Overheating

Asked by Teri Oct 06, 2019 at 03:12 PM about the 1998 Dodge RAM 1500 ST 4WD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I have a 98 dodge ram with a manual transmission.
I recently purchased and previous owner told me
about overheating/ radiator problems. I have
changed out the radiator and added water and
straight antifreeze/coolant. It was doing good.
Last few times I've driven it it has over heated. The
reserve was low so I added antifreeze/ coolant. It
did it again and blew cold air through the heater.
But after it was warmed up it did great. So I really
don't know what to do if anything. I know enough
about cars to be compitant under the hood. My
truck is my source of income so I need it and need
it to work.

4 Answers

26,245

If you have no visible leaks, you may have a blown head gasket. That would explain your need to continually add coolant as it is leaking into the cylinders and exiting through the exhaust. Major engine job so you may want to have someone provide a second opinion before tearing down the engine.

4,630

These magnum engines have a problem with the cylinder heads cracking. This would explain the overheating and/or loss of coolant. But also blown head gasket. You can get a liquid that by sticking it in the coolant, it can tell you if your head's blown or not based on exhaust gas in the coolant. 5 minute online search will find this tester. good luck!

I am dealing with a similar situation, and my heater core is leaking out, not inside like what I know normally to happen, like speaking the carpet, but somewhere in the engine compartment.. so guess my main clue it was the core was my windshield lightly fogging up as well there smell of burning antifreeze. I will say if you haven't blown a head gasket yet, you keep driving it like you have you will..

Your Answer:

RAM 1500

Looking for a Used RAM 1500 in your area?

CarGurus has 1,605 nationwide RAM 1500 listings starting at $995.

ZIP:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

1998 Dodge RAM 1500

Review another car

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Dan Connell
    Reputation
    19,880
  • #2
    dandyoun
    Reputation
    15,170
  • #3
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    11,710
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Ford F-150
6,050 Great Deals out of 131,250 listings starting at $900
Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
4,153 Great Deals out of 130,995 listings starting at $1,000
Used GMC Sierra 1500
1,827 Great Deals out of 66,006 listings starting at $875
Used Dodge RAM 2500
69 Great Deals out of 1,080 listings starting at $3,500
Used Toyota Tacoma
1,930 Great Deals out of 32,042 listings starting at $2,295
Used Jeep Grand Cherokee
2,561 Great Deals out of 50,017 listings starting at $750
Used Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
1,069 Great Deals out of 30,535 listings starting at $3,800
Used Dodge Durango
813 Great Deals out of 21,239 listings starting at $550
Used Ford F-250 Super Duty
1,400 Great Deals out of 42,029 listings starting at $2,000
Used Jeep Wrangler
3,216 Great Deals out of 58,825 listings starting at $2,700

Used Cars For Sale

2010 Dodge RAM 1500 ST 4WD For Sale
2 listings starting at $13,549
2007 Dodge RAM 1500 ST 4WD For Sale
2 listings starting at $8,988

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.