Has anybody experienced a fan clutch failure in their V10? My coolant temps are occaisionally spiking up to 230+ (SPA guage) when the ambient temps are only in the 50s, but it's becoming more frequent. I sometimes hear what sounds like a pump noise after the truck warms up, and that too is becoming more frequent. I had it to the dealer several times with this noise but they "could not duplicate" [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif[/img]. The pump noise corresponds to the fan spinning down after shut off, which takes about 1-2 seconds after the engine is off. The wierd thing is that depending on where you stand, the noise sounds like it's coming from different places? Just wanted some input before I go buy a $140 part that isn't what I need. Thanks!
How fast does the temperature spike to 230? With ambient temps in the 50s, and assuming that you arent towing 20k (not working the truck hard), I wouldnt hesitate to say that the fan should barely be working. If the temp jumps right up, I would lean towards a thermostat, although this doesnt explain the fan noise, except for the fact that if the motor got that hot, the fan clutch should lock in and start cooling the temperature back down.
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99 F350 XLT 4x4, Crew Cab, 6spd, DRW 255k and still going strong. DR Edge 2" leveling kit. 5" exhaust. Prodigy TBC. Hideaway Gooseneck Hitch. Rickson LTS 19.5 aluminum rims with 245 70R19.5 Michelin XDE M/S. Cummins 12V powered, with a few mods, SBC DD clutch
2005 F250 XLT, Supercab, V10, 6spd, 4wd, SWB, 4.10 LS
To see 230+, I need to take it out on the highway for a while. 65 mph for more than 15 minutes. I replaced the t-stat this past winter when I did the coolant change. The funky temp spikes happened a few times last summer, but not to this extreme. And I'm not towing when this happens. I'm guessing that the noise is the clutch slipping? Thanks!
The fan should barely work at all on the highway, especially if you are only going 65mph unloaded. The moving airflow around the truck is more than enough to keep the radiator cool. Just because you replaced the thermostat doesnt mean that its working correctly now, thermostats seem to be finicky devices. I would change it again first, because that is much cheaper than doing a fan clutch. Just my .02 Good luck with it.
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99 F350 XLT 4x4, Crew Cab, 6spd, DRW 255k and still going strong. DR Edge 2" leveling kit. 5" exhaust. Prodigy TBC. Hideaway Gooseneck Hitch. Rickson LTS 19.5 aluminum rims with 245 70R19.5 Michelin XDE M/S. Cummins 12V powered, with a few mods, SBC DD clutch
2005 F250 XLT, Supercab, V10, 6spd, 4wd, SWB, 4.10 LS
Okay, here's an update. I haven't solved the heat spike problem yet, but I was finally able to track down and fix the "electric pump motor" sound that the Ford "mechanics" could not duplicate [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif[/img]. It turns out that the PCV valve, which was still functional at 87,000 miles, was creating some kind of harmonics. I have checked and cleaned it several times in the past, but I guess the plastic body had finally started to deteriorate, allowing the plunger to make the pump noise as it operated. Anyway, new PCV valve, no more noise!
Next step, isolate the heat spike issue. Thanks for the help!
After parking from the ride on the freeway, is the fan stiff and hard to move, or is it very loose. Also look to see if there is any oil around the clutch area. The presents of oil usually means a bad clutch. Where was the sending unit on the gauge placed? Also at around 230 degrees the ford gauge should start to move up. And it could be a frayed wire / band sending unit / or the SPA gauge. I know it is unlikely with the SPA brand, but even Rolls-Royce has a service department. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif[/img]
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FOKISD Charter Member from Chillicothe, OHIO
2004 Excursion, Auto, 4X4, 6.0 Turbo diesel, Harley Instument Cluster, Brite box w/Fog Lights, 26/24 inch wipers, 3.73LS, X and F w/350 blocks spring upgrade, XMradio, Grill and tail light gaurds, Sunvisor w/ marker lights, rear spoiler, 2 JL audio 12's, Front Marker Mod, rear swaybar, Hella Highbeams mounted on grill guard, Air rite Airbags, Born On 12-03
It hasn't spiked since replacing the PCV valve. My guess is that the engine was running really rich/lean? and causing the heat issue. Now if I can just get the tranny right...
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