouldn't hurt to have it tested.

 

If you used the Prestone all makes all models coolant, you'll be fine. The only thing that concerns me is the .

Take the cap off and look again (when it is cold of course) and see if there is more there. If not, and it is maintaining temp fine; leave well enough alone. Of course, my **** retentive self wouldn't be happy until I flushed the hell out of it and refilled the antifreeze. You've already replaced the thermostat and radiator cap, so you're good to go on that end.