Water pump, thermostat issue..

[evision]

My water pump started leaking a few days ago. So I bought a new pump, thermostat and clutch for it. Removal and install went easy as it could be. And yes I put the fan on the correct way. Once I finished and started up I took it for a drive to get the thermostat to open up. It opened up at 217° Religiously. The thermostat is designed to open at 203°. Make a long story short I bit the billet and bought a temp switch that is on the pump and a new thermostat from the dealer. First one was from Rockauto. When I took out the newly installed stat it did not have any markings on it. No part number and no temp. So installed the Mopar and new switch. Now opens up at 204-206. Much better.

when I decided to clean the rad and condenser, I noticed the louvers. I never knew they were there. When do those open and when do they close exactly? And do you really need hem? I have seen kits that allow you to remove them and prevent the engine light coming on.

All in all it was a bad thermostat. All good now.

 

[Tach_tech]

They are the active grill shutters. They are used to speed up engine/trans warm up. As well as to improve aerodynamics at highway speeds.

Do you really need them? Technically no, but unless you’re going after performance, there’s not much to gain by removing them.

 

[Wild one]

My water pump started leaking a few days ago. So I bought a new pump, thermostat and clutch for it. Removal and install went easy as it could be. And yes I put the fan on the correct way. Once I finished and started up I took it for a drive to get the thermostat to open up. It opened up at 217° Religiously. The thermostat is designed to open at 203°. Make a long story short I bit the billet and bought a temp switch that is on the pump and a new thermostat from the dealer. First one was from Rockauto. When I took out the newly installed stat it did not have any markings on it. No part number and no temp. So installed the Mopar and new switch. Now opens up at 204-206. Much better.

when I decided to clean the rad and condenser, I noticed the louvers. I never knew they were there. When do those open and when do they close exactly? And do you really need hem? I have seen kits that allow you to remove them and prevent the engine light coming on.

All in all it was a bad thermostat. All good now.

You can pop the middle shutters out of each side of the active grill shutter assembly.As long as the top and bottom shutter are still in place on both sides,it won't throw a check engine light. Pay attention to how they pop out,and if you don't like having them out,you can pop them back in.

 

[evision]

Thanks for the advice. I think I will leave them in for now. When I cleaned the rad and cond there was so much dirt that is now cools great. Even the trans temp is down. I’m guessing they used it as a mud runner. It was caked with dirt.