1989 Dodge Dakota ..240 degrees overheating?

1989 DODGE DAKOTA
Avatar
SCOOTER567
  • MEMBER
  • 17 POSTS
Engine Cooling problem
1989 Dodge Dakota 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Manual 105k miles

After replacing a bad water temp guage, my temp guage now reads a constant a 235-240 degrees, but never boils over. Tried another guage, same thing. Hooked up radiator fan to run constantly, made no difference in temp. Should I worry about it on such an old truck ?
Roger
Apr 8, 2010 at 8:36 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 16,542 POSTS
so long as it doesn't go over and stay above 240 will be OK.
Apr 8, 2010 at 9:19 PM
Avatar
SCOOTER567
  • MEMBER
  • 17 POSTS
I also replaced the old thermstat with a 192 degree thermostat. Sure looks like it is opening & closing when the temp goes from 240 down to 235 degrees. At what temp could I expect it to boil over & leave me stranded beside the road ?
Roger
Apr 9, 2010 at 6:34 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 16,542 POSTS
may want to try a cheap mechanical water temp. gauge to see if its even reading accurate. if it is truly at 240 constant then that is a bit warm, running at 260 or higher would most likely boil the coolant
Apr 9, 2010 at 11:35 AM
Avatar
SCOOTER567
  • MEMBER
  • 17 POSTS
That 240 degree reading is with a AZ mechanical guage. My factory installed guage was very erratic & all over the dial.
Thanks,
Roger
Apr 9, 2010 at 2:45 PM