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Engine Overheating?

Tiny
GIBBYJR222
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 DODGE DAKOTA
  • 4.7L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 230,000 MILES
Only happened twice. If I speed up it cools down and stays cool. Fluids are fine.
Friday, December 21st, 2018 AT 4:18 AM

49 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good morning,

I would start by checking the water pump to be sure there is sufficient circulation. there is an impeller that moves the coolant. if it is worn or slipping, it can cause this.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-overheating-or-running-hot

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/water-pump

Also, I would change the thermostat as well. It could be opening late not allowing circulation.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-thermostat

Lastly, the cooling fan on the front of the motor can also cause this condition. it needs to be checked to verify it is working.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-an-electric-cooling-fan-works

Roy
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Friday, December 21st, 2018 AT 4:35 AM
Tiny
BEAU1016
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2002 DODGE DAKOTA
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 75,000 MILES
My dakota keeps overheating, on and off. There are no leaks. What else should I check for?
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Saturday, October 3rd, 2020 AT 12:44 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JUSTMRG
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Sounds like a sticking thermostat!
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Saturday, October 3rd, 2020 AT 12:44 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
Any signs of over-heating besides the temp gage? Does the radiator fan/s work ok? The other person has a good idea, about the thermostat.
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Saturday, October 3rd, 2020 AT 12:44 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RENFROCHRIS
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2002 DODGE DAKOTA
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 155,982 MILES
My truck over heated one day. I replaced thermastat with factory recommend one. Check electric fan and replaced it. My truck tempature gauge says the truck is not running hot, but when you cut it off from runnin it awhile you can hear the boiling noise like it is over heating. What else could the problem be is what I am wanting to know. Could it be the water pump or would the radiator need flushing? There is no howling or leakage from weep hole. It has me worried about the boiling sound that I keep hearing. Thank you, Chris Renfro
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Saturday, October 3rd, 2020 AT 12:44 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,164 POSTS
I would recommend starting with flushing the cooling system. Also, are you using coolant? Finally, do you have coolant in the vehicle or straight water?

Let me know, and I hope you have a nice Easter.

Joe
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Saturday, October 3rd, 2020 AT 12:44 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JUSTMRG
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
  • 2002 DODGE DAKOTA
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 117 MILES
I have a 2002 Dakota with the 4.7l engine. The truck has 117k. I have an overheating problem. The latest incident happened after driving 3 1/2 hrs it started to overheat after having replaced the radiator, fan clutch, hoses, thermostat (3rd time) and cap. If I kicked it into passing gear it would cool down to the half way mark, but then heat back up within five minutes or so. I played that game the final hour home. I am not getting oil in the coolant or vice versa. I also am not getting any unusual smoke, and I have plenty of power. I am stumped! HELP! Your thoughts?
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Saturday, October 3rd, 2020 AT 12:45 PM (Merged)
Tiny
PROTECH1980
  • MEMBER
  • 901 POSTS
Sounds like you covered most everything there expect for the water pump, you may not like my answer, but before we go any further I would get the system chemically tested to find out if there are combustion gases in the coolant, if there are, it is likely you may have a bad head gasket/s or cracked head/s pumping combustion gases into the cooling system causing the overheating. Most shops have these testers as they save us alot of time/ and customers money by diagnosing the problem right, the first time. Now if you dont want to visit the shop, I have heard that some parts stores sell, or even loan out these testers, they are simple to use. Lets start there and see what we have. Hope this helps, let me know.
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Saturday, October 3rd, 2020 AT 12:45 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JUSTMRG
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
That is kind of what I was thinking to be honest with you. The only other thing I thought of was possibly clogged cats, but.I figure that is more of a long shot. I am thinking someone has previously dumped some headgasket sealant in the thing and clogged the cooling ports. Now my question is this. Replace the engine or just have them tear it down and do the headgasket? I am guessing 3k for the engine replacement and labor, or 1500 for just the headgasket.I am thinking the 1500 dollar difference would be worth an engine with zero miles on it. Your thoughts?
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Saturday, October 3rd, 2020 AT 12:45 PM (Merged)
Tiny
PROTECH1980
  • MEMBER
  • 901 POSTS
Thats a call that you would have to make, if the truck is in nice shape and your gonna hang on to it for a while, the new/reman long block might be the way to go, but I would'nt jump the gun to quick, lets get that test done and make sure we are on the right track before condeming the truck.
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Saturday, October 3rd, 2020 AT 12:45 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JUSTMRG
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Gotcha.I know what you are saying. I am just thinking on the fence. Thank you for your reply and thoughts.
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Saturday, October 3rd, 2020 AT 12:45 PM (Merged)
Tiny
PROTECH1980
  • MEMBER
  • 901 POSTS
Your welcome, and thank you for using 2carpros, and let me know what you come up with.
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Saturday, October 3rd, 2020 AT 12:45 PM (Merged)
Tiny
NICOLE HENKE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2002 DODGE DAKOTA
  • 4.7L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
The hoses on the heater core, they both get hot, the top radiator hose gets hot as well, but the bottom one does not. I've replaced the thermostat, and bled it many times, but nothing seemed to change. Help!
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Saturday, October 3rd, 2020 AT 12:45 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SCGRANTURISMO
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,897 POSTS
Hello,

You might need to do a flush and fill on the cooling system. You can get cooling system flush at any auto parts store for around $10.00. Here is a link explaining how to do it below:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/coolant-flush-and-refill-all-cars

Please go through this guide and get back to us with how everything turns out.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros
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Saturday, October 3rd, 2020 AT 12:45 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,861 POSTS
If I can jump in here. it sounds like the radiator is plugged and needs to be replaced. here is a guide to help walk you through the steps:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-car-radiator

This guide can help as well:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-overheating-or-running-hot

Let me know what you find.
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Saturday, October 3rd, 2020 AT 12:45 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CRAIGSPOON
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2001 DODGE DAKOTA
Engine Cooling problem
2001 Dodge Dakota V8 Four Wheel Drive Automatic

disconnect botom hose cant get water out of it while its running. Also had small spray under back passanger side bolt in the head
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Saturday, October 3rd, 2020 AT 12:45 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,164 POSTS
Are you refering to the lower radiator hose? And the spray, was it from the exhaust manifold bolt?

Let me know.

Joe
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Saturday, October 3rd, 2020 AT 12:45 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HOSIFINA
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2001 DODGE DAKOTA
Engine Cooling problem
2001 Dodge Dakota Front Wheel Drive 90,000 miles

MY son put in a new water pump, then replaced thermostat and little truck is still overheating. What now? Husband said something about new radiator cap. Truck is not leaking tho
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Saturday, October 3rd, 2020 AT 12:45 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CH112063
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,320 POSTS
10 years old may mean a problem with your radiator or the pressure may not be holding from a leaking head gasket which adds air into a normal system preventing its proper operation. If the head gasket leaks the coolant burns through the exhaust, it is lost and no leaks are found.
Your husband has a good idea as long as the thermostat was already replaced. If he drains the radiator halfway he can inspect the radiator flow. It should be coming out through the cooling passageways, you will see it coming through. That tells you its condition. You can feel the heat also, with your hand. One side will be alot hotter than the other. Sorry you have this problem. The fan clutch does go bad also. This keeps the air from flowing across the fins of the radiator at the proper force.
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Saturday, October 3rd, 2020 AT 12:45 PM (Merged)
Tiny
2000CHEVYMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 31 POSTS
  • 2001 DODGE DAKOTA
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
If everything has been replaced on a truck for all that pertains to the coolant, and the vehicle is still overheating. Would the cause of this be the water pump not allowing for the coolant to flow in and out of the engine? If so how could you test to make sure?
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Saturday, October 3rd, 2020 AT 12:45 PM (Merged)

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