It sounds like you have a wire or wire bundle pinched somewhere causing an open or a short. As you just replaced the valve cover gaskets, check very closely in all areas that you worked on for the routing and proper security of wires and bundles.
Not that it makes any difference in your issue, but didn't the Dakota go to a 3.7L V6 in 2004 (as opposed to the 'old' 3.9L)?
SOURCE: 98 dodge dakota slt 318. no heat, low operating temp
First thing first, turn off the engine wait for 15 - 20 mints, open the radiator cap and fill it up to the top then start the engine and see if it needs more water adn add as needed, then wait till you ca see the water circulating in the radiator now instead of corculating if it starts boiling out shut the engine replace the thermostat and do the whole thing again.
unless there is water in the engine the gauge will not be able to show the actual temp of the engine, so always malke sure you have water / antifreeze
SOURCE: Engine runs hot on 2001 Stratus R/T 3.0L V6
Hello, as previously suggested by my collegue it appears you have an air lock. Have you tried parking the vehicle on level ground, from cold with radiator cap off start the car and leave it idling. Make sure the fluid/coolant levels are o.k. and let the engine reach operating temp. Keep some warm water handy and watch/listen the water/coolant system (Keep a safe/sensible distance from radiator) hopefully after a while the system will bubble and boil up let it settle for a few seconds and then top up with very warm water do this until it hopefully stops belching out of radiator. Replace cap and hopefully top and bottom hoses will be warm. Oh! nearly forgot keep all heater controls on hot with blower on full..(Inside the vehicle)
Finally I'm not joshing but is the thermostat in the right way round and functioning correctly? to test drop it in some boiling water it should open almost immeadiatly.
sorry for the epic but I'm here to help and hopefully save you time and money.
Good luck and a Happy New Year to you and your family!
Paul 'W'
SOURCE: 1997 dodge dakota v6 engine wont start replaced
turn the key to the on position a see if you can here a buzzing sound around the fuel tank,if you don't hear a sound then. (be very careful while doing this) with the key off take a fuel line coming from the tank loose,make sure its pointed away from you and turn the key to the on position,see if any gas comes out,if not then your fuel pump is probably bad.
SOURCE: Need to know the location of coolant temp sensor
it should be right by the upper radiator hose. it just unscrews. go to auto zone they can help..youll have to drain some coolant. or go to the library for help
http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/how-to-replace-oil-pan-on-2008-honda.html
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How to replace Oil Pressure Sensor on 2008
Honda Odyssey?
http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/how-to-replace-oil-pressure-sensor-on.html
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2004 Chevrolet Express Van: Oil pressure
sending unit replacing?
http://whoisbyme.blogspot.in/2012/06/2004-chevrolet-express-van-oil-pressure.html
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HOW TO REPLACE AN OIL PUMP
http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/07/how-to-replace-oil-pump.html
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HOW TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL AND FILTER
http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/07/how-to-change-engine-oil-and-filter.html
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HOW TO REPLACE AN OIL PRESSURE SWITCH (SENSOR)
http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/07/how-to-replace-oil-pressure-switch.html
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How to
Check Differential Oil Leaks and Replace Oil
http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/07/how-to-check-differential-oil-leaks-and.html
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HOW TO PERFORM A BASIC ENGINE TUNE UP-OIL CHANGE
http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/08/how-to-perform-basic-engine-tune-up-oil.html
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HOW
TO RESET OIL CHANGE INDICATOR?
http://whoisbyme.blogspot.in/2012/07/how-to-reset-oil-change-indicator.html
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These details will help.
Thanks.
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