Well, after reading another post titled the same by Loganharpdawg, and the fact I'm leaving on a trip Tuesday, I thought I'd check to see what I was running temp wise and found I'm also running higher also.

Disconnected the belt and spun fan when cold and it spun freely approx 3-4 revolutions. Then ran an errand (forgot my tablet with Forscan),got back home and it still spun freely so it looks like I need a new fan clutch.

This trip will be about 4k miles round trip and I need to take the truck. Truck will be empty except for 2 passengers and luggage and some tools.
Will it be safe to fix the fan clutch when I get back or should I worry now? At what temps while driving should I start thinking about pulling over? 225-230?

If I have to take a longer test drive tomorrow I can. (With Forscan this time )

 

Me?
I would replace the fan clutch now,
unless you have the tools to do it on the side of an Interstate in 105* heat

 

When you disconnect belt and spin it your spinning water pump. Not the fan clutch. Should re resistance trying to spin the fan with the belt installed.

Wha toil temps are you seeing?

 

Start with the simple stuff, like cleaning the condenser coil and if needed comb the fins. Double check all the fluids. Spin all the pulleys to make sure nothing is dragging. What's the condition of the belt, any signs of slipping?

 

Not sure what temps we need to be concerned about. Being normal temps are probably 200-210...I was driving the other day down to Fountain and hit 225-226; I wasn't worried. Not sure what temps you are seeing?

I'm guessing if the fan clutch is bad you do not have time to get one to arrive; which is why you were asking if it could wait.

the comment about the condenser...wonder if that's my issue as it's not in the best shape anymore. will find out soon, once I get a replacement

 

DOH!! That's what happens when you start doing too many things at once. I'll try again with the belt connected. I think I saw the temps on the last longer drive I took a few weeks ago 220ish. Went back and looked on an older log of a drive and was around a steady 206 and that's what got me thinking I may be running hotter




Going to check fins and pulleys tomorrow before I take it out for a longer test run. Oil recently changed, ELC coolant ok, but looks like the degas is starting to leak a tiny bit, Didn't seem belt was slipping and I carry a spare belt.




I guess that's one of my questions is at what temp should I start getting concerned. I may be getting worried for nothing. I just need to verify some temps tomorrow on the hwy.

While on the subject, any recommendations on a fan clutch if I need one? Motorcraft, Napa,? Seems like it may be hit or miss with the reviews.

 

If you do in fact need a fan clutch, I would probably go with OEM. I believe @John in OkieLand runs a different brand that starts with an H? I just saw him post about it the other day I believe.
Yeah, let us know what your EOT's are when cruising at hwy speeds. I'm guessing you aren't hearing/ feeling it kick in?

 

Hayden was probably the name. Motorcraft or Gates would be my choices.

 

Sorry for the metric.

I watch eot alot. Generally my oil hangs out around 100*c (212*f)crusing (i run a 203 degree riff raff tstat). Idling, or low load it would hang around 90*c. It can vary a bit based on load or outside temp, or if the grill is covered. Fan will kick on around 103*c. I can easily get the motor there by going up a grade or flogging it on a warm day. Personally for me, if it gets over 110*c, thats when i would get concerned (simply because it never gets that high). Flat out, towing up a grade with the 26' tt on a hot day, it would get to 108ish and basicly stay put (fan is definitely roaring at this point). Stock motor, new gates water pump, factory fan clutch. I think i got it to 109*c once fighting a strom front with a 10k 32' tt attached, and it took about 1.5 hours of fighting that wind to get there (it was a near head wind and probably 50 to 60mph). Fan was roaring for that entire duration. Then i turned out of the wind and it dropped back down to the low 100s quickly and fan turned off. Ac was blasted as it was really hot out that day. Truck didnt bat an eye other than that wind and the 32' trailer was something else.


Technically any sae oil would be ok up to 150*c (good synthetic is higher, around 180*c) so you wont see any oil break down at your temps. Honestly though, even if it got to 120*c would be a point i would stop maybe, but something is wrong. If the coolant gauge was still in its spot, im not sure i would stop, but maybe get out of it a bit. Otherwise i wouldn't be able to get the oil that high in any conditions.

The fan is a strong canidate. You should hear it a bit generally on a cold start. When cold, it shouldn't spin freely. I would double check the water pump weep hole too. When they first start to leak, they only leak on a warm (coolant pressurized) engine. Loss of coolant pressure can cause things to run warm.

My 0.02 cents.

 

Update:
Checked all the pulleys which spun freely with no in/out play and brushed radiator fins
checked fan clutch which had some resistance, no belt slippage
Drove on interstate for 30 miles sustained 80+ mph EOT max was 222
Exited, stopped and checked fan clutch which to me was about same resistance as before.
Got back on interstate with WOT run and drove back 80+ again. EOT 223 max
Around town seem to drop to about 212ish
That sounds about normal to me unless I'm missing something, possibly a little warm?
Could never hear the fan kick on especially over the engine, but my hearing isn't very good anymore.

I attached the return trip file if anyone would like to look

 

The EOT is a couple points above normal for my truck, but nothing I would raise an eyebrow about. Also, when the 5th wheel is not hooked up or there is not a heavy load in the bed, the fan rarely kicks on. Again, wouldn't raise an eyebrow to the observations you have noted.

A link to to snap shots of logged EOT from a few years ago are below.
Link: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post19402857

I would not mess with it, especially prior to a trip.

 

yes,
I have the Hayden fan clutch, it is not as Aggressive as the OEM is.
It does its' job though, it keeps the coolant temps where they should be,
it just does NOT make a roaring noise when the engine starts.

 

did you see the other thread on EOT being high...his turned out to be the oil cooler.

That got me thinking...My coolant temps started running a good 10* warmer after a failed degas tank and my son overheated the truck. I've never monitored EOT though until the past week or 2. My oil cooler is original but I did replace the o-rings shortly after I bought the truck. Maybe something is going on with it, IDK

But at the same time, I don't know when the last time I heard my fan clutch kick in either and I know my condenser is i poor shape restricting air flow. just brainstorming...

 

I agree, The temps don't seem to rise to "worry about" now. I feel a lot more confident for the trip. Obviously I won't be running that speed on my trip anyway so temps should hopefully be a little cooler.
I'm a big fan of "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" , But I'm also a fan of "If it is broke, while I'm in there might as well replace these other things."


.
I'm not seeing any problems or leaks with the oil cooler, I will be monitoring my temps, Hopefully the drive will be uneventful.
My degas has a tiny leak so that may have contributed to the slightly higher temp. Not really losing any coolant so far but will need to get replaced soon. I carry a gal of oil and a gal of coolant on trips.

 

Keep an eye on the degas....that's what happened to me until it got worse driving and overheated on my son...which in turn took out the CPS.
I'm not sure of your exact location but if you are close to the greeley area you can swing by diesel o-rings and pick up a new degas tank
I guess they are out closer to Ft Morgan but would still be worth the trip so you don't have to worry about it failing on you