Where to start???

[forcefed]

My truck is starting to run around 205-210 all the time unloaded. My anti-freeze looks fine and tested fine. Would it be best for me to get a flush or do I need to check into getting a thermostat and a radiator cap. I'm not really sure why it just started but it has not been real hot here last couple of days and still running 205. I though maybe when it was around low 90's temp outside might be the problem but last couple of days has been in the 70's and still no difference. I even dropped my timing back to 8 degrees and didn't seem to matter. I have autometer guage in the stock location on front of the driver side head. Any thoughts would help. Thanks

 

[towcat]

how old is the thermostat and how is the fan clutch doing?

 

[forcefed]

Well far as I know the thermostat is original as is the clutch for the fan. I just passed 98,000 miles on the odometer. the truck will run right at 205 all day on flat ground but soon as I go up a hill and egts rise a little bit, I can watch the temp gauge rise till I let off the go pedal. The temp will drop back down slowly as long as I take it easy. I can almost put the temp guage right to 230 in about 1/2 mile if I keep my foot in the pedal to matain speed going up good size hills, and this is running empty. Something is not working here I just don't know where to start. I'm layed off right now so time I have to figure this out.

 

[towcat]

when you are in the hills and you see the temps climbing, do you hear and feel the fan clutch engaging?
next time you can, go up in the hills and run it hard. pull over when you see it getting up there and pop the hood with the motor running and see what the fan is doing.
something tells me the fan clutch is on its way out.

 

[forcefed]

tomorrow I will do that and see what is going on. Thanks.

 

[forcefed]

well got my truck up to 215 and pulled over and checked the fan. Its turning but does not increase speed as I rev the engine though. So I take that is my problem hopefully. Does this sound right. I was just thinking that while I'm driving 55-60 mph that the wind alone would be enough to keep the radiator cool. I was driving today in the rain and it never went over 200. I am guessing the water on the radiator fins are keeping it cooler??

 

[Dsl_Dog_Treat]

well got my truck up to 215 and pulled over and checked the fan. Its turning but does not increase speed as I rev the engine though. So I take that is my problem hopefully. Does this sound right. I was just thinking that while I'm driving 55-60 mph that the wind alone would be enough to keep the radiator cool. I was driving today in the rain and it never went over 200. I am guessing the water on the radiator fins are keeping it cooler??

Welcome to the world of dead fan clutches. Time for a new one my friend.
Got one that runs 215 till I loaded it with the fiver. Hit 230 a few times.

 

[icanfixall]

I found a fan clutch on Ebay today for $95.00 opening bid. Don't have the Ebay number at the moment but really easy to find in the 6.9 7.3 diesel parts and acessories section.

 

[funnyman06]

What are these trucks suppose to run at temp wise?

 

[forcefed]

never thought about checking e-bay for that. Autozone wants 150. So I guess I'll break down and buy one soon. Thanks again.

 

[RLDSL]

If you do any serious towing,. spend a few extra bucks and buy an MS tech fan clutch. The factory fan clutch when brand new does not completly lock up till the engine hits a whopping 260 , about the same time your overtemp light comes on ( it starts to engage the thing before that but it does not hit full lock up till 260 ). FOrd did this do get around some of the fleet emissions requirements. MS tech takes a brand new ford fan clutch and modifies it to lock in WAY lower. There are a lot of us running the things, they are worth the extra money if you are known to put some weight behind the thing.

 

[Diesel JD]

190-212*F is normal safe operating range. The check engine light comes on at 243*F IIRC also you have to make sure the radiator is also clear of bugs and trash.

 

[funnyman06]

okay my truck runs about 185, i pulled the sensor for the light out and put in a mech temp sensor. In the heat right now i see about 190 with AC on so i guess im good....

 

[Diesel JD]

Sounds good, close enough really, from what I hear it's not as hot in San Diego as it is here in the southeast US. If we see a high below 90 this time of year it's a cool day.

 

[forcefed]

where do you find the MS tech fan clutch at?? I've only looked at the local auto stores around here and do not remember seeing that name.