Questions and Answers

Dodge Ram Runs Hot At Idle Q. Hi Vincent, I have a 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 with a 318 cid engine. It runs hot at idle speeds. I've replaced the thermostat. I've noticed that the upper radiator hose has no pressure at normal operating temperature. When I squeeze the hose I can hear a gurgling sound from inside the engine. Shouldn't the hose be "tight" when I squeeze it? Is this a sign of cooling system blockage? Please help. Thanks, Scott

A. It sounds like an air bubble is trapped inside the block. Try this, clip the end off a paper clip so you have a "U" shaped wire. Then slide it under the negative pressure relief valve of the radiator cap.

Now fill the cooling system to the top of the filler neck and place the radiator cap on tightly. Fill the coolant reserve bottle about ¾ full. Start the engine and turn the heater to full HOT.

Now just let it run and soon you will see air bubbles coming up through the coolant reserve bottle. When the engine gets to normal operating temperature shut it off. Keep an eye on the coolant in the bottle and add some to keep the level up.

That will get most of the air out of the system. You may need to repeat the procedure once or twice.

If it cools off when you are moving, then you probably have a bad cooling fan clutch.