Running Hot after DS adjustment

[Havix00]

I have the stock tstat and fan. Ever since my DS 91 tune, at most twice a month, I would see a spike in coolant temperature, from 202* (normal) to 230*+, for about 2 mins, then drop back down to normal range. I didn't think anything of it -- kept driving.

This morning after a tune adjustment, however, the coolant stayed at 230* for the duration of my morning drive. I have my fan settings at 192* (not sure if that matters w/ stock tstat+fan). The adjustment I made this morning was to disable MDS.

The coolant level was a little low this morning, so I filled up the reservoir with some 50/50. I drove it a few miles afterward, but it didn't make a difference. So I disconnected the battery to reset the PCM. Now it dropped by 15*, and currently sits @ 210-224* idle.

Does it sound like I have to bleed the cooling system? The MDS disable shouldn't make the engine run this hot, right? What else should I look at?


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[Havix00]

NOTE: I see 204* while going 30+ mph, but my idle seems higher than it should be, @ 224*.


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[Etroze86]

If you had to fill with coolant I would be looking at a place it wouldve went. DS shouldn't be overheating it but take the tune off and see what happens.

 

[Havix00]

Returned my truck to stock tune and sat at idle for 10 mins. The number crept up slowly to 222* and stayed. This is consistent with my DS 91 tune.

Is this temperature within the normal operating range? I know the manual says up to 230* before you need to worry, but damn that's really high too.

I'll bring it to a garage and have them check for any signs of internal leaking (exhaust particles in coolant), because I had to fill about 3/4 gallons this morning. I heard RAMs don't have great factory headers/gaskets. Maybe that's to blame.


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[Havix00]

Took it for a ride. Got up to 60 mph for a minute, and the temp dropped straight to 194*, from 240*. Is my engine eff'ing with me? Does that sound like a bad temperature sensor, or is the radiator that efficient to cut 45*+ in a matter of 15 seconds?


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[Etroze86]

I think you have issues and a trip to the shop is definetly in order.

 

[Havix00]

Luckily they're right down the street. I described my problem and the mechanic mentioned that Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep has an evaporative reservoir system, for when temperatures get too hot. He suggested I try purging the coolant for air pockets overnight. If that doesn't work, he'll check out my tstat and make sure it's not sticky. And finally, check the radiator internals if all else fails.

I'll update later.


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[Etroze86]

Good luck to you hope it is fixed quickly

 

[Havix00]

Turns out the DS tune is fine. The only other thing I did was to top-off the coolant (~3/4 gallon), and let it sit overnight. High rpms pumps coolant through the system faster/harder. No problems this morning. Seeing the normal 194*-199* range.

Moral of the story: keep an eye on your coolant level.


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[Ramzaq]

If it is low, the coolant has to be going somewhere. The coolant system is essentially a closed system with a vent for overflow when hot to a reservoir which will take coolant back in the system when it cools down.

3/4 of a gallon sounds like a lot for a 2-3 year old vehicle, keep a close eye on it.

 

[Havix00]

I brought it into dealership yesterday. They found a cracked gasket where the thermostat sits. Still under warranty. Phew...


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[Etroze86]

Sweet glad it was an easy fix.