Possible overheat problem

[paccool]

OK guys, here is something you should check on your trucks. Might be there like it was on mine.



The last couple of years I've had the truck running a little warmer than it used to when pulling the travel trailer. Tonight I think I may have found the problem. A couple of years ago I was in a small sand storm in the desert close to Barstow. Other than some pitting of the windshield, everything else seemed to be fine.



Tonight I took a real close look at the A/C condensor in front of the intercooler. Guess what?! It was about half packed with sand and real small stones as well as the usual bug carcasses. Took a dental pick and spent about an hour picking the stuff out then took my air/fluid washer setup and cleaned it good. Sure was a lot of crap coming out. I took the grill off for better access. I'm debating on removing the condenser so I can wash from the back side and also make sure the intercooler is clean. There still is some sand in it but I don't know how to clean it more without causing damage to the fins and possibly the tubes.



I know, I should have checked sooner. I did take a quick look but only on the surface. Maybe this will help someone else.

 

[Withers]

At work, we have very dusty conditions, and our excavators, loaders, and bulldozers always overheat, so it's down to the fire hydrant to blow out the rad's. As long as you don't " rake" the rad there should not be any problems, I have done the same with my truck, take the grill off for better access. I have had grill inserts or a mesh screen on the grill just to save the rad's since I bought the truck, that was an expensive rad.

 

[Bob Beauchaine]

Every time I wash my truck I hose out and inspect the front of the condenser and regularly wash out from the inside of the radiator. When I replaced my charge air cooler the old one was very clean. I learned this lesson while working on airports - it was a weekly chore for my maintenance department especially in the summer.



Bob