Vehicle will not reach its temperature of 195

100,000 MILES • 5.9L • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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TEXCHANDON
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  • 2 POSTS
My vehicle will not reach its temperature of 195. It has a clutch fan that runs none stop while engine is running. Temperature reads at 130 to 150 while driving. It is winter and I am not getting any heat. But I do know the thermostat opens at 195. With that fan running I get no heat. Can anyone tell me what is happening with my SUV please? It is cold as heck out I need heat.
Nov 30, 2018 at 9:12 AM
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CJ MEDEVAC
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 11,000 POSTS
How do you know the thermostat opens at 195 degrees?

Just because that it is stamped 195?

Thermostats can go bad a stay open, some brands will even "default" to the open position if they fail to prevent an overheat situation.

Back to the fan clutch possibility, see my picture below.

Your turn,

The Medic
Nov 30, 2018 at 10:12 AM
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TEXCHANDON
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Yes, I can hear and feel the thermostat opening. But with the fan is it suppose to kick on when the coolant reaches a certain temperature? And in that picture you sent if that tab is broke off. Does it mean the clutch fan is stuck locked in? Or what does it mean? On my truck it stays running from the time you start it stop once you shut off the engine.
Dec 11, 2018 at 4:49 PM
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CJ MEDEVAC
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 11,000 POSTS
That's a bi-metal spring. As it heats or cools it "twists" the center dealee.

The "center dealee" is what locks fan on the shaft (when the radiator is hot the spring twists)

As it cools down, the center dealee twists the other direction and allows the fan to freewheel on the shaft.

The quick rule of thumb for checking to see if the clutch is doing right is to get the vehicle to operating temperature then stand near the fan.

After a bit you will hear the fan roar loudly (locked onto the shaft) than after a minute or so the roar will go away (now it's freewheeling) It will do this over and over as the radiator requires more airflow to cool it.

The Medic
Dec 13, 2018 at 11:54 AM
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