Overheating

1998 DODGE DAKOTA
248,870 MILES • 3.9L • V6 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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DARRELL KUNKLEMAN
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My vehicle listed above was overheating. I had to replace the radiator because it cracked a leak. The oil pressure was running high. The temperature gauge starting to run high. I keep it around 65 running any higher raised it up. But then the oil gauge started to lower down under 40.
Apr 11, 2021 at 8:58 PM
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KASEKENNY
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If the engine is overheating at this point we need to start with the basics.

Here are some guides that will help with this:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-an-overheating-engine

I would suggest doing a compression test and then check the head gasket.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/head-gasket-blown-test

Next we need to verify the engine cooling fan is running when the engine is running.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/fan-clutch-symptoms

Then we need to check the upper and lower radiator hoses for temperature difference to see if the thermostat is opening. The upper hose should be noticeably hotter.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-an-engine-thermostat-works

Let's run through this information and go from there. Thanks
Apr 12, 2021 at 8:07 PM
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DARRELL KUNKLEMAN
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I put a new radiator on just put a new thermostat in the vehicle and is overheating no more. so now it's not getting up to full temperature and no hot air is really blowing it's just lukewarm air it takes over 10 minutes to 15 to even get close to warming up.
Apr 22, 2021 at 5:01 AM
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KASEKENNY
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Okay. That sounds like a plugged heater core which could have contributed to the overheating. However, we need to get a new post started for that issue as we need to keep each to one topic just so that others can find the solutions if they have similar issues. They won't find a heater core issue under this topic so here is a link to get a new one.

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/new

Thanks
Apr 22, 2021 at 7:46 PM