Overheating

1999 DODGE DURANGO
244,124 MILES • 5.9L • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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THENIGHTFURY
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
SUV has been overheating, I've changed the thermostat the piece on top of it and the top radiator hose. But it's still overheating and now it's to the point of the check gauge light coming on. What could the problem?

I also have to drive fifty miles one way to work every day.
Jun 27, 2022 at 6:20 AM
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SQM
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 6,383 POSTS
Hello,

The engine can overheat due to a number of reasons.
You have already replaced the thermostat which is fairly common. However, it can also overheat due to a bad water pump, faulty radiator, restriction in the cooling system, bad fan clutch, it can also overheat due to contaminated coolant or having low coolant.

Take a look at this helpful guide:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-overheating-or-running-hot

Let me know what you find or if you have any questions.
Thank you.
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Jun 27, 2022 at 7:32 AM
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THENIGHTFURY
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The fan seems to be working and as far as I can tell the water pump is okay. Thank you for the ideas, I'll look into it, and see what I can do.
Jun 27, 2022 at 8:11 AM
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SQM
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 6,383 POSTS
Let me know what you come across.
Don't hesitate to ask any questions.
Jun 27, 2022 at 9:07 AM
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THENIGHTFURY
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Thank you so very much, when I got home we did some tests and I'd does have water circulation the fan is working, the thermostat is working, we looked at the radiator cap and saw some dry rot what are the odds that it's the radiator cap causing it to continually overheat?
Jun 27, 2022 at 1:25 PM
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SQM
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 6,383 POSTS
If the cap cannot maintain the pressure it is rated, it can lead to overheating of the engine. It can also leak out coolant.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/radiator-pressure-test
Jun 27, 2022 at 3:26 PM
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