I just changed the thermostat in my 2004 dodge dakota 4.7 v8. My issue is that it is continuing to over heat. Could it be a bad pump. Or could air in the system prevent the coolant from doing its job causing it to over heat. Just curious don't have a lot of time and money so would like to get a better understanding of where to look first. Thank you
Also replace the radiator cap. If the cap is not holding pressure you will see more fluid in the overflow and higher temps.
The first thing to do, make sure your coolant levels are full.
check the inlet and out heater core hoses, there are 2 off them connected to the heater core, they should both be warm and or hot. If one is warm and the other is cold you might have a restriction in the heater core.
Check and see if you have any coolant in the oil...Check underneath the oil cap and see what it looks like, is it milky wet or dry.....
Make sure you "burped" the system of air. I would park it with the front end going UP hill, remove the radiator cap, put heater on full blast and let it idle. Watch inside radiator to see if it starts to burp/drop and add after it runs to full temp as a first check. Also all your hoses should be warm/hot to the touch. If all this checks out the you cold have a head gasket issue.
