jmw642

Have a 94 dodge 2500 diesel. bought new about 2001 the heat gauge would go up to 180 then drop to 140 then slowly got up to 180 boom down to 140 did that until about two months ago. put at least 4 new thermostates for no help. this last time my mechanic told me I need to have liquid in the over flow container. did it and have had no problem since .

oliver foster

It doesn't sound like you had a problem before either.

My 1995 has a full over flow container and it acts like you describe as well.

jmw642

also at that time I replaced the thermostat and the seal was different the original had a lip on it to center it. the one I got this time had no lip. Maybe that was the difference. what ever its acting like it should also have never had as much heat as now.

NJTman

Can you post a few photos of the old thermostats you replaced ?


Thanks !

jmw642

Sorry but went to the trash. can tell you that I even contacted Dodge and was told that they had a special thermostat so had it put in worked great for the first 50 miles then back to what it was before.Have some really good diesel mechanics that had no idea and I`m sure that 4 or 5 thermostats could no been all be bad. Have already told all that I changed and you already have the fluid in the reserve tank so you might try a new gasket. Got it at o`Rileys. If that works let me know. The one I have now doesn`t hace the lip around the out side.

Rare1

Is this your first vehicle? Did it come with an owner's manual? Maybe I misunderstood your post, but everyone knows you have to maintain the coolant level between "min" and "max" in the overflow tank. My engine temp stays constant with the original thermostat.

jmw642

Kind of funny am 76 and had many vehicles. afraid I would check radiator level always full so just ignored the over slow tank bad mistake but did it. bought it new 5 speed straight stick and have always loved it and still do. Living in Mt. have used it pretty hard. nothing has let me down only thing I have changed is the clutch and fan belt. No seals or even brake pads, but do use the transmission to slow down a lot. needs a paint job but am out in the country most of the time . Thank guys just enjoying my dodge.

Pete Miller

I have a '96. I remember driving home from the dealer and watching the temp gauge going up and down. That's the way they are supposed to work. Give it a rest!