Ok I have a 2004 Ram Regular cab V-6 w/ 52k. Today I replace the water pump and thermo. The water pump bearing was bad and was spewing water. So now it runs hot according to the gauge. The radiator cap stays cool and the coolant that I can touch is cool. The inlet hose to the radiator is hot. I checked my belt making sure that the water pump was not running in reverse (even though I think that may be nearly imposible to do). So did I maybe get a bad pump? I think this my be unlikely. Or perhaps a bad thermostat? Tomorrow I am going to drain the coolant and test the thermo. Maybe I put the thermo in backwards even though I'm pretty sure I put it back in the same as the old one. Just in case maybe I did put it in backwards could somebody tell me which direction it goes? It has a short end and a long end to it, but I'm not sure how I put it in there. Thanks in advance y'all are great.

 

Probably air in the system. Probably a valve near the therno housing you can open until all air is out and you get a solid stream of coolant coming out.

 

Forgot to add.... If it is a air issue get the truck warm, open the valve while running and your heater on high, then wait for all the air to purge until you get the stream of coolant I mentioned above.

 

Lord I hope that is all it is. I know what you are talking about and I will check it out in the morning. Thanks.
dw

 

Wanna know what it was? Well if you I knew you guys in person I wouldn't be saying jack. I had the ole thermo backwards. Dummy on my part I know. Well thanks anyway y'all.

 

No big deal, I'm just glad you got it figured out