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Nautica_Dejavu · Jun 18, 2007, 08:20 PM

Ok.. I bought a 1994 Dodge Ram 1500 v8 360 Magnum.. Ever since I've owned it, its been running at high temps.. Normal is 200 and over heating is 230. When Im driving at low speeds, it gets up to about 225, and at high speeds its normal. I had the Thermostat, and Fan clutch replaced, and it still runs hot. Now, Every time I shut the engine off, water leaks out the fron of the radiator.. However, it only does it if The engine gets hot, or if I make long trips. We tried to get the radiator cap off, but there was so much pressure, that we had to pry it off with a crow bar.. My question is, Could this be caused because the radiator needs to be flushed? And Maybe the radiator cap isn't relieving pressure like its supposed to? Its obvious the leak only happens when the pressure builds up and the engine stops.. Ive bought some radiator flush, stop leak, and radiator treatment and a new cap for my radiator.. Is this a good idea?

bushg · Jun 18, 2007, 08:55 PM

If your vehicle is a 1994 chances are you need it replaced. We just replaced a raditor for a 1993 conversion van. I think it cost about 80 dollars and my husband did the work himself. He has a 1993 full size blazer that had radiator problems he did everything including having it rebuilt and eventually he had to buy a new one. So If you can afford it the best way to go is with a new one. Check out a few different places, you would be surprised how the price varies. Good luck

Nautica_Dejavu · Jun 18, 2007, 08:59 PM

Thanks.. but the radiator in this one is fairly new.. They replaced it before I bought it, and they had a receipt.. so I don't know.. Ima try to flush it out and all, and if not, Guess I may not have a choice.. I just wish I knew what was causing it to build up so much pressure..

bushg · Jun 18, 2007, 09:03 PM

Ours had rust in it it was a terrible mess and the seams were coming apart. Your right maybe it is the cap. Are the hoses in good shape no cracking?

bushg · Jun 18, 2007, 09:07 PM

IF you have the receipt maybe were they bought it from they might honor it with a replacement. Where we live the guys are super nice and will come take a look if your car is in the parking lot and give suggestions.

Nautica_Dejavu · Jun 18, 2007, 09:09 PM

I don't know, its like 6 months old, and most places around here aren't so nice... The hoses and such look great, but the water in the tank looks murky, so that's where I got the idea for a flush..

bushg · Jun 18, 2007, 09:16 PM

I guess flushingis the only option since it is only six months old... I wonder if it was new or used this doesn't sound right.

bushg · Jun 18, 2007, 09:19 PM

Tomorrow I will pick my hubby's brain, maybe he can come up with a answer . He does all our car work. The only reason I answered is because he has replaced several and I get to be the tool holder if the kids aren't around sooo, I think I now a few things. Lol, also I don't see many car questions being answered on here.

Nautica_Dejavu · Jun 18, 2007, 09:24 PM

I don't know.. Im going to bed for now.. Im going to start flushing it in the morning.. It takes a few days, because you have to run it through the system about 3-6 hours, and then I got some Seal up from Car-go to seal up any possible wholes in the radiator.. After that Im going to treat it.. Put the new cap on.. And HOPEFULLY.. Ive only owned this truck two months and have had so many problems.. I just got a new transmission in it to.. UGH

-- Thank you for your help though! I know a little about vehicles, electrical wise.. the rest, I'm an idiot about.. lol.. I would appreciate it if you would... Ill be back on tomarrow night.. Let me know.. and once again, Thank you VERY much!

Nautica_Dejavu · Jun 24, 2007, 07:34 PM

Well, Sadly, I have flushed the radiator.. only to find GREASE caked inside it.. What do I do? Now its leaking everywhere.. The previous owner put grease in the radiator, to seal the holes, I guess? Is there anything I should use to get the grease out? And Could it be that the water pump is the cause of the over heating? It only over heats when I drive slow.. when I speed up, it decreases? UGH

TxGreaseMonkey · Jun 24, 2007, 08:12 PM

You need to replace the radiator. The previous owner used a stop leak product. On the new radiator, only use a 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and distilled water. This is an ideal time to consider replacing radiator and heater hoses.