Overheating

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I'm pulling an aluminum 20'gooseneck horse trailer, with 2 horses it weighs about 7000#. Life is good until I hit a mountain that persists for longer than a 3/4 mile. The temp gauge climbs to very near overheating. Soon as you break the top the gauge drops off to normal. It's factory set up for towing, but is there an upgraded radiator for a 90 4X4 W250? Thanks. . Tee Dee

 

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Hey Tee Dee,
Sounds like the radiator needs to be rodded out. Has this always been a problem or is it something that has developed over time? Have you tried replacing the thermastat?

Do you have EGT gauge? If so, what are the readings when the engine is heating up?

What mods have been done to the engine(if any)that may be contributing to the problem.

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Stan
93 2WD extended cab, Banks Power Pack, K&N Air Filter, Auto w/4. 10 rear with gear locker, US Gear Exhaust Brake, 3. 5" Exhaust, 5K air bags, Boost/Pyro/Tach Gauges, Green/Silver, 137K

 

[Archive]

Hi JT
Check to see if you radiator is a cross flow or a drop down style. My '93 has the cross flow and works very well. I don't know when Dodge changed the cooling system but if you find that yours is not a cross flow there are postings in the archives that can guide you thru a swap. If I am not mistaken there was an article in a past TDR issue on this swap. In an 11,000 mile trip - towing 8000lbs - in the summer of 1998 from Portland to Albany NY and back, up some of the worst hills the west has to offer I had no overheat problems. In addition with the power upgrades I have done I could set the cruise control for 65 and only had to down shift to 4th twice - Cabbage Hill out of Pendelton Or and Briddger Pass in Wy. I had no trouble at all with Lincoln Pass out side of Laramie Wy at close to 9,000 ft. I hope this helps.
Happy Trails

'93 Banks Power Pack, K&N air filter, BD injectors, tweaked pump - 27lbs boost unloaded.

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