Get the latest advice about your car

Get Started
Advice » Q&A » 1990 Dodge Ram Van B250

Q&A

Ask Your Question

1990 Dodge Ram Van B250

Question: On the highway engine gets hot. In the city it doesn't.

Question

JetBlackSuperCat, 5.2L V8, Raleigh, NC, September 22, 2010, 16:44
Profile_thumbnail
 Rookie

I have an 89 dodge b250 hightop conversion van thats been parked for ten years b'cus of the transmission not working. Finally got it working and on the road. Had a tranyman work on it at his shop at his house. The issue is that it seems to be burning way more fuel then I remembered and it seems the engine is reving up high. So I insalled a tacho and the RPMs is at 2000-2100 @65MPH. Going any faster makes the engine heat up. The temp gauge goes real close to the "H" but doesn't go on it. I changed the waterpump, fan clutch and belts making sure that they're nice and tight, Cleaned the radiator fins to make sure there's no restriction of air flow, flushed the radiator system twice, fluid level stays full with no leaks. got a 160degree thermostat, replaced all the hoses, and changed the diff gear lube. The engine runs like a champ but it still heats up.

1 Answer
Answer It
Flag This

  • Answer #1

    Johnny Mopar October 05, 2010, 16:16
    Profile_thumbnail
     Master

    The issue with your RPM's @ 65 mph is in the normal range, actually quite good. As for your engine running hot issue, you can install a mechanical temp gauge to check operating tempurature. You may have a temperature gauge sending unit issue or gauge issue. This is one way to eliminate one or both as a cause. Another thing to consider is replacing the radiator. It may seem to flow OIK, but you cannot see the condition of the tubes inside and chemical flushing agents seldom work.Also make sure you have all of your fan shrouds in place. .

    Flag This

  • Reply

    Visitor, January 19, 2011, 18:43

    hey,im just a back yard goof off mech. but my ed. guess is how many miles on the van?? is the water pump original?? i've seen water pumps clogged half shut.. thanks caleb..

    Reply
    Flag This
Answer Ranks

This week's top 10

1 globalhelper 6 Autohaus Lake Norman
2 milesauto 7 TimGoodreau
3 csubak30 8 raiderron
4 jose8889 9 Merrimack Auto
5 obdcar 10 Camster