I pull a 27' camp trailer, about 10000 lbs fully loaded, i was pulling down from Yellowstone, and the truck just going down the road, would be up around the 200-220 degrees. Is this normal, I know that I need to replace the water pump it is leaking, but i keep the radiator full, and the reserve tank at full as well. Could use a little help.

 

That water temp sounds normal...Around town empty, I'll hit 200-210 in phoenix summers. I've hit 210-220 horsing the truck (loaded w/ camping gear and 3k boat) up a 2 mile 9% grade.

Tony

 

My 97 turned up 215 used to run a little past center on the gauge on hard pulls. Craig

 

Ok thanks, just was wondering. Making sure all is normal.

 

You should hear the fan roaring by 220 @ high rpm. You might have a bad fan clutch if you don't. I had to replace it on my 97. The t-stats are the pits in the 12vs - they cycle so much they get worn out, fast. I think it would be a good idea to replace it every 40k or so. I had one that was fine normal driving but didn't open all the way on hard pulling. That was easy to figure out when I heated it in a pan of water. I'd replace it, for sure, whether it needs anything else or not - then see if the fan clutch works. Be sure to get the rubber seals with the stat. You can remove the stat housing and leave the alternator in place - it's an easy job. Keep a good serpantine belt on it too so the fan won't slip. Craig

 

The leak also reduces the pressure. Remember the lower the pressure the lower the boiling point.

 

Yeah I was in Yellowstone just last week with a 28' camper. That is about the same temp I was running! You are fine!

 

All you guys chiming in that those temps are normal are running CR engines which run hotter that the old 12 valves.
My old 99' would run around 180-190 deg pulling a large load than that 97'. I would do as C Schomer says and look into you fan clutch, 220 is a bit hot for your motor.

 

Wow 220 is hot? Most of the time when I pull mine stays just past 200 and on large grades it will really climb then it drops back fast but never to 200. The only time I ever hold 200 is empty.

 

That fan clutch should start roaring at about 205....something is wrong if it isn't. Definitely change the t-stat if it hasn't been done. There have been several part #'s that have superceded each other over the years as the result of changes being made because of on going premature stat failures - just change it and put the latest one in to eliminate any potential problems there. Now look at that clutch....it should sound like there is a Chinook Helo trapped under the hood at 220! I'm serious, these fans are extremely loud at full lock and are moving a TON of air. If this isn't happening at those temps, the clutch is punched.

 

Yea I agree with ya the first time the fan came on I thought something was wrong it was VERY loud. I was on a very steep grade pulling 9k. Normally my truck runs around 190* never gets any higher unless I am towing. You should have quite a bit of resistance when turning the fan. If it spins easy it is probably time to change it. just my .01 cent

 

I know what you mean! My fan screams so I know it is working and with the miles on my truck I know how it acts. I have been through 3 fan clutches. When I lost my first one it gets hotter faster. Mine has always stayed just past 200 when I am hooked up with a load. The only time I ever run 200 on the dot is when I am empty.

 

Have a look in between the rad and intercooler. Lots of leaves, doghair, and crap get sucked in there and cover up the rad fins. It really seems to restrict airflow.

 

Yeah I looked at that first off! I always blow that out all the time. I must have one of those late friday evening trucks!

 

Go to Cummmins and get a 180 degree thermostat, put it in.