Overheating

[Samsquanch52]

I have a 2017 2500 Tradesman V8 6.4 Hemi I just bought a month ago. When driving the coolant temperature fluctuates between 210-228 and when idling for half an hour after driving the temperature went to 233 before I panicked and shut it off. I took it to the dealership I bought it from and the mechanic said “nothing is wrong with it and you don’t have anything to worry about until the temp hits 240”. I am very ignorant when it comes to anything vehicle related but from some research this seems pretty high to me. Anyone have similar issues or know any possible fixes? Or is this possibly normal?

 

[tron67j]

I am not of fan of throwing parts at a problem, but you can check the thermostat to see if it opens at the proper temperature but that is one of those parts that cheap enough to just replace. While doing that replace the cap as well. Have you looked at the reservoir to make sure coolant is at the proper levels when hot and cold? There could be a air pocket in the system. How many miles are on the truck and how does the coolant look?

 

[EdGs]

I'd be nervous about that temp, too.

Make sure you have proper coolant level, and only use Mopar OAT coolant 68163848AB or AC (concentrate). Mix with 1 gallon of distilled water, and you will have 2 gallons of 50/50 for not much more than 1 gallon of Mopar 68163849AB or AC (50/50 premixed).

I have seen several radiators that developed a crack. Increased coolant temps happen if low on coolant.

As stated, your thermostat might be wonky as well, and/or your electric fan.

Keep a close eye on your coolant temps, and keep us posted.

 

[Samsquanch52]

I am. It of fan of throwing parts at a problem, but you can check the thermostat to see if it opens at the proper temperature but that is one of those parts that cheap enough to just replace. While doing that replace the cap as well. Have you looked at the reservoir to make sure coolant is at the proper levels when hot and cold? There could be an air pocket in the system. How many miles are on the truck and how does the coolant look?

The thermostat is one with the housing attached so it’s $150. Figured I’d see if any other possibilities were happening before I replaced it. Coolant level is good and it looks clean. It has 90k miles on it

 

[Samsquanch52]

I'd be nervous about that temp, too.

Make sure you have proper coolant level, and only use Mopar OAT coolant 68163848AB or AC (concentrate). Mix with 1 gallon of distilled water, and you will have 2 gallons of 50/50 for not much more than 1 gallon of Mopar 68163849AB or AC (50/50 premixed).

I have seen several radiators that developed a crack. Increased coolant temps happen if low on coolant.

As stated, your thermostat might be wonky as well, and/or your electric fan.

Keep a close eye on your coolant temps, and keep us posted.

I bought it from a KIA dealership so who knows if it has the OAT coolant in it. Maybe I should flush it and make sure the proper coolant is in it. I’ve heard a couple people say the electric fan but I can not find an electric fan anywhere. I’ve looked online and some sites say it doesn’t have one where other sites say it should. Any idea where it might be located?

 

[Burla]

Run rmi25 and check overflow, make sure you don't have casting issue prevalent your year.

 

[EdGs]

Electric fan mounts to radiator kind of under/part of the fan shroud. At least on the 1500 it does.

Electric fan failure you might see higher temps when sitting at a light, etc:

 

[EdGs]

I bought it from a KIA dealership so who knows if it has the OAT coolant in it. Maybe I should flush it and make sure the proper coolant is in it. I’ve heard a couple people say the electric fan but I can not find an electric fan anywhere. I’ve looked online and some sites say it doesn’t have one where other sites say it should. Any idea where it might be located?

Coolant is 10 year/150k miles, if original, you're getting close. I changed mine at 100k miles.

Take a look with a good light and see if your radiator or condenser is plugged up with debris, bugs, etc. It does happen.

It can be hard to see through everything if you have grille shutters.

As @Burla said, RMI25 helps. The HD trucks have been known to have issues with casting sand in the cooling systems as well, I even had a bit in my 5.7. Heater cores get plugged up and such.

Keep us posted.