Engine running hot

2004 DODGE DURANGO
147,000 MILES • 4.7L • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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JAZZMINS
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At first the engine would warm past normal while idling. Now it’s full out running hot and the smoking/steaming. Drained the radiator put fresh coolant in checked hoses. Also nothing is blocking the radiator and the fan is still working. What could be causing the engine to run hot? I was thinking maybe the water pump but I’m not a mechanic so I’m nowhere near sure. Please help.
Jul 20, 2019 at 12:25 PM
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SCGRANTURISMO
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Hello,

This could be a problem with your vehicle's thermostat being stuck closed. Your vehicle has a thermostat that stops the coolant from circulating until it reaches a certain temperature before opening and allowing the coolant to circulate across the radiator and cool. This is done so your vehicle has a heater and defroster. When your thermostat, through normal wear and tear, starts to stick, sometimes it will get stuck in the closed position and not allow your vehicle's coolant to circulate at all, causing your vehicle to overheat. Here is a link for you to go to:

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

In the diagrams down below I have also included the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) part number for your vehicle's thermostat as well as the directions for the removal and installation of the thermostat. Please go through these guides and get back to us with how everything turns out, or what you are able to find out.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros
Jul 20, 2019 at 1:26 PM
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JAZZMINS
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Thank you. I’ll try this next and hopefully that does the trick. Thanks again, I’ll keep you posted.
Jul 20, 2019 at 2:16 PM
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STRAILER
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Please let us know what you find. We are interested to see what it is.
Jul 22, 2019 at 6:39 PM