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

26,835

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.

4,780

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..

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