# Engine Running COLD...... WHY?

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/engine-running-cold-why/87932>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Created:** [November 3, 2014, 7:14am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/engine-running-cold-why/87932 "2014-11-03T07:14:48Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Labrat0116](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/278dde/32.png) [@Labrat0116](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Labrat0116)\
**Post date:** [November 3, 2014, 7:14am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/engine-running-cold-why/87932/1 "2014-11-03T07:14:48Z")

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I recently bought a 98 Dodge Dakota with a 3.9 V6.

The engine runs around 170 degrees and no more. I put in a new 195 degree thermostat, checked the coolant level and condition and NO change in the engine temperature.

I drove it around about (30) miles today and when I go home checked under the hood.

The top radiator hose was warm (not hot) and strangely, the bottom radiator hose was COLD. Not even warm… ?

I would think it the radiator was clogged or water pump not pumping correctly, it would be running HOT. Right ?

What the heck is going on with this truck ?

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**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\
**Post date:** [November 3, 2014, 7:23am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/engine-running-cold-why/87932/2 "2014-11-03T07:23:26Z")

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Check and see if the fan clutch for the radiator is locked up.

Tester

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**Author:** ![insightful](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/insightful/32/2732_2.png) [@insightful](https://community.cartalk.com/u/insightful)\
**Post date:** [November 3, 2014, 7:56am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/engine-running-cold-why/87932/3 "2014-11-03T07:56:10Z")

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Also, if you’re getting good heat out of the heater, the temperature sending unit or the dash gauge might be off calibration.

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**Author:** ![db4690](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/db4690/32/2583_2.png) [@db4690](https://community.cartalk.com/u/db4690)\
**Post date:** [November 3, 2014, 10:15am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/engine-running-cold-why/87932/4 "2014-11-03T10:15:59Z")

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The first thing I’d do is point a laser thermometer directly next to the coolant temperature sensor