Hey guys, so since I've had my truck for a bit the engine temps are acting a bit weird. I know it's normal to climb up to around 200F before the thermostat opens, but mine seems to be doing it sporadically after the thermostat opens. For instance, driving home there was a bit of a grade for about a mile, and the temps climbed up to 208. The fan kicked on and it cooled back down. Then today, I was driving for 30 min or so and it was at 193, where it usually sits. Then out of the blue it climbed to 202 and sat there until the fan kicked on and it cooled back down. Ambient temps were both around 65*. I'm thinking thermostat, but it didn't do this before the new water pump.

Just a plain ol' NAPA thermostat. I can reset the hi / lo markers on my OBDLink LX and see the limits of swing.

 

 

 

 

On 5/12/2016 at 9:31 PM, Mopar1973Man said:

Why not do the easy thing and leave the thermostat out till the block is completely filled right to the edge of the block. Now install the thermostat and finish filling. Never have an air issue then.

When I do mine I pull one of the extra plugs on the pass side of engine to let air out.

My only suggestion is getting a 180* thermostat (If you don't have one). I have had mine for about 2 years and it runs better than 190. I also believe I increased fuel economy by about 1 mpg too. I like it and haven't seen it really go above 205* too often. 

I'd like to keep the 190 just so it stays good and hot during the winter. I'm not sure what the heck is going on with it, but now that school is over I'm going to start tearing things apart again... I'll probably pull the whole front apart, clean everything, and do the pan gasket. While I'm in there I'll replace the thermostat and see if it does any good. 

You could try a new radiator cap....I'm not sure how a bad one would affect temperature, but they are cheap from Geno's....