Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Fan noise from engine....

[PGaither]

My 96 Doge Ram w/CTD emits a really loud cooling fan wooshing noise, especially on the highway, it sounds like an aftermarket "flex fan". Its annoying as when I'm travelling on the highway I can barely hear the diesel engine noise but (especially above 60-65 mph), I hear this loud wooshing noise from the fan... . Is there a "flex fan in there stock? if there is can I put the stock fan back in? If it is the stock fan, is there annything I can do to make it quieter? I recently replaced the carpet, and put extra padding under the carpet, but it doesen't seem any quieter? Would doing some mild performance mods. to bring the RPM rage up (so the RPMS will be lower @ highway speeds) help?

 

[illflem]

The fan clutch may have failed and the fan is locked on. With the truck warmed up and shut down give the fan a spin, it should turn somewhat easily but not coast. If it's hard to spin replace it. The clutch is available from most auto parts for under $100.

 

[PGaither]

Thanks!

Thanks so much ILLFLEM, will warm it up today & check it. Sounds like you could be right, because now that I think about it it sounds like the fan is on all the time, even arround town & when its first started & still cold, and the Temp is always low on the guage (I thought it just ran really cool), and now that its getting colder here in Massachusets (35-40 nights), it seems to take a while to warm up... ... .

 

[PGaither]

I should probably start plugging in the engine (block?) heater too now, right?

 

[Cooker]

As far as the block heater I usually don't start to plug the truck in until the grid heaters start to work in the mornings after sitting all night. If it doesn't get too cold at night yet, a plugging it in for an hour or a bit longer should be good enough now.

 

[PGaither]

You were right illflem, I warmed up the truck (which took quite a bit of driving... ), and I can't even budge/move the fan! I mean the thing will not budge at all! But of course it spins when the truck is running... . all the time (even when it was cold, sitting for 2 days). I went to my local Auto Zone, and they don't have the clutch for the fan, can't even order it! Anny suggestions on where to buy one? I'm sure I can get it from Dodge, but it must be expensive... There is a Cummins dealer near me, can I get it from them? Annyplace I can order it online? It took quite a while for my heat to work (just felt luke warm), but seemed to work after I drove the truck arround for a while, then seemed to work pretty well. Is that because of the bad clutch fan? Oo.

 

[PGaither]

I just installed the severe duty Hayden clutch fan from Heath Diesel, and my truck is like a whole different truck, it feels much more powerfull and faster. I am amazed at what a strain the bad cluch fan was putting on the motor, it was like I was pulling a heavy load before, and now its gone! I am amazed at the power the Cummins has, pretty much stock. Thaks for all the help, and advice..... this site & TDR are awesome!

 

[illflem]

A locked up fan pulls 23 hp

 

[Andy Redmond]

Ok, let the flames begin. I've had really rotten luck with the Hayden's and the our 6BTA's. Therefore I will only install a OEM unit from DC. They are usually never more than $150.



I recently had a DC unit go south after 3 days of use! I think this was a fluke though. One bad vs many bad Hayden's. . I'll take my chances.



Perhaps the extreme heat tests things and thus our bad luck with the Hayden unit.



Another tip, always chk. out the fan while its off for any signs of damage, cracking etc.



Just my . 02, good luck.



Andy

 

[RBrunson]

Fanless

Why bother to even run a fan? I only put mine on in the summer when I am going to be towing my trailer. Never over heats, and I may pick up a couple of horsepower

 

[wsmalley]

Originally posted by illflem

A locked up fan pulls 23 hp

Actually, I did an experiment at a dyno back in April. I dyno'd 410 with the fan on. Warmed up and everything. About a minute later, the fan was off and we did another pull. I dyno'd 455



That looks like a LITTLE more than 23hp to me. Looks a LOT more like 45HP. Just my . 02 cents backed with dyno numbers.

 

[Cooker]

wsmalley, thanks for posting that info.



illflem is right with his HP draw. There have been other members who have dynoed with and without the fan and the draw was around 25HP. I think the highest number I remember reading was 27HP. But these members were not even close to 400HP. Maybe the more total HP you have the bigger the draw the fan can be?

 

[illflem]

I know it's true but it's hard to figure how a little fan can draw so much hp.

My apple orchard has wind machines for frost protection on 100 foot high towers with 25 foot long props. One machine creates enough wind to mix warmer air from above with colder air settled below on ten acres, you can feel the breeze 1500 feet away. Each is powered by 100 hp electric motor...

 

[1sand0s]

Originally posted by illflem

I know it's true but it's hard to figure how a little fan can draw so much hp.

My apple orchard has wind machines for frost protection on 100 foot high towers with 25 foot long props. One machine creates enough wind to mix warmer air from above with colder air settled below on ten acres, you can feel the breeze 1500 feet away. Each is powered by 100 hp electric motor...

Man, I would hate to let one go in your orchard... I dont think you could get away from the thing.



Recirc. gas, what a concept.