Overheating issues

[1209er]

Im having issues with my truck it is a 2004 ram 1500 5.7. Every time i start it once it reaches normal running temp it will overheat for about 5 min then it will sudenly drop back to normal running temp. I believe it is a faulty thermostat. I got home the other day just as the temp had dropped to normal running temp. I decided to take a look under the hood and noticed that my return hose to radiator was hot while outgoing hose was barely warming up also the radiator was hot on the return side and just warming up on the other side wich leads me to belive the coolant had just started flowing threw the system wich brings me back to the thermostat . Any input do you think that could be the issue. Any feedback welcome.

 

[Trenton]

I agree with your diagnosis

 

[1209er]

Awesome thanks for the reply.

 

[1209er]

Any other feedback still welcome.

 

[chefred112]

tstat is cheap enough to just do it to rule it out...but is sounds like its sticking...

 

[chefred112]

whenever you see it run warm, do you turn the heater all the way up to force tstat to open an stay open?

 

[1209er]

whenever you see it run warm, do you turn the heater all the way up to force tstat to open an stay open?

Yes sir thats what i have been doing. Once the temp starts to drop i turn it off. Just picked up the thermostat from auto store. Going to install it tomorrow before i go to work. Will post results after install.

 

[1209er]

Just finished instaling thermostat. Like i tought the t-stat was no good. It is no longer overheating thanks for your input guys.

 

[1209er]

Now that the overheating issue has been fixed. How do i get any air that might have gotten into the system out. I know you have to bleed the system after any type if install to cooling system but i am unsure of how to go about it. Any advice folks.

 

[Treeshark]

The air will work itself out on it's own after a few warmups and cool downs. It will go to the high point (radiator cap) and go to reservoir on warm up. Coolant to replace air will be drawn in on cool down. Keep your cap on and it will work itself out.