Engine running hot

JAZZMINS

MEMBER
2004 DODGE DURANGO
4.7L
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
147,000 MILES

At first the engine would warm past normal while idling. Now it’s full out running hot and the smoking/steaming. Drained the radiator put fresh coolant in checked hoses. Also nothing is blocking the radiator and the fan is still working. What could be causing the engine to run hot? I was thinking maybe the water pump but I’m not a mechanic so I’m nowhere near sure. Please help.

3 Replies

SCGRANTURISMO

MECHANIC
4,897 POSTS

Hello,

This could be a problem with your vehicle's thermostat being stuck closed. Your vehicle has a thermostat that stops the coolant from circulating until it reaches a certain temperature before opening and allowing the coolant to circulate across the radiator and cool. This is done so your vehicle has a heater and defroster. When your thermostat, through normal wear and tear, starts to stick, sometimes it will get stuck in the closed position and not allow your vehicle's coolant to circulate at all, causing your vehicle to overheat. Here is a link for you to go to:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-an-engine-thermostat-works
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-thermostat

In the diagrams down below I have also included the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) part number for your vehicle's thermostat as well as the directions for the removal and installation of the thermostat. Please go through these guides and get back to us with how everything turns out, or what you are able to find out.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros

Images (Click to make bigger)