JJunkins

When I drive on the interstate for about an hour then hit some traffic, my needle will hit the third mark (100C I guess) and when I press the gas, it gets very jerky and the vehicle will eventually shut off.

This has happened on few occasions while on vacations.

I think I need a radiator flush. I am nearing 100,000 miles and plan on getting the routine service done and have also found out that I don't need the "Daimler/Chrysler" brand yellow anti-freeze. My service advisor said I could use Prestone. My question is this.....first off, has anyone else had these same problems? And second, how do I perform a radiator flush?

JJunkins

Could it be the thermostat?

Noredline

Cant help on the flush part, but my needle was in the 90-100 range for a day or so, and I took it in. 85k miles. It needed a new radiator, and a secondary water pump. Hope yours needs just a flush, my DC warranty covered the pump but the radiator cost a butt load Guess it should be expected with that kind of miles, dont be surprised.

JJunkins

OH NO!!

Noredline

SA said my radiator temp was 45 degrees and temp in the hoses was 90 degrees, clogged up over time, never gave it a thought, just noticed it was a bit higher than normal a few days in a row, and wanted it checked out. My wife was supposed to take it accross the desert to San Diego, she took the deisel dually instead, and got way better mileage as well

JJunkins

I can get the radiator for about $250 and the water pump for $160 plus free shipping. I could probably install both myself but before I go out on a limb, I think I will just have the radiator flushed first.

Noredline

definitely, I dont have the time, tools, or know how to do repairs, more power to ya

kevandju

Just do a flush and you should be good to go. Not sure where the thermostat is located but you might want to test it as well. Easy way to tell if it is sticking is to feel if the hose is hot going into it, then if the hose leaving it and going to the radiator is cold. You can also take it out and put in a bucket of boiling water and verify that the thermostat opens up.

JJunkins

OK, thanks! I will probably flush it in a few days. Just the other day, I went to the airport (25 minutes), dropped off an investment banker then began the journey back to the office. At about 10 minutes before getting back here, I hit some traffic. 10-20 mph. The needle climbed FAST to that 3rd mark and I was afraid it would shut down. Luckily it didn't. I got off at the next exit and took some back roads to keep some air flowing through it.

I sure hope the flush works.