anyone knowledgable about these cars?

I recently drove through quite a bit of dust and sand and areas which were flooded and left soot

I have now noticed, even driving a short distance, that when I Turn off the car, the coolant sounds as if its bubbling, and I see what looks like either perspiration or splashed fulid t the top of the coolant fill bottle.

some sights say this is 'normal' except its not normal for my car as it wasn't happening before,,lol

others say it may be a bad thermostat (im hoping the dust might have affected it and a cleaning or something might help?)

or a bad radiator cap or hose,,,,

has anyone had this problem with their dodge

A simple check, because of so much dust, sand and soot. Check your air filter, beat it out or replace it, clean it whatever type you may have. It may not be getting enough air...

how long since the thermostat was replaced ?
That would be the first thing i would check
Have someone see if the cooling fan runs when the car is warmed up
{They have an electric fan}
driving through sand and dust should not effect the cooling system
But changing of seasons and temperatures can easily cause the thermostat to freeze shut {As in no longer able to open and let the fluid pass through the system freely}
And will make your car over heat
Cheap to replace if you know someone to install it...
Good luck !

the filter might be dirty because of the soot and dirt

could be the thermostat, but I hope not
the fan runs, Im not losing coolant, and my gauge is rising to normal levels without overheating

there is not much change in the weather , im in the hot desert,,,,


I will look for someone who knows how to check the filter and the thermostat,,lol,, and hope I can come up with the money

,,,thanx for the suggestions

dodge intrepid's came with different engine sizes. the V6 six cylinder engines are pretty reliable, except the older V6 engines came with a hardened plastic intake manifold. these plastic manifolds would brake and leak coolant. driving through really dusty conditions should not affect the thermostat (it's covered and not exposed to dirt or air) but it could affect the radiator. the radiator transfers heat and should be clean and free from debris. the dirt could have accumulated enough to restrict air flow through the radiator. a quick trip to a car wash to pressure wash it should clean it up enough. if that is the problem, you should notice the temperature gauge rising higher than normal. be sure the engine is completely cooled before taking off the radiator cap to check the fluid level. some shops will be willing to check the fluid level for you at no cost, but if they do find a problem, get a second opinion or ask your regular mechanic to double check it

Gotta agree with the ole bulldog here.
But I would just use the garden hose on the radiator next time I washed the car.

Yeah air flow through the radiator is a good idea too
Good thinking Bulldog...