460 Overheats while Towing
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,371
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From: Manassas, VA
Wanted to give this thread an update. I ended up getting the Hayden 2799 severe duty clutch fan and will be installing it this weekend. I'll top off and burp the cooling system, and make sure to get as much air out of the system as possible by running the front end of the truck up on ramps. Let's see if that helps me out any when dealing with traffic. If not, well, I've now got 3 gallon jugs of water in the side boxes, and I'm prepared to take the trip nice and leisurely, with plenty of time budgeted in for pulling off and letting the engine cool down 
In all seriousness, if the new clutch fan doesn't help out the next thing will be a new cap and t-stat, and a block and rad flush. Will let you all know what happens next weekend, when we go on the trip.
In all seriousness, if the new clutch fan doesn't help out the next thing will be a new cap and t-stat, and a block and rad flush. Will let you all know what happens next weekend, when we go on the trip.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2013
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From: Mojave, Ca
I skimmed though this thread... But I didn't see anywhere that mentioned the fan shroud. Do you have a fan shroud? You should have 1/2"-3/4" gap between the fan shroud and your fan.
Many times, the fan shroud will be missing, or a smaller fan will be installed which ruins the effectiveness of the fan shroud. Also, check the gap between the fan shroud and the radiator. Any air leaks between these two components will result in a cooling loss. Home depot frost-king weather stripping foam is a great tool to use to seal up these gaps. This forces the cooling air to go "through" the radiator, instead of around it.
Many times, the fan shroud will be missing, or a smaller fan will be installed which ruins the effectiveness of the fan shroud. Also, check the gap between the fan shroud and the radiator. Any air leaks between these two components will result in a cooling loss. Home depot frost-king weather stripping foam is a great tool to use to seal up these gaps. This forces the cooling air to go "through" the radiator, instead of around it.
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,371
Likes: 138
From: Manassas, VA
I skimmed though this thread... But I didn't see anywhere that mentioned the fan shroud. Do you have a fan shroud? You should have 1/2"-3/4" gap between the fan shroud and your fan.
Many times, the fan shroud will be missing, or a smaller fan will be installed which ruins the effectiveness of the fan shroud. Also, check the gap between the fan shroud and the radiator. Any air leaks between these two components will result in a cooling loss. Home depot frost-king weather stripping foam is a great tool to use to seal up these gaps. This forces the cooling air to go "through" the radiator, instead of around it.
Many times, the fan shroud will be missing, or a smaller fan will be installed which ruins the effectiveness of the fan shroud. Also, check the gap between the fan shroud and the radiator. Any air leaks between these two components will result in a cooling loss. Home depot frost-king weather stripping foam is a great tool to use to seal up these gaps. This forces the cooling air to go "through" the radiator, instead of around it.
I'll definitely take a look at the shroud to rad gap though.
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,371
Likes: 138
From: Manassas, VA
Here's an update: got the new Hayden severe duty fan clutch installed. I also took the advice from some of y'all and used parts of a Busch light case to seal up the gap between the rad and fan shroud. It wasn't too egregious of a gap, maybe like 1/4 inch all the way around.
Anyhow, I'm pleased to report that during the MDW trip the truck didn't have any issues overheating. Granted, it was a cooler day but we hit the full brunt of Memorial Day traffic. Truck was actually actively cooling (temps going down) when we were stopped, which was really great. Temp never climbed above the "R" in NORMAL. Previously, sitting in traffic would get it up to the "A" or higher.
The last test will be later in the summer when the temps are in the 80s and 90s. If it can handle stop and go then, I'd think we've got the issue licked.
Anyhow, I'm pleased to report that during the MDW trip the truck didn't have any issues overheating. Granted, it was a cooler day but we hit the full brunt of Memorial Day traffic. Truck was actually actively cooling (temps going down) when we were stopped, which was really great. Temp never climbed above the "R" in NORMAL. Previously, sitting in traffic would get it up to the "A" or higher.
The last test will be later in the summer when the temps are in the 80s and 90s. If it can handle stop and go then, I'd think we've got the issue licked.
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,371
Likes: 138
From: Manassas, VA
All-
Final update. Just took a trip with the travel trailer about 2 1/2 hours to Nellysford, VA. Ambient air temps were 90-95. Truck was running a tad warm - between the "R" and "M" in NORMAL. However, where traffic before would overheat the truck, once again we were actively cooling down to the "O". So I think it was the clutch fan that was causing issues.
Thanks for everyone's assistance - I think we'll be OK as long as I take it easy on the long stretches
Final update. Just took a trip with the travel trailer about 2 1/2 hours to Nellysford, VA. Ambient air temps were 90-95. Truck was running a tad warm - between the "R" and "M" in NORMAL. However, where traffic before would overheat the truck, once again we were actively cooling down to the "O". So I think it was the clutch fan that was causing issues.
Thanks for everyone's assistance - I think we'll be OK as long as I take it easy on the long stretches
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dtbjan
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
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Aug 28, 2017 10:42 AM
