Cooling Problem

[birdman444]

About 3 years ago I had my engine overheat and stopped before any overflow and idled till it got normal temp. Two weeks ago I left Cal and suddenly my temp gage would flux between 180/5 and about 210/15. Want to mention I'm pulling a small fifth wheeler.The flux would only happan when going up hills and once leveled out would go back to normal (180/85). Also all temps would be normal for about the first hour of driving, even if driving in hilly areas. Also want to mention that my AC would act like it freezes up and stop cooling. Would turn off the AC for about 10 min's and the AC would once again cool normally. Had a dealer look at my Ram and they said thry couldn't find a thing. It's a '98 24 valve with 90K. Any ideas out there?/

[NAJ]

There are 2 TSB's related to diesel overheating but they are build date related so I need your VIN or I can just post them.

[birdman444]

Vin # 3b7kc2263wg196310

[NAJ]

You need to check the engine serial # to see if this applies.


DATE: Dec. 11, 1998
NOTE: THIS INFORMATION APPLIES TO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 24 VALVE CUMMINS DIESEL ENGINE WITH AN ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER (ESN) 56512007 OR PRIOR.

SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
Some vehicles may overheat or run hotter than normal. In some cases DTC P0217 - DECREASED ENGINE PERFORMANCE DUE TO ENGINE OVERHEAT may be set.

DIAGNOSIS:
If a vehicle is brought in for an overheat condition, check the ESN to determine if the engine falls within the build range. If it does not, continue with normal cooling system diagnostics listed in the appropriate service manual. If it does fall within the range, perform the Repair Procedure.

PARTS REQUIRED:
Qty Part No. Description
1 05015090AA Thermostat


REPAIR PROCEDURE:
This bulletin involves replacing the thermostat with a revised part.

Replace the thermostat with p/n 05015090AA following all service manual Cautions, Warnings, and procedures.
POLICY:
Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.

TIME ALLOWANCE:
Labor Op. No. Time
07-40-01-92 0.4 Hrs.


FAILURE CODE:
Code Description
P8 New Part

ENGINE IDENTIFICATION
ENGINE DATA PLATE
The engine data plate contains specific information that is helpful to servicing and obtaining parts for the engine. The data plate is located on the left side of the engine, affixed to the gear housing. Information that can be found on the data plate includes:

Date of Engine Manufacture
Engine Serial Number
Control Parts List (CPL)
Engine Rated Horsepower
Engine Firing Order
Engine Displacement
Valve Lash Reset Specifications
ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER
If the engine data plate is missing or not legible, the engine serial number is used for engine identification. The engine serial number is stamped on the right side of the block, on top of the oil cooler cavity Engine Serial Number Location

Your A/C problem may be related to your cooling problem.Temperature and Pressure are directly related in an A/C system and if cooling system temps rise above normal the temperature in the condenser in front of the radiator will also rise which results in an increase in high side pressure.If the high side pressure increases to high the high pressure cut out switch will disengage the compressor.The next time the A/C quits look under the hood and see if the A/C clutch is still engaged,if not the compressor has shut off, if it is still engaged you have a problem with the evaporator freezing or a line freezing due to a restiction. Your system is a cycling clutch with a fixed orifice tube.