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The Black Dak
Dodge Dakota
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5/06/2004
14:29:42
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 Subject: Running real hot
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I have a 97 dodge dakota, 2WD with the 3.9 engine. Basically the things runs hot all of the time. I had a problem with the release hose behind all of the bracketry (Bad design) but that didn't seem to cure the problem. The truck doesn't overheat ever it will just sit right at the borderlie. I don't know if maybe i have a sticky thermostat or something. My real question is that if i put in a low temp thermostat will that hurt my engine. I know that jet sells them but they tell you to use the chip with it. Is it safe to install on an engine without a chip. What are your opinions on a high flow therm instead of a low temp therm. Thanks
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Mikes94Dakota
Dodge Dakota
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5/06/2004
14:48:54
|  RE: Running real hot
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Check your overlfow bottle...if there is anything like steam coming out then its one or more head gaskets. Hopefully that isnt it...because if your head is damaged then you have to shave the head. And that is costly. Other than that it could be a sending unit or the t/s. Hope this helps.
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?
Dodge Dakota
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5/06/2004
15:12:44
| RE: Running real hot
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GO with 180 therm.......
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daffydak
GenIII
5/06/2004
16:24:18
|  RE: Running real hot
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If you put in a 180* ts your engine should run better. The only downside is maybe a little loss in fuel mileage.... magnum engines make the best power around 180*s. also they are less likely to ping.
The jet stat can be used without the chip, they are just trying to sell both!!! I had my stock (195) thermostat in when i first got my jet chip. I had no problems whatsoever. In fact i have had no noticeable gains with the jet stage 2.
i have heard good things about the stant 180 as well as the robertshaw...
Hope i helped
Dan
MOPAR=More Power!!
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TOMZ
Dodge Dakota
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5/06/2004
21:52:48
| RE: Running real hot
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Blackdak,
Get the 180 thermo and use the robertshaw. Its just as good as the jet and cheaper!
Have you thought of a radiator flush? While your at it flush the heater core out too. The dakotas have an insane ability to store gobs of junk in the heater core. The easiest way to flush it out is to unhook it from the water pump and the top of the block and flush it out in reverse from the way it goes in.
I have a 92 dakota and the plasic top of the radiator just blew completely off! Luckily no one was hurt, but it's the first time I've ever seen this happen. Why can't they just make these things with brass tops like they used to!
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Why
Dodge Dakota
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5/06/2004
22:24:00
| RE: Running real hot
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The reason they put a $150 plastic radiator in your truck is because they ran out of $125 radiators. On any vehicle you drive it is good to remember that all the parts were supplied by the lowest bidder.
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TOMZ
Dodge Dakota
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5/06/2004
22:55:16
| RE: Running real hot
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Why,
I was referring to the fact that ALL the radiators and most of the other parts of any post60's vehicle are made up of primarily plastics or composites.
I also realize that there are a number of reasons for this. Weight reduction, saftey, enviornmental reasons all come into play here. The major reason though is money. Not only are these parts cheaper to produce, their also not rebuildable as the older radiators were. Hvae you ever heard of a newer vehicle having a recored radiator put in it, no they just throw them out and put a new one in. The simple fact that it lasted 12 yrs is amazing to me. It didn't owe me anything but if it were out of a 60's ram it would have been recored and put back in.
PLANNED OBSOLESSENCE-BAD IDEA!
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Bob Lincoln
Dodge Dakota
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5/07/2004
08:45:16
| RE: Running real hot
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"I was referring to the fact that ALL the radiators and most of the other parts of any post60's vehicle are made up of primarily plastics or composites."
No, your timeframe is off. Copper and brass radiators were still factory-issue as late as 1979. But I agree, they're junk. Biggest problem is the fins rotting away. They can be wiped off with a finger, and that may be why his truck is overheating. Check the fins for big chunks missing or see if they can be wiped off.
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teh black dak
Dodge Dakota
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5/07/2004
10:44:24
| RE: Running real hot
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thanks for all of your help. if i flush my radiator how would i go about doing that. Is it better to just pay someone with the right tools. I am going to buy the 180 degree therm and install it myself. Does the radiator flush kit from the auto parts store work as well as they say they do. This happened to me before and i blew my motor. That was the reason for the dakota purchase in the first place
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steve Baldwin
Dodge Dakota
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5/07/2004
11:37:33
| RE: Running real hot
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While you are at it, Replace the radiator cap. A bad Cap will also cause the motor to run hot or overheat.
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