Working on a 2015 Ram 1500 SLT/Longhorn with the 5.7 Hemi. Motor overheating issue. Almost 100,000 miles. Prior to my arrival, the t-stat was replaced (old one had been thrown away *not tested*), the coolant temperature sensor, and a tubing (heater bypass) that had a small pin hole leak. No fix. So here's what I've done: With a motor that wasn't ran overnight:: Checked coolant level and it was low; added 1.5 gallons of coolant (including the reservoir). Checked oil (dip-stick) and the oil looked good and the level was right on. Checked thermal clutch by spinning the fan blade: about a 1/3 to 1/2 spin . Grabbed the two fan blades and checked for play by easily pulling on each side . About 1/16 to 1/8 of an inch (best guess). Started up with the radiator cap off and put that funnel in there with 1/3 full coolant. I squeezed the cool water return hose (top) several times while waiting on engine coolant to warm up (yes got lot's of bubbles). Bubbles finally quit. Coolant level lined out, and I watched the temperature and at 215 I turned the engine off. Drained and checked the new t-stat that was installed: Made sure it was the correct degree rating and it was. Also, the weep hole was at 4:00 not 12:00. (Not sure if that is the main source of the overheating). Removed, and tested operation and it opened near the 203F, give or take a degree. It opened but not real far but it did open. Removed serpentine belt and spun the water pump (no noise) nor play. Antifreeze was dirty looking so I used a water hose and did my best to "flush" everything back and fourth. Took awhile but it finally starting looking like water. Radiator and the cooling coil in front of it looked ok but I washed the heck out of those with a cleaner. Did get some dirt, grass, etc. I removed the water pump just to check and the gasket was in-place and the pump looked fine. Ok, so I am going to get a new gasket for the water pump to replace (gasket only), probably go ahead and replace the t-stat, and buy a new serpentine belt (worn). I'm thinking to put the necessary stuff back on (minus the t-stat) and do a flush). So, any opinions or input on this? Should I reinstall the t-stat correctly, add coolant and run it to see what happens? I do plan on letting the coolant get to 226 maybe 230 to see if the electric fans come on. I know (be reading) there's been a lot of comments about getting all the air out. I couldn't get the plug out of the top water pump to bleed and no I forgot that I could take out the temperature sensor to bleed the air out as well. I'm tired and going to bed!!! I just remembered something. When I first noticed the level was low and and 1.5 gallons and cranked the engine with radiator cap off, when the coolant temp got up to 210 I reinstalled the radiator cap. Before I turned the engine off at 215 I noticed there was no pressure on the upper radiator hose. I am assuming that it didn't have enough time to build it up. Bottom hose was hot, top hose was kinda warm ( I don't have a temperature gun). My bad on the electric fans coming on at 226, it's a lot higher than that and I ain't going to let that engine get that hot. When I get it all back together today I'm going to pressure test the system. Ok, back at it