Car overheating?

Hi,

The thermostat fully opens at 195. The idea of it running at 210 is not out of the ordinary. When you say 230, that is a little higher than I would like.

When it reaches 230, is it in stop and go traffic? If you are driving at highway speed, what temperature does it maintain? Also, when it reaches 230, do you hear the fan spinning faster? It should sound somewhat like a jet engine. LOL Also, let me know what type of climate you live in.

Let me know.

Joe

Hi,

The clutch fan should change speed based on under-hood temperatures. The fan drive clutch uses a heat-sensitive, coiled bimetallic spring connected to an opening plate that regulates the flow of silicone oil into a coupling from a reserve chamber. (See pic below) The silicone oil is returned to the reserve chamber through a bleed hole when the valve is closed. This unit causes the fan speed to increase with a rise in temperature and to decrease as the temperature decreases.

When it reaches that temperature, you should hear a difference. Oftentimes, people come in saying their vehicle sounds like a jet when the system fails and is in a fully operational position.

When the engine is cold, open the hood and spin the fan blade. If it spins with little to no resistance, replace it. If that isn't the case, drive the vehicle and allow it to reach 230 degrees. Stop, turn the engine off, open the hood, and spin the fan. It should have a lot of resistance and not want to spin.

Let me know what you find.

Joe

Hi,

I don't feel that would have damaged it. Also, it really isn't unheard of that a water pump may a slight bit from time to time. If it is constant and you are adding coolant often, that is a different issue. Then it would be bad.

As far as replacing the fan clutch when replacing the pump is crazy. No, that isn't true. If the fan is good, it's good. I think sometimes people like to just see new parts installed. Today, that isn't a good idea because the quality of what is available is sub-par as far as I'm concerned.

How much resistance when you tried spinning it hot? Was it a little difficult? Also, compare it to when it's cold to see if there is a change.

These fans, when fully engaged, make a good bit of noise. I can't tell you how many times I've been questioned. If yours doesn't change in volume, that leads me to think it isn't fully working which can lead to it running warmer.

Let me know what you find.

Joe

Hi,

Yep, that is the wrong one. I looked it up on Rockauto. They don't have one for a truck with A/C. It may be spinning in the wrong direction based on belt routing.

Take a look at pic 1 below. That is from my manual. It indicates two different clutch fans based on A/C. Note The OEM part number for the one without AC is indicated on the rockauto fan you purchased. (See pic 2)

If you page down to the Heavy-Duty Thermal on rockauto, they indicate with A/C.

Back to pic 1, find a fan clutch that replaces the highlighted OEM part number, 15709933.

Let me know if this takes care of the problem.

Take care,

joe

See pics below.

Hi,

Interestingly, all the other fan clutches indicate without AC. Exc must mean except. When you look at the part numbers, they show that it replaces the non-AC OEM part number. Chances are it is a different brand and they referred to it differently. Anything to make it more confusing. LOL

Regardless, I hope this takes care of the issue. I look forward to hearing from you.

Take care,

Joe