2005 V6 dodge stratus running hot

Asked by W_ldone1 Nov 26, 2019 at 09:19 PM about the 2005 Dodge Stratus SXT Sedan FWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Please advise as spent a ton replacing parts
.. new water pump .. radiator .. thermostat ..
timing belt .. when car is in traffic .. running
hot on me .... what else could it be but
cracked block ... help

2 Answers

101,335

Try a cooling system pressure test. You can rent or borrow the tools from some auto parts stores. If you have a leak or cracked water jacket it should show the loss in pressure. You could also test the coolant for the presence of combustion gases with Block Tester, you can also rent/borrow from an auto parts store. That will indicate if there is a problem with a blown head gasket. Also be aware that replacing major parts like you have means you also have to really work to get all air out of the system, trapped air can impede coolant flow. Bleed/burp the system until you are certain it's flowing properly.

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154,865

When the engine heats up at low speed or idle it's usually an airflow problem. Especially if when you get moving again it cools down. Make sure your cooling fans are working. That would be my first suspect. If they are make sure the front of the air conditioning condenser, in front of the radiator, isn't blocked by leaves, dirt, or other debris. If that checks out look for a missing or damaged fan shroud, if equipped, as well as any broken or missing air deflector under the front of the vehicle. Hope that helps! Jim

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