2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Truck has been over heating when pulling

[jbuckley]

This evening I tired to spin the fan - the fan would not fee spin, not even a little. The truck has not been driven for over 24 hours so it's cold. I'm thinking I have a fan clutch problem.



Can someone please confirm?



Thanks for the help.

 

[BRowley]

Try cleaning the radiator. Usually, oil builds up on the engine side, then it attracts dirt, and sooner or later, the air flow starts to diminish.

 

[DSeamans]

Overheating

You should be able to turn the fan, though it shouldn't turn easily - the clutch should drag. That said, the fan always spinning would help cool the truck more. First to check is the thermostat. When not pulling, you should be able to see it warm up and the open as close. DEFINATELY clean the radiator as mentioned. Personally, I would pull it out and clean the ac condensor, intercooler and radiator. Soak them in a degreaser and then pressure wash it out. If you haven't done this, you will be amazed at how much crap builds up in there. You can flush the engine and heater core, and change the t-stat while its apart. You have to pull the bumper off to get the stuff out, but it is worth it. I found it also helps to pull the upper core support loose and move it out of the way. Then the fan doesn't interfere as much. If the fan clutch is bad, thats a good time to change it. BTW, mine does run warm when pulling, especially when pulling hills and its hot out. And, get a good t-stat. It will be $30+.



Dave

 

[KLockliear]

I agree with BRowley - but also pressure clean the intercooler. Mine had a TON of crap in it at 100k. Pulled it out and used a pressure washer on it - dropped my temps 15*F.

 

[AClayton]

Second the rad and intercooler flush... made a huge difference on my truck. Would a 180 or 170* stat help at all?My temp gauge climbs some still but usually only a mark or 2 past 190* on factory gauge on a stubborn grade.

 

[Tractorat]

I cleaned and cleaned and cleaned my radiator and intercooler. It helped a little, but it still ran hot when pulling. I finally put in a new stat. Fixed it. (wish Id done that first)

 

[KLockliear]

You can go down to the 180* t-stat as well. I have this is my truck and it cycles 183-190*F in 100* Vegas temps. Cummins#3954194

 

[jbuckley]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I replaced the t-state last month purchased it from auto zone but I might go with a new 180* as I have seen that mentioned on several occasions. I'm planning on pulling the radiator this weekend but I will have to see how well that goes before committee to all the other stuff out.



Thanks again.

 

[ata]

Go to Dodge or Cummins for your new T-Stat. The after market ones are not the best thing to use.

 

[jbuckley]

I pulled and cleaned the radiator today - pretty bad. My radiator cap has also come lose two times now in the last six months so it looks like I'm in for a t-state and radiator cap.



Thanks again for the help.

 

[Garrett2500]

Check to see if you have a discharge (slobber) tube. If so you need to extend it beneath the motor. You can clean the radiator but it will continue to get clogged and cause engine to run hot. Also since you changed the tstat take the radiator cap off and start engine. Allow engine to run add anti-freeze if needed watch for bubbles once you don't see any bubbles the air should be out of the system. Replace cap and check temperature. If you have some air in the system it will cause the temperature to rise. I had the same experience with my 99 dodge.

 

[jbuckley]

Yeah, I hooked up and extension to the slobber tube a couple years back but I suppose a pull and good cleaning was due after eight years anyway.



Thanks.

 

[dseabaugh]

if your auto transmission is getting hot from slippage it could be heating you up also. when I have the 32' gooseneck on back with around 15,000#s on top I can make the speedo and temp gauge rise in unison on Goreville hill if I put my foot in it. I know it is from torque converter/transmission slip because it will blacken the oil. Doesn't do it unless I am heavy like than and feel like passing a Ford on a long grade;-)