[sleepyCharger]

My car overheated today and I suspect it could be the radiator, anyone have any suggestions on a good radiator, there's no major engine upgrades that I need to keep temps way down but I do live in Arizona and it gets pretty hot here.
TIA

 

[Ddaddy]

What year, what model, what engine, what (if any) mods?

What happened, what were the conditions, what did you observe?

Reading minds isn't a Forum function.

 

[sleepyCharger]

06 rt 5.7 No mods at all other than a drop in k&n air filter, had a tune up done on it (spark plugs, flush coolant, etc.) because i just purchased it not long ago...drove it around all day and no problems until I went to the store to buy pool salt, my wife was sitting in the car letting it run, I put 6 40lb bags in the back and the car overheats before I leave the parking lot. A former tech at dodge that came to see if he could help said it was the radiator because the coolant would boil then stop then boil again after a few minutes. I let it cool off and took off down the road and no problems.

 

[Ddaddy]

Unless you see a leak, that diagnosis is suspect. If no leaks are evident, it's NOT the radiator.

First thing to check is if the fans are running properly (low and high). There was a recall on '06 cooling fans that failed.

Second is to check fluid level and bleed the system. Air is the system will cause the "boil then stop then boil again after a few minutes" issue. This is the most likely cause of the issue. (although how he saw this without x-ray vision is beyond me). If he was talking about what he saw in the the coolant reservoir, it is definitely low fluid level and air in the system.

Third is to replace the thermostat (they do fail over time). It can also cause the intermittent "boil" issue...though far less likely.

Last is to replace the water pump. It can cause all of these issues if it is pumping intermittently...but last on the list of possibilities.

 

[sleepyCharger]

I looked for leaks while the car was cooling off and I couldn't find any. I had the thermostat replaced when the tune up was done. I noticed that the fan always seems to be running on high when it's at normal operating temps, ill have dodge look into that. I guess it was most likely air in the system and when I put weight in the trunk the air pockets moved toward the front. I'll drive it around tomorrow and see how it runs and if the problem persists I'll take it to a shop. Thank you for the reply

 

[DWW]

I have an 07 RT/82000 miles and had the radiator replaced about 3000 miles ago. To be honest, not sure what brand. I trust my mechanic and the one he put in has a lifetime warranty.

 

[Treehop]

For long idling on the 5.7, look into the oil cooler kit. For under US$200, it could be a good upgrade in the hotter climates.