Running hotter than normal

[MrZip]

My truck started running hotter than normal this morning in 30 degree weather. It also heated up on way home this afternoon in the 50 degree weather. At highway speeds, the coolant temp is usually right at the 200 mark but today it has been going up to about 220-230. The fan is kicking in and keeping it at these levels but is constantly running. Would this be a thermostat problem? or a bad coolant problem? Or perhaps a dirty radiator problem? I looked at the radiator and it appears to be a little dirty. I guess it is the A/C radiator (?)that is in front of it is dirty and has some banged up fins. I plan on putting a window screen in the front grill to help with the bugs in the future. Any ideas on how to get the temp back down to the normal reading? Would like to try a few things myself before taking it to the shop and their high labor rates.
It is an '03 with 6 speed manual. Working on getting my sig on.

 

[jelag]

You didn't say if you opened the coolant recover tank and or radiator and checked the fluid level... . Almost always when these trucks do what your describing its a low coolant issue... . I own several of these trucks, and have never had to put in a thermostat in over 1 million miles of ownership... I've seen drips of coolant from loose hoses that later give the owner grief... do you also have a problem with little or no heat some of the time...

In most cases a window screen is not recommended in front of the radiator. . You can go to Johnstone Supply or a company like that and get a fin comb, and comb and straighten the fins... Commercial AC guys use them to do the fins on commercial jobs. . plastic, usually under $10

 

[MrZip]

The recovery tank is filled to max line. Will be checking radiator in AM to check its level which I assume is full.