Engine Cooling Fan
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Engine Cooling Fan
Hello all. I've been lurking awhile (and learned a lot!) and just joined. I bought my 2011 F-350 back in June 2010, with a build date of March 30. Sometimes I think it was the first one off the assembly line and they were still learning how to build them. I've had the NOX sensor issues and trans issues that others have had, and several dash squeaks/rattles that a 60K truck shouldn't in my opinion. Since the latest reprogram back in April, the engine cooling runs a lot! As in 65 deg F, empty truck, combined city/hwy driving. I've had the dealership look at it. They checked everything including the fan clutch. It's not overheating, but it's not overcooling either. Ford engineering says it's normal and won't do anything about it. So how about it? Is it normal and everyone's trucks are doing the same thing? I think the fan is downright annoying and it's not right. Do I just need earplugs? Thanks to everyone in advance!
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Gig Em, Tx
Fan, what fan? I just put on 500 miles pulling a gooseneck in 90+ weather and never heard it. On the 7.3 you can't carry on a conversation with the fan engaged. Until I saw this thread I forgot what I was missing. I'll have to listen more carefully next time to see if I can hear the fan. I wonder if they made some changes between 2011 and 2012 to quieten it down.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2010
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I didn't understand the scope of how loud your fan was until the earplugs comment.
It should not be running wide unless under heavy load in high temps.
I've heard these things are loud.
I hear my fan but it cycles and only softly inside the cab.
I have never had it sound like a jet engine as those who have towed long grades in 95+ degree weather have said even with a trailer and our southern temps.
It should not be running wide unless under heavy load in high temps.
I've heard these things are loud.
I hear my fan but it cycles and only softly inside the cab.
I have never had it sound like a jet engine as those who have towed long grades in 95+ degree weather have said even with a trailer and our southern temps.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2006
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We need to get together. I think mine has a problem in that it didn't come on when I towed my fiver across Tennessee earlier this summer. No codes, so there was no problem, according to the dealer. I'll may be looking for a real mechanic next time it happens.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Frederick, MD
Not sure about the 6.7 but on my 6.4 the fan will not kick on high (airplane sound) till I hit 220F on the water.
Monitor you coolant temps.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2006
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I was monitoring the coolant temp with the gauge - it was bouncing back anf forth between 1/2 (normal) and 3/4. Engine oil was at 242 which is "Normal under a heavy load". What worries me is that I could smell the oil burning. That's NOT normal.
Lead Driver
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Yeah, somethings wrong.
I don't think my EOT has ever been over 205 empty.
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2006
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Not empty. I was towing my 21,000 lb fiver. I've always just let the truck do the work it was designed for - put it in Drive, hit tow/haul and go down the road. Never a problem, never had it drop below 50 mph with this trailer or the last one (19,000 lbs) in over 10,000 miles of towing.
And when I say the temp needle was bouncing, I mean cycling between 1/2 and 3/4 at a rate of about once every two seconds. Never heard the fan come on (I've heard it, know what it sounds like.) I'm thinking it's not the fan clutch, but the temp sensor not sending the right info to command the fan to turn on.
And when I say the temp needle was bouncing, I mean cycling between 1/2 and 3/4 at a rate of about once every two seconds. Never heard the fan come on (I've heard it, know what it sounds like.) I'm thinking it's not the fan clutch, but the temp sensor not sending the right info to command the fan to turn on.
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Lead Driver
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Ah, you did say you had the fiver. Read past that.
I agree with you, the gauge bouncing that much isn't right.
Next time you're hooked up to that with similar road conditions, you can put the computer in engineering mode before start.
Cycle through the screens in that mode and you'll see coolant temp (in celsius).
The downside is I don't think you'll be able to get back to the normal screens without a shutdown but you could always pull over at the next stop once your tried of watching coolant.
I agree with you, the gauge bouncing that much isn't right.
Next time you're hooked up to that with similar road conditions, you can put the computer in engineering mode before start.
Cycle through the screens in that mode and you'll see coolant temp (in celsius).
The downside is I don't think you'll be able to get back to the normal screens without a shutdown but you could always pull over at the next stop once your tried of watching coolant.
Lead Driver
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Thanks for the info so far guys! Yes the fan runs even when the truck is empty and I'm not towing. Driving home yesterday for example: OAT 77 deg F, combined city/hwy route up to 65mph, Oil Temps ~195 deg F., Trans Temps ~190 deg. F. The fan came on shortly after startup and ran the whole way home (~30 mile drive). This is typical behavior for the truck. Another example, pulling a 6000lb boat in the mountains. Air temps usually 75-85 deg F, Oil Temps up to 215 (never seen higher than that) and Trans Temps around 195 deg F. The fan will come on a few miles from home and stay on until we reach our destination 100 miles away. I could understand if the fan came on, cooled things down, then shut off. But running continuously? It just doesn't seem right, especially since the first year I had the truck I might have heard the fan twice. This isn't the smooth and quiet truck I bought and fell in love with! I've called Ford Customer Service twice now, and they've pretty much told me to go pound sand. I'm tempted to get rid of the truck out of frustration, but what would I buy instead? I had a Chevy (good truck) but I refuse to give them more of my money for other reasons. What do you all think?