Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Running hot after new TStat

[RoryTek]

Hey gang I know this has been covered before about engine temps running high.
As far as I know my stock tstat was not working right cause my temps went up to near the limit line will towing a trailer 6500# on flat ground. Normal for me is around the 10 o clock position most it would get would be 190f then open open and drop back. So I replaced it with one from Napa and I seem to still have the same problems. Checked intercooler for dirt and bugs, it's clean
Radiator looks good on the fan side plus water looks good too no junk in it.
Truck has about 230k on the odo.
Question is should I pull the radiator and really give it a good pressure wash?
Also fan clutch was replaced last year and and it doesn't free spin by hand.
Am I missing anything? Should I drill the small hole in tstat?

Thanks all

 

[edgeman]

Im not sure about the drilling the stat, but be carefull pressure washing, Ive seen it bend the fins on the radiator.

 

[RoryTek]

Oh I forgot to mention that outside temps were in the 100's about 104F

 

[Bart]

Rory, I live just down the road from you in VV. I had a problem with high temps while towing too. I removed the radiator and had it checked by Broadway radiator in Hesperia. They said that it was slightly restricted and it was basicly a throw away because of the plastic tanks. I bought a new one and found out that the new one is aluminum. Before replacing the rad I removed the intercooler and trans cooler. I had a ton of bug guts in there, thanks to a trip though Kalmath, Oregon at sundown during August. I DON"T recommend this as my Red truck turned GREEEEEEEEEEN. Literally!! Anyway after cleaning those two that I removed I cleaned the a/c condenser without removing it. I used a garden hose with a sprayer on the end. I sprayed both directions until I could see through them. I also made sure the fins were as straight as possible. Lastly, I replaced all the hoses with Mr. Bob's blue silicon hose kit. While this is/was not a requirement, it's the best time to do it. Have fun with the hose behind the heat exchanger. I haven't had it under a tow situation yet. This next weekend I'll be towing up that back side of Big Bear so we'll see.

If you're looking to find the cause of the heating without a lot of money, try the de-bug thing first. One last thought, I could see much between my units either until I got them out.

Edited to add a question. You mentioned the replaced fan clutch. Is that a dodge replacement or an after market (parts house type)? I've heard many time on this sight AND from Broadway that the ONLY replacement should be dodge. The aftermarkets just don't work that great. Just food for thought.

 

[LOtero]

jumping on board

 

[fest3er]

The only t-stat I've found that works well is the one directly from Cummins. The rest just aren't good enough.

N