View Full Version : Steam coming from the radiator (NITRO RT)


oldschool2
03-22-2007, 11:42 AM
My Nitro RT has steam coming from the radiator every time it rains, snows or I wash the truck. Every time I stop at a light I look like a fool with an overheating radiator (not a little steam, alot). Anyone else with this problem? Any suggestions?

Please email me at old-school@comcast .net if you can help.

Thanks,
Chuck

dcxguy
03-22-2007, 12:07 PM
I noticed that too when I park at work in the morning. I opened the hood right away hoping to see where the steam comes from but I can't find the source.

deranged
03-22-2007, 03:49 PM
Relax- it's just the water from the rain, snow or the carwash boiling off. A radiator traps alot of water in those tiny fins.

oldschool2
03-23-2007, 01:03 PM
I’m aware the problem is the water hitting the radiator, but no 30k SUV should look like an overheating junker every time I come to a stop in the rain.
I took it to the dealer yesterday and they called it a design problem. The radiator collects water because of its proximity to the grill. They recommended that I change the grill from the standard to the mesh aftermarket version since the standard one allows water to accumulate and splash into the radiator at higher speeds.

deranged
03-23-2007, 04:55 PM
Everyvehicle made has it's own "quirks". If this is the worst problem you have with it then count yourself as lucky. My '01 Dakota will do the same thing after a car wash or driving in the rain. I don't worry about it appearing like I'm driving a junker (I know what I have) and I certainly wouldn't change the appearance of my vehicle or spend unneeded $ for something this insignificant unless I wanted the change.

thelemonlawyer
08-16-2007, 07:07 PM
I have a client with the same problem. The steam presents after it rains or after she drives it through a car wash. Of course the dealer is unable to duplicate or diagnose the problem. I'm interested to hear if anyone has been able to remedy this.