Not mine, but a friend of mine's truck. I was with him while we were hauling 10 horses/mules in a gooseneck. He told me that his truck was running a little hot. So we start down the road with the AC on and it's about 104 degrees and the temp gauge is absolutely redlined and the check gauges light comes on. We ran like that for a hour or so. Every once in a while on a down hill stretch it would go down just a little but no where near 190 where mine usually runs. His truck is a 2001 6spd, 3500 dually, 4x4. Anyway I couldn't believe it ran like that so well without something happening. Or maybe something has happened that he doesn't know. I think he's been running that way be awhile, but he did make an appointment to have it fixed. This truck gets worked all the time and if it's running at all it's usually pulling horses. So out of curiosity what's the first thing to look at when a truck runs hot like this.

 

Check the radiator/intercooler for dead bugs and debris. May simply need a good cleaning.

 

my 01 tried that trick, it was due to the breather bottle vents allowing crankcase vapors to build up in the rad / fan area, effectively giving me a winter front in mid july. good idea not?

ED 6000 engine degreaser and a pressure washer takes care of the problem.

Also, in summer, I run an extension on the vent tube, down to the front anti sway bar. I put the bottle back on in winter, with a sock over it, as the vent tube tends to plug with ice and cause gasket blowout issues if I don't.

hope this helps

 

A few things to look at...

Thermostat - It might have failed (stuck/sticking closed) Might try a 180*F thermostat too...

Coolant - Might be no good... Full system flush and replace the coolant. 50/50 Mixture... Don't guess at it...

Radiator Face - Might be packed with bugs and debris. High pressure wash will fix that...

Crankcase Vent - It's a common problem with the oil vapors plugged the face of the radiator. Check out my Photo Gallery I've got a fix for that.

Just my nickle worth of info...