Hello, Everyone -

I have a 2000 Ram Van 1500 with the 5.9L, 3.55 rear end. I was towing my camping trailer for the first time and when I am at 60 mph the engine is running really hot (about 230 degrees). When I am in normal stop and go traffic it runs about 210 degrees. I cannot run my A/C or it over heats. Any suggestions as to what could be wrong? Isn't this vehicle capable of towing 6000 lbs.? I gotta be able to run the A/C while traveling.....

 

Your situation as described is almost always caused by a bad radiator.

Sounds like yours is clogged. This is right about the time a factory rad in a 2000 model might be going bad -- unless there was a history of changing out coolant every two years or so (which is recommended but very few people actually do).

This would also be a good time to also change out the coolant pump, thermostat, hoses (don't forget the bypass hose), & serp belt.

If you use straight coolant and make your own 50/50 mix be sure to use Distilled Water and not tap water when refilling your system.

 

Yes, it's about that time to change out the RAD. I just did this on my 2001 and so did another person on their 2001. I had wrote up a basic procedure on changing out the RAD, Water-pump, hoses, T-stat, bypass hose, and belt. In all, with basic garage tools that includes a good socket set with the extensions, you can have the job done in 6~10 hours depending how intense it gets. My bottleneck was the viscous fan-clutch assembly being frozen with the left-handed nut.

 

Thanks for the replies.

Any idea what this work would cost at mechanic shop? This looks and sounds like it should be done by a professional.

 

This kind of work is fairly easily done at home unless you have very low mechanical aptitude. Complete the following Test to see how you should proceed:

1. Look in your tool box. If you don't have a tool box go to the Last Step.

2. Take a look at your tools. If you don't have tools go to the Last Step.

3. Read the manufacturer name on your tools. If there is no apparent name on your tools, or if they all say "Made In Taiwan", or you have them left-over from the last piece of IKEA furniture you assembled go to the Last Step.

4. If your tools say something like MAC, Cornwell, Snap-On, Craftsman or Matco then proceed to 5, otherwise go to the Last Step.

5. If you routinely change your oil, rotate your tires & service your brakes proceed to 6, otherwise go to Last Step.

6. You are a competent enough mechanic to replace your Dodge radiator.


Last Step
---------
Call your local mechanic ang get a quote for the work to be performed. Rates vary so you'll have to shop the job around until you get a price you are comfortable with. Off the cuff I'd say this is about a $750 job with parts and labor.

 

A tip from what I've learned from this group.
It's easier to pull the old radiator, and install the new one, from the bottom. So you will need to jack up the front. Never done it myself, but it sounds good.

 

^ That applies for sure on the 97 and older vans. I think many of the 98 and newer van owners have found that by pulling the two core support to firewall braces that you can pull theses from the top.

 

If you pass this test then you should have (or get) an OEM factory service manual as well. Much better than a Haynes or Chilton's manual. But having a Haynes or Chilton's is better than none.

Rusty93RamVan: Love that test, if you don't mind I will be quoting it quite often.

 

So I tried to tackle this myself. Wasn't too bad. The thermostat was the worst part.

Here are some photos of the old radiator:





Obviously needed replacing. I'll attempt reassembly tomorrow.

Thanks for all the advice!!!

 

There's some pretty serious rot on that thing!