Can't get no help from the help side so maybe some of ya'll can help me out. I was sitting at a stop sign and my truck heated up to around 225 the engine idled up and then came right back down within 2 to 3 seconds and the thermostat dropped right back down to 200. I wasn't hot rodding around before it done this. Anyone else had this trouble? Thanks for any help.

 

is it a auto, any trans. upgrades, is torq. conv. slipping all of these will have overheating related issues. trans. temp gauge?, possible thermostat issue.
you have a few engine mods that could affect readinge. give a little more info. if possible,

 

Its a manual transmission. Do these years have problems with water pumps? I'm really hoping that this is just a thermostat problem. Around 6 months after buying the truck new it done this to me going down the road and come to find out there was a clip on one of the hoses that were breaking and dodge fixed it and no more problems til now.

 

My water pump went and did the same thing you are describing. The pump was a snap to change!! The only problem I have is it was sunday afternoon in Denton, tx. Only auto zone was open around there, the impellers are differant on the pumps and I believe this is why my truck runs warmer now, 195* vs 205* now...

 

My 2006 did the same right after I purchased it (last fall).

I drove down the road one morning with no trailer/load and the temps got really hot. Pulled over, turned the engine off for about 45 seconds, started up... temps went down to normal. Later in the evening (again no load) drove about 1-2 miles and the temps went up again. Pulled over, left the engine running, ~45 seconds later the temps were normal.

Went straight to AutoZone and picked up a thermostat (~$20). Changed it out and have not had a problem since.

The thermostat was a simple change... I did it from our campsite that evening. There are three bolts for the thermostat housing on top of the head, pull the old one out, make sure the surfaces are clean, pop the new one in (pay attention to the flow direction), bolt up the thermostat housing. No gasket required... the t'stat has a rubber seal built in. I didn't even drain the coolant... I lost about a cup or so.

I also later discovered a coolant leak from the hose connection below the exhaust manifold. The leak wasn't significant, but over time would drain some coolant. I tightened the clamp... no problems since.

A $20 t'stat is MUCH less expensive than a pump... and MUCH easier to change out too! If I'm not certain which to change then I go with the cheaper, easier option first. ;o)

Good luck!