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    wminwalnut's Avatar
    wminwalnut Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Aug 19, 2007, 08:09 AM
    1998 Dodge Ram 1500 5.9L V8 overheats
    I have a 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 with 5.9L V-8. In the past two years I have replaced the water pump (leak) and thermostat (sticking). Normal usage temp stays under the 210 degree hash mark on the temp gauge. I use it to pull trailers to haul a lot of things (cattle, hay, etc.) and to pull fairly heavy farm implements (hay baler, cutter) that I use more than 10 miles from home. Recently it has overheated within the first 15 minutes of starting to pull a significant load. Red instrument cluster light comes on, temp gauge pegs to the right, and coolant is boiling. Never happens if I am not pulling anything. I have not changed the way I use it nor the loads that I haul since 1998.
    Any idea what has failed and how I can fix it? Thank you very much.
    CaptainRich's Avatar
    CaptainRich Posts: 4,492, Reputation: 537
    Cars & Trucks Expert
    		  
    #2

    Aug 19, 2007, 09:13 AM
    Sound like a partially clogged radiator.

    Under light loads as you've described, the coolant has time enough to cool off in the radiator. But under heavier loads, more cooling capacity is required.

    You may want to consider adding an aftermarket electric cooling fan (after your initial concern has been fully dealt with) The added fan can be wired into you vehicle with a toggle switch control, so you can turn it on or off as you feel necessary.

    Good luck.

    .
    TxGreaseMonkey's Avatar
    TxGreaseMonkey Posts: 16,761, Reputation: 5597
    Uber Member
    		  
    #3

    Aug 19, 2007, 12:40 PM
    Extra heat may be coming from the automatic transmission under load, which cools through the radiator. Ensure you have a supplemental transmission cooler. Corrosion or mineral buildup may require you to replace the radiator. Use synthetic ATF and engine oil, because they will help your transmission and engine, respectively, run cooler.
    arthurhood's Avatar
    arthurhood Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
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    #4

    Jul 9, 2011, 08:07 AM
    I've tried eveything... my truck 98 dodge ram 1500 5.9 liter... its getting hot.ive changed eveything
    CaptainRich's Avatar
    CaptainRich Posts: 4,492, Reputation: 537
    Cars & Trucks Expert
    		  
    #5

    Jul 12, 2011, 05:16 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by arthurhood View Post
    ive tryed eveything...my truck 98 dodge ram 1500 5.9 liter.........its gettin hot.ive changed eveything
    If you've changed "everything" but it's still showing signs of overheating, tell us exactly what "everything" was.
    What make you say it's "getting hot?"
    You may have corrosion/blockage within the engine's cooling jacket.
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