2001 Dodge - 3500 -

I installed a new evaporator, heater core, condensor, accumulator, water pump, thermostat, fan clutch, and removed and cleaned the radiator.


Refilled cooling system with 50/50 mix of distilled water and Peak no silicone anitfreeze.

Drove the truck this morning and the factory temp guage was moving both more and faster than I have ever seen it moving.

The guage would go about a needles width past 190 and then fall back to about a needles width below 190 and then back up again.

It did this the entire 30 mile drive to work this morning.

Is this air in the system or some other issue?

Thank in advance -
ra

 

Nope, just a properly working thermostat.

Aftermarket T-stats often swing 40 degrees........

 

I did the same cleaning on my truck....My rad was plugged solid with mud...The temp would stay at the same temp...Once I flushed and cleaned the rad,the temp was up and down as yours...Thats normal when everything is cleaned up...

 

RiataAg, I'd like to say thats normal but I have read MANY thermostat and engine temp threads with LOTS of guys, including me, who's engine temp gauge will stay rock solid on 190* unless its really cold out which then it may show a needle width less, or towing where it may show a needle width more. And radiator is clean and my thermostat is good. So.....is it normal? Not sure but I'd say that you should get far more than two or three guys who say yes before you stop looking for entrapped air or an overly active thermostat.