Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Question on Fan Clutch

[FASTERTHANU]

you are correct that electrics work well at near idle conditions, but you must remember that it is not a matter of engine rpm as the fan is overdriven by the pulley ratio to work in the rpm required by these motors.

 

[K_Arts]

Originally posted by FASTERTHANU

I made a quick call to flexalite tech dept and he (name removed to protect the innocent) said as a round number the turbo diesel clutch fans move about 12,000 cfm (that's 12K) when locked up at 2000 rpm and they (flexalite) do not recommend electrics as primary cooling for these vehicles, but rather as supplemental to the existing system.

Like I said above, I'm not question you... just trying to understand what I need to do to get some air flowing through my engine to make sure things work properly.



So here's what I don't understand. If the stock mechanical system can move around 12k CFM when locked. What's the trick to getting that sucker locked up? There have been several complaints from people on the TDR that have had failing fan clutches. What is the cure to getting that damn thing to actually work? Cause putting in a replacement and waiting for that one to fail is not a cure. What do you personally recommend for people like myself?



Kev

 

[illflem]

Kev, just spring the bucks and get a Horton. Horton's site seems to be down but here is a good description http://www.internationaldelivers.com/school_bus/253.html For our application the clutch is electric rather than what is described here.

 

[ScottB]

I have always wished there was a way to tweak the mechanical fan to lock up a little sooner. It would help the air cond and kind of precool possibly. I know there would be side affects but I would like to try if there was a way.

 

[illflem]

Scott, that's what a Horton does and even allows you to manually turn the fan on/off.

 

[groser]

fan clutch

Fan clutch. Just for info. I'm living in Parker,Co and driveup the Eisenhower on I-70 at least twice a month. My fan never comes on when not towing, even on hot days. Engine runs around 190 degrees , sometimes slightly more. Towing is an entirely different story. It comes on , I think, and I do see temp drop when it comes on if I'm not towing hard. However if I'm towing hard I overheat and sometimes I can't hear it come on but I now attribute that to excessive ambient noise at 2700 RPM and hard pulling. I suspect it is working and dealer says it is. Dealer saye check it two ways. When cold fan should turn with stiff resistance by hand. When normal temp watch fan as you shut off engine; it should stop withing 2 turns or less. Mine stops in 1/2 turn.

Truck is currently at ATS Wheatridge for gages and transmission insp, possible aftermarket TC.



Maybe send me private message and we can exchange stories on dealers in our area!!!

 

[K_Arts]

One last question. I was pulling a load with the wifes truck today (2001. 5) and noticed that her temp gauge would not go above about 188*. Is it possibly that the new 2001's and up have the 180* Thermostat in them?



I was pushing her stock truck pretty hard and was surprised that I couldn't get the temp gauge to 190*



I'm just wondering if I put a 180* thermostat in my truck if it would help out.



Kev

 

[Rob Thomas]

Nope, my '01. 5 had a 190* in it, and I replaced it with the 180*.



Later, Rob

 

[groser]

Horton fan clutch

I found info in another thread on overheating that states that Horton has no fan clutch for the 2001 and up. True?

 

[K_Arts]

I sure couldn't find anything on Hortons website for a year specific truck.



Their info is just specific to model of engine (I. E. ISB)



The Horton sounds like a good idea... I just can't front the money for both trucks.



Kev