99 Dakota Overheating

[OldManinTheSeat]

Thought I'd try this before I lose my mind. 99 Dodge Dakota with 3.9 V6 running waaaay too hot! 132,000 miles and no trouble codes. Replaced Radiator, Thermostat, Water Pump, Temp Sensor (recently), and 4 Fan Clutches (one was Factory Part that gave the worst results). I can't figure this out. Is it possible that there's some connection to the computer, perhaps retarding spark, that's causing this problem? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

[fordin K]

did you figure out problem ? how hot does it get, does gauge go up slowly or erratic ?how long does it take to warm up ?when did it start happening ? before or after all the part changes ? if after did you bleed system properly ? any drop in coolant level over time ? sorry for all the ?'s but easier with the full picture.

[OldManinTheSeat]

Let's see, I am now thinking it's a head gasket or cracked head. On Friday, it drained the radiator and there were no leaks. Just a sudden loss of coolant. It was running between 210 and 250 degrees but would warm up normally and just keep rising. If I was using the A/C, it got hotter quicker and would not cool down to less than 220 unless I turned the A/C off. The radiator was replaced first, due to a fender bender, and that's when the problems started. Water pump leaked shortly after. Finally got the leaks handled and then couldn't keep it running cool. This all took place over a three month period. I'm not in the mood to tear into it further and will probably take it to a shop and just have it repaired. I plan on keeping it for another 5 -8 years, so it'll probably be worth it. I'm not sure what you mean by "properly bleeding" the cooling system, but I'm sure there were no air pockets initially. Thanks for the reply, I appreciate any help you can yet provide.

[amERICnpunk]

Hey did you figure out what it was that was causing your truck to overheat. I am having a similar problem with my 97 Dakota. I don't have any leaks and i just replaced the thermostate but it still overheats. It heats up gradually like normal but never stops. A/c seems to make it worse. Any ideas?

[OldManinTheSeat]

I ended up taking it into a shop. Spent waaaay too much time on it over the past couple of months. I think it's a cracked head or head gasket. I've been without AC for months now (living in Arizona) and it's getting old quick. I should be hearing something tomorrow and if it's anything Earth shattering, I'll let you know.

[OldManinTheSeat]

I ended up taking it into a shop. Spent waaaay too much time on it over the past couple of months. I think it's a cracked head or head gasket. I've been without AC for months now (living in Arizona) and it's getting old quick. I should be hearing something tomorrow and if it's anything Earth shattering, I'll let you know.