Dodge dually diesel overheating

Discussion in 'The Choo-Choo shop' started by benderbrew, Sep 8, 2005.

  1. benderbrew

    benderbrew Well-Known Member

    A few weeks ago, I noticed that my 96 dodge diesel temp gauge would hardly move durning normal driving. It stayed cold. The thermostat was replaced and all appeared normal. Now, my latest adventure pulling my 13,500 pound 5th wheel up to 5 K feet for camping, was nearly a disaster. The truck overheated, pegging the gauge at 230 degrees, probably hotter. It seemed that virtually any hill caused the temperature gauge to start moving very quickly. On the flat and level, gauge showed approximately 180 to 190.What's up? Could it be the fan clutch? Truck is so loud I could not hear of the fan was coming on at all. It really didn't matter what gear I was in, although, using second gear slowed the overheating down quit a bit. I need directions here....'preciate it as always.
     
  2. Greg Schmelzer

    Greg Schmelzer What are you looking at?!

    Len, check your temp sending unit. Could be bad and causing a bad reading on the gauge. :Do No:
     
  3. benderbrew

    benderbrew Well-Known Member

    Thanks Greg, good idea. I was thinking of ordering a full set of gauges from Geno's that cover transmission temp, water temp, boost, and exhaust temp. I'm not so sure the water temp gauge is as accurate as it could be...Thanks again for you input.
     
  4. Stage2Scott

    Stage2Scott Well-Known Member

    Ohb For Of

    :) that truck is Old,Hot and Bothered just like the Old Faart that owns it!!
     
  5. TuBBeD

    TuBBeD Well-Known Member

    Len...with your temp increasing it's probably the exhaust temp that's doing it. When running up the hills the increased exhaust temp is extra horsepower that the motor is making instead of the turbo. Driving over the road using a pyrometer is the most important guage to have. For me, running over the hills I'll decrease the manifold pressure/boost and allow the engine to work to get over the hill. Is there anything that can possibly block the exhaust causing the increase in temp (catalytic converter)? If so, there may be your problem. Also, the engine's air/fuel ratio calibration with running up in the thin air might be acting up to.
     
  6. benderbrew

    benderbrew Well-Known Member

    Thanks Rob. No there is no restriction on the exhaust end. Actually had the converter removed some months ago. On the exhaust temp, I was running out of overdrive which sharply reduces the exhaust temp. It seems to me it never got over 900. I'm beginning to think that that thermostat that was installed, an Autozone special, is a piece of junk. I'm going to change it and see what happens. I really appreciate the input here as I'm a novice at most things and a real "don't know nutt'n" when it comes to this beast.
     

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