OUT OF TOWN...Need Help with truck

[CJ Lagos]

I took a trip from Richmond, VA to New York yesterday night and am having some problems. I left VA around 7pm, in temps of 88-95 I could only run 65mph without the temperature guage causing problems. It didn't get into the red zone but the Check Guages light came on. This has happened before but I thought we had it fixed:



The day before I left I had a DTT 91% TC & VB installed. We also found a damaged belt and assumed that the belt was slipping which might cause the cooling problem.



The tech who installed the transmission stuff said he checked the thermostat and fan clutch, both appeared normal.



The truck has a DD EZ but is otherwise stock except for transmission. EGT and Boost guages read normal.



When night fell and temperature dropped into high 70s-low 80s, I could run 70-75mph without a problem.



All of this occured while towing the trailer which weighs in around 10k. Driving around town and on interstate never yields a temp problem, only while loaded.



Please post any help you all might have... I leave Monday morn for back home.



Thank you.



CJ

 

[EMDDIESEL]

I live right on the border on NY State and Connecticut. If you need anything, let me know. Email me and ill give you my phone number

 

[fest3er]

Originally posted by CJ Lagos

I took a trip from Richmond, VA to New York yesterday night and am having some problems. I left VA around 7pm, in temps of 88-95 I could only run 65mph without the temperature guage causing problems.

1. Ensure the radiators are clear of bugs and debris.
   
2. Ensure that you can *hear* the fan when the dash lights up. If you *never* hear the fan at any time, you either have a bad fan clutch, or:
   
3. Your thermostat is faulty and is not closing properly, thus not letting enough coolant to flow through the radiator.
   

My '98 12V *never* got too hot on the hottest days - it never approached 190. Now, on the hottest days, it sits around 190, and climbing long grades, I've seen it much higher than that. EGT's normal. And the A/C nearly stops working in city traffic.



The dawn broke over Marblehead here, though. I *finally* realized that I haven't heard the fan run in months. So, I'm in the process of installing a new fan clutch. They normally last about 90K miles.



Fest3er

 

[ACoyle]

Depending on where you are in New York, I live in New Jersey, and can be in New York City area in a flash. e-Mail me or beep me @ 917-218-1897. I have reasonable access to tools and parts.

 

[ACoyle]

Just a question, could your trailer brakes be dragging? That would increase drag on the truck and increase engine temp.

 

[HEMI®Dart]

CJ,



Your truck was one of the model years that may have come with a bad thermostat. There was a bad batch made at one time. If you still have the original T-Stat, that could be your probem.





From Fritzs' web page:



Overheating while towing: reports appearing of bad thermostat batch

replace thermostat : Cummins P/N 3943200

see Dodge dealer for warranty replacement - no TSB yet



More info: http://dodgeram.org/tech/tsb/1998/07_08_98.htm

 

[Big MAK]

Thermostats are cheap and super easy to replace. Two bolts; pop it out; new one in. One minute tops. If it's the original then replace it just to see.

 

[CJ Lagos]

Hey Guys,



I'm not sure if the themostat is original or not. My motor ESN falls into that TBS so I'm gonna try to replace it tomorrow, I think I'm gonna hang around and leave Monday night anyway.



How can I test the fan clutch, I don't think I hear the fan moving but I'm really not sure what to be listening for to be quite honest... ?



I read a while back that the fan should turn 2-2. 5 times when the motor is off before it locks up, mine turns just about as many as you want... . is this normal?



ACoyle,



Where is a dealer I can get a new thermostat from, or possibly get the clutch replaced, is that an expensive procedure?

 

[Thomas]

It should turn as many times as you want—with a little bit of resistance—with the engine off.



When the hydrostatic clutch engages (a function of air temperature through the truck front and over the fan clutch—it's either engaged or disengaged) you should hear the fan ROAR, particularly loud at higher engine speeds.

 

[groundpounder]

Hey CJ Lagos I am right on the MD/DE line of I-95. If you are close to my area let me know and I will hoof one to you. I have about 3 dealers all within 20 minutes of my location. Let me know!! Always glad to help. -- email address removed --

 

[ACoyle]

Closest to me isDecker Dodge in Hawthorne NJ 973-427-4919. They open early and I think they are open till about 7:00 PM.



I still am not sure where in NY you are. I am in NYC for the day. You can still beep me. If no other options work, I probably can leave the city a little early, Pick up a thermostat or maybe you can get one during the day, Pop by the Wayne NJ area and I'll help you change it.



If you need a closer dealer, beep me (917) 218-1897 and I'll find one near you.

 

[CJ Lagos]

Thanks

Thanks to everyone who helped. I ended up putting a new thermostat in the truck, it looks like the original was still there. Now the truck runs cooler than ever, and pulls awesome.



I picked the truck up last Friday with the DTT stuff in the transmission and then left for a 1500 mile road trip that night. Definately a potent combination, I love passing people on upgrades... .



CJ