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Old 06-15-2012, 08:42 AM   #1
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Dodge Dakota cooling issue

I am pulling my X19 with a 2000 Dodge Dakota (4.7L with 3.55 gears/manual tranny). It has no problem keeping cool when pulling at speeds under 80km/h but goes into the red once I try and maintain hwy speeds at 100 km/h (I stay in 4th). I've pulled a heavier trailer years ago without problems but now just doesn't seem to want to stay cool. I think it may be a bad fan clutch. Anyone pulling with a Dakota have issues with keeping cool? If so, what worked for you? Thanks in advance

Matt
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Old 06-15-2012, 09:04 AM   #2
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I have a 2007 4x4 quadcab, with the 6 speed automatic with the OEM tow package. I have no cooling issues. I have noticed if I run the AC the engine temperature does increase.

Have you checked your coolant? How old is it? Have the correct type? What about your thermostat?
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Old 06-15-2012, 09:23 AM   #3
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Have you checked your coolant? How old is it? Have the correct type? What about your thermostat?
Coolant is fine but i may change the T-stat anyway. I'll b power washing the rad too to clean it out....I just did a check of the fan clutch and it spins rather freely even after it's warmed up. After some searching on the dodge forum it should not spin so freely warm....which means it's not pulling as much air through the radiator. Which is most important when trying to maintain a higher speed (increased load). I'll change it out and hope it improves.......I'm confident it should work because I had no cooling issues when I pulled (believe it or not) a 1980 33' Airstream 8 years ago.....that beast weighed almost 9000lbs while it was still hitched to the truck.....it did blow all the bearings in the rear differential though. Thanks for input!

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Old 06-15-2012, 10:17 AM   #4
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If you change out the fan clutch, I have had VERY poor luck with aftermarket fan clutches and I would recommend a Dodge fan clutch. I replaced several with aftermarket and they either kick in all the time or rarely, OEM is a far safer deal for this part.
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Old 06-15-2012, 11:02 AM   #5
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fjrdarksider-- Does your truck have tow package ? Larry
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Old 06-15-2012, 12:49 PM   #6
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No tow package. The only difference would have been the wiring, hitch, tranny cooler (automatic only), and the 3.92 gears. I have done all the wiring and such, it has a manual tranny so no need for a cooler, and 3.55 gears. I had no problem dragging the Airstream around for a month with 100+ temps and judicious A/C use. I'll remain hopeful that replacing the clutch fan will remedy the issue. I just need to keep it running for a few years then I can replace it with a diesel.
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Old 06-15-2012, 07:31 PM   #7
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If you change out the fan clutch, I have had VERY poor luck with aftermarket fan clutches and I would recommend a Dodge fan clutch. I replaced several with aftermarket and they either kick in all the time or rarely, OEM is a far safer deal for this part.
That is good advice.
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Old 06-16-2012, 12:30 AM   #8
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That is good advice.
Agreed. The fan clutch for some ridiculous reason works less at higher RPM's.

OR if you are good at wiring, maybe wire an electric fan to mount to the Radiator. My fellow jeepers swear by it and enjoy the increased horsepower by eliminating the mechanical fan.
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Old 07-31-2012, 11:42 AM   #9
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Well replacing the fan clutch with a severe duty unit made a huge difference in airflow.....but it's noisy as heck at 3K + rpm. I also changed the T-stat for a 180 (stock is 195) and added a bottle of water wetter mixed with 70/30 coolant. Huge difference!! I can run the A/C and pull climbs without worry of overheating.......the drawback is the fan clutch spins so much is robs HP so my mileage really suffers (11 Mpg at best). I'm thinking of either throwing in a larger motor (5.9) or rebuilding the 4.7 and modding it a bit. I may remove the fan clutch all together and install dual electric fans on the rad. Suffice to say, the Dakota can pull our 19H but it has to really work......once I can afford a new TV I'll either go Ram/F250/or Sierra....not sure.
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Old 07-31-2012, 12:19 PM   #10
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I had occasional cooling issues when pulling my 17Z with my 1997 Grand Cherokee 5.2L w/ tow pkg. It ran hot...especially with high air temps, cross-winds, and A/C on. I dropped in a new radiator and problem gone! The temp needle didn't budge after that. Might be something to consider.
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