Getting hot on highway

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09-04-2015, 11:03 AM

#16

j_martin

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Quote:

Originally Posted by shackwrrr

Not sure why I didnt make the connection but today I realized that the truck only gets hot when using A/C. I guess I've been using the a/c so much lately I didnt notice. This morning it was 62 on the way into work and the temp was staying right in the middle with no issues. I kicked on the defrost and almost instantly it started to rise. I turned off the a/c and it slowly went back to normal over the next mile. So could this still be a clutch fan issue?

It is normal for AC use to increase engine water temperature within reason. The AC condenser is heating up the air going into the radiator.

Air flow problems, from any cause, will increase the effect.

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09-06-2015, 09:49 PM

#17

shackwrrr

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well it seems its the fan clutch. I pushed it today with 4500lbs in tow to see where it would run. When it reaches halfway between the third and fourth lines (inside normal range) the fan kicks in then cools it to the third line. It has no issue doing this at any speed, with or without a/c on. So it seems that everything is working ok, just that the fan clutch comes on too late.

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09-07-2015, 07:32 AM

#18

j_martin

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Quote:

Originally Posted by shackwrrr

Without a real temperature gauge, you have no idea if it's working right or not. The cheap dodge dash gauges are famous for being a little "off".

On another note, the weight of the tow is only one factor. Grades, and wind resistance, and speed play big parts.

With very good cooling, that is a Mishmoto HP radiator, fan cooled transmission cooler, and all in good shape, I can pull a 12,000 lb park model camper at speed (70) in hot weather (85°) against a head wind (25) with the AC on and it'll run about 190° water temp and the fan clutch won't engage. Pulling an 8000 lb fiver up East Homestake Pass at full throttle third gear, she'll run about 220° with the fan screaming. All of this is perfectly normal.

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