bigger radiator avail??

[hikethemtns]

While towing heavy loads my 03 will sometimes overheat, anyone know of a more efficent way to cool the engine, bigger radiator, water pump etc? I think there is a coolant additive that is supposed to help cool!

 

[Ken55]

Not sure how big your loads are but I've pulled 14k with my '03 and have not had any overheating probs. Just pulled 11k+ at 65-70mph in 80 degrees and my temp never went over 200. Just a guess but there must be a prob somewhere in the cooling system.

Ken

 

[Spooled-up]

I haven't heard much about overheating problems with these trucks. You might want to check the back of the radiator for debris that is jammed in between the fins. Remove the shroud and fan, and blow a blast of water out toward the front of the truck. There was a writeup in the last TDR magazine about the clogged radiators. Forcing water in through the front of the radiator doesn't help. It's got to come from the back. This cured the hot running problems of a couple of guys. There were some pics in the mag where the dirt could be seen right where the fan was up against the radiator.

 

[Msilbernagel]

You might consider switching to Evans' waterless coolant - boils at 350+ and lasts quite a while. Water-based coolants cavitate at the hot-spots (that pre-boil thing with the bubbles), which means less heat transferred, which means it gets hotter, and so on. This means that when it starts to go, it goes fast... which is what we're used to seeing. Plus the water-based stuff boils in the high 200's.



This stuff, on the other hand, doesn't have that characteristic.



You can also run a low-pressure radiator cap (0-2 lbs).



Worth checking into?



Downside might be that it holds/transfers a little less heat than water-based stuff. Normally this isn't a problem but if you read their website you can learn more.



FYI - Mark

 

[FASTERTHANU]

Have you checked the fan clutch operation?

 

[JGrosso]

I have also seen some high engine temps pulling with my 2005 Ram 3500.

When pulling long grades of 6% or more (in 90 degree heat), loaded with around a 10,000+ lb trailer my engine temps went up to 215-220 degrees. I backed off on the throttle and the temps stabilized.

I figured this might be sort of normal under the conditions?

Towing on level roads and at lower altitudes, I have had no overheating problems.

 

[Kirwin]

Fan lockup is PCM controlled

Do you hear the fan lock up? The PCM controls fan engagement. If your running the A/C you should be able to hear fan engagement. It is very loud about 2000 RPM. The temperature has to get about 220 F before the PCM will attempt to lock the fan. The radiator and cooling system is large enough for normal towing loads in normal temperatures. If you turn up the power you may have issues.

 

[rbattelle]

When you say "overheat", do you mean it actually pegs the needle? I think temps as high as 220 towing up a grade are quite reasonable. Assuming you're using quality coolant, it shouldn't be a problem.



If it's truly overheating, though, I'd do a coolant flush after checking for debris as suggested. Check thermostat while you're in there. And as Ken points out, there's always fan problems to be considered.



-Ryan

 

[Prairie Dog]

I really doubt your overheating, temps of 220 to 225 are normal and wont hurt anything on a modern eng. Check your owners manual for what they define as acceptable gage readings - you may be surprised.

If you really are over heating then somethings wrong.



Scotty

 

[hikethemtns]

Thanks for the good info guys.

 

[keimmmo]

Just another thought... When pulling a load up a hill, you need to gear down and rev up. The lower gears mean the motor is working less... less heat produced. The extra motor speed also moves more quantity of air through the head... more cooling. The extra motor speed will also turn the fan faster when it kicks in. You have not filled out your signature. That info might help us help you. If your truck has an automatic, forget that it is an automatic when towing in the hills and put it in the right gear yourself. Automatics tend to run in too high a gear in the hills and that heats both the motor and the trans.



Just plain trying to go to fast with a big load up a hill will make the motor run hotter. Sometimes just backing off a little and taking your time is all that is needed.



I do not know you personally or your driving habits. But, while exploring possibilities, I thought driving habits should also be mentioned. If nothing else, maybe it will help someone who reads the thread.



Steve Keim

 

[JValdez]

JGrosso

I've got the same truck as you but without the mods. I've seen my temp get up to 210 running empty up a hill. The last time I was in for service I was told this is normal and the temp will stabilize. They checked everything and it was fine.

 

[JGrosso]

I thought it was normal too, I just wanted to make sure.

Thanks all.

 

[MMeier]

Can't get mine above 215-220* no matter what I'm yanking around. Had 33k# last week doing 50 MPH up Mountain Springs west of here, about 210 was all it would see!! Now when my fan clutch went south last month,well..... :{