Archived engine running hot

[jackfunkhauser]

I have a 98. 5-24 valve Ram with 410 gear ratio, 122K miles. I have an EZ power box (the one that is supposed to add 60 hp, mine added 40hp). Recently while pulling a gooseneck trailer in the mountains (my first time) the engine ran hot. Trailer & load weight is about 8500 pounds. Outdoor temp was about 60-65 degrees. Temp guage markings are 140, 190, 240(red). Markings for the operating range look like about 165 and 215. Running empty the temp is 185. Temp pulling the trailer, not in the mountains is just above 190. In the mountains several times it moved between 190 and 215. Two times it went about half way between 215 and 240 (about a minute or less each time). Is this normal temps under those conditions or might something be wrong?

A few clarifications (thanks Ben):

1. did you get the truck new or used? Got it used

2. did you ever change the thermostat to the updated one? No

3. auto or stick? Automatic

4. was the radiator ever flushed & cleaned? No

 

[Ladders]

A few ques that may assist others that are more familiar wth your year:



1. did you get the truck new or used?

2. did you ever change the thermostat to the updated one?

3. auto or stick?

4. was the radiator ever flushed & cleaned?



Hope these help.



SOTSU!!

\\BF//

 

[OTRPU]

Mine ran hotter. . . boiled over ever so often, let her cool till I could get the rad cap off without exploding. Added half & half water/antifreeze. Exhaust temps blew 1,500 off. I decided discretion was the better part of valor, chicken backed out of it. 75 is what Nebraska is posted at, think it's tongue in cheek. Nobody stayed with me. . . think they thought me a fool. I decided 60 was fast enough with a 16k load. Strongly suspect my fan clutch is out. Back to the DOC to see. Only guage I have that wasn't pegged full right was the ole transmission temp, she held in there under 200. I think it's time I open up the exhaust some.



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Tow Safe,

Steve J.

 

[Missouri Mule]

jackfunkhauser ,

Your temp reading's seem top be OK.

Pulling trailer in mountains will make truck work harder especialy if outside temp is up there.

 

[rashwor]

It couldn't hurt...

to change the coolant and thermostat. Might want to check to see if the radiator and such in front is stopped up with bugs.



If you tow a lot and don't live in Alaska, you can run the 180* thermostat. It is a guess as to you having the 190* or 180* thermostat... Cummins used both.



I changed my coolant and thermostat back in July and it helped a lot in the Texas heat. I originally had a 180* thermostat and went back with a new 180* thermostat. This was the first change of the thermostat and second coolant change for my truck. When I drained and refilled the coolant, I went back with Cummins Fleetguard Compleat ES 50/50 premix (it is pretty blue).



The truck never ran hot before the change, but it would get up to about 195*. Now it tops out about 185* fully loaded and working hard, so something helped a little. Oo.



I don't tow in the mountains so I can't atest to your conditions. You are running warmer than I would prefer, but it may just be normal.

 

[Pit Bull]

I think you should change the thermostat to the updated one and flush the cooling system and change the antifreeze. How often have you changed the antifreeze in the past?

 

[cpeters]

You need to change your thermostat, if you live in a hot climate like I do or you tow alot you need the 180. Either way you should go to your local cummins dealer and get the flush they recomend. I just did this and it made a world of difference. Be sure you run the flush in the system for at least 50 miles to flush compleatly then refill with the blue premix compleat. You won't regret doing it right.