Can you tell me where the thermostat is located?

NICKYV

MEMBER
2002 DODGE RAM
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
122,000 MILES

Vehicle immediately overheated this morning within 4 miles of my house. Opened hood and liquid (coolant I suspect) had been splattered all over. Let it cool, refilled radiator and reserve, drove it home. Does this sound like a thermostat and can you tell me where the thermostat is located? I couldn't locate the thermostat housing off the radiator hose.

1 Reply

SQM

MECHANIC
6,383 POSTS

Hello,

When the thermostat fails in the stuck closed position the engine can overheat rapidly.

Stuck closed thermostat will prevent the coolant from circulating. This will create temperature difference between the upper and lower radiator hose. One will be noticeably hotter than the other.

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

Locating the thermostat is simple, just follow the upper radiator hose from the radiator to the engine. The thermostat is located inside the housing.
Simply remove the housing to access the thermostat.

It is important to only work on the cooling system when the engine is cool.

Here is a helpful guide:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-thermostat

I have attached diagrams of replacement procedure for your reference.

Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you.

Images (Click to make bigger)