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23:06:54 - 12/19/2024
V6 Dakotas
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Jon
Dodge Dakota
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8/04/2006
22:08:50
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 Subject: 95 Dakota Temp. Gauge
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Message:
I have a 95 dakota 3.9L V6 that I think is overheating. The temp gauge goes to about 3/4 of the way to hot, and when it is hot the engine pings. I have recently replaced the fan clutch and thermostat with no success. What should the needle in the temp gauge normally read at? Is my truck overheating?
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Mike Stager
Dodge Dakota
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8/04/2006
22:43:22
|  RE: 95 Dakota Temp. Gauge
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My gauge reads to almost 210 degrees ( about 195 ), which is about 1/3rd the way up the gauge.
You are overheating, or at least running hot. What you should check first is the upper radiator hose vs. the lower radiator hose. You should be able to start the truck, let it idle and then hold onto the hose until the thermostat opens. If the hose suddenly gets warm real fast, then your thermostat would seem to be working ( at least opening part way ).. You shouldn't be able to hold onto the upper hose comfortably once the stat opens up.
If that scenario proves true, then you need to check the condition of the radiator itself. Is it plugged with debris, is it deteriorated ( fins are brittle..you need to particularily look at the top few rows as they are the first to get destroyed - reason, low coolant allows oxygen to oxidize the aluminum ) You'll most likely need to pull the upper fan shroud off to get a good look see.
Another thing you can do is see if you can smell the smell of exhaust fumes in your overflow tank while the engine is running. If you suspect there is, then carefully take the radiator cap off and look for persistant bubbles....good indication that you may just have a cracked head or bad head gasket.
The best thing you can do is pressure test the system, but most of us don't have a pressure tester handy. If you just can't figure it out, then go to a shop and ask them to pressure test your cooling system. If it's a decent shop, they shouldn't charge you much- or rent one from the local parts store if they have one available to rent. While you are at it, don't forget to check the radiator cap with the pressure test. A bad cap won't allow your system to create enough pressure to handle the heat load well.
One more thing what happens when you turn the heater on in the truck?
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Jon
Dodge Dakota
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8/04/2006
23:43:29
| RE: 95 Dakota Temp. Gauge
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Message:
The heater is working fine and so does the ac. One thing I forgot to mention was I replaced the radiator with an aftermarket one about 2 years ago, so I think it is probably still good. I felt the upper radiator hose the other day and it gets really hot, so I assume the thermostat is working ok. I will try to look/smell the overflow container and see if I see anything. I thing it might be time to bring it to a repair shop. I will ask them to pressure test the system. If you have any more ideas I would appreciate them.
Thanks for the help!
Jon
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