Overactive fan

[newbie_101]

Hey guys,

I'm waiting on a dpf but the dealer also mentioned the fan is cycling far too much.

This morning temps were just over freezing. Started the truck up and let it idle for a minute. After about 30 seconds the fan was turning pretty good. After a minute the idle rose as normal and the fan went into overdrive, really screaming.

On the drive to work, acceleration would cause the fan to spin up, eventually spinning down when cruising speed was reached. I do have the plow package but it seems very excessive. Just wondering what others with the plow package are experiencing.

[GrIlLa]

I actually picked up my plow the other day and while transporting it to my house i noticed the fan was in overdrive (sounded like a airplane trying to take off under my freaking hood) i hope it was due to the fact it was rather warm that day (85-90).

[George C]

That's very normal for the plow package. If your dealer doesn't know this, I would look for another dealer that has a clue about their product...

[newbie_101]

I'll mention this to them, thanks guys.

I would think that the fan is the same regardless of the plow package, just a difference in programming?

[barneybadase]

My Dad noticed his 08 with the plow package runs alot too.

[wvcontractor]

No the fan is different. Already checked this out with my parts man. I am thinking about changing mine out. I hate mine. Sounds like a freaking jet engine winding up when I drive around town. I don't know what kind of idiot would order the plow package on a 56K King Ranch that would never see a plow no matter who bought it.

[George C]

It surprised me how it pulsates at idle, but it's intent is to keep heat exchanging at all times. It is bothersome while you are standing in front of the truck, but you can't hear it inside.

I'm keeping mine just how it is.

[Rutcutter]

Yea I like mine moving air,doesnt bother me at all..

[NatesDiesel]

You know, this probably cuts fuel economy considerably. Why dont they just put two electric, high CFM fans on the silly thing and have no belt-driven-fuel-sucker? Im sure they could obtain the same flow as one belt driven one, or more. Heavens, they should even make them variable speed. Put 100% air thru if the ECM says so...etc...they already have the electrical capacity...perhaps a little larger Alternator...

Nate

[Gofasterdammit]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: NatesDiesel</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You know, this probably cuts fuel economy considerably. Why dont they just put two electric, high CFM fans on the silly thing and have no belt-driven-fuel-sucker? Im sure they could obtain the same flow as one belt driven one, or more. Heavens, they should even make them variable speed. Put 100% air thru if the ECM says so...etc...they already have the electrical capacity...perhaps a little larger Alternator...

Nate </div></div>

I think I'll chime in, but Im sure I'll get flamed for posting what I know by some know it all's. There are two different fan clutches for the 6.0 and 6.4, one with plow package and one without. The plow package fan clutch kicks on more frequently and at a lower temp. They are interchangeable. There is a sticker on new fan clutches, still in thier boxes, with the snow plow package that reads something along the lines of "this will reduce fuel economy". I was told that Ford does not use electric fans because the electrical system is maxed out, both on the 6.0 and 6.4. When they say maxed out, they are taking the longevity of the charging system in perspective over the entire life of the truck. Someone should get a truck with dual generators and try it out.

[NatesDiesel]

Yes, I think with Dual Alternators a package could be offered solving the aged Belt-Driven design. The computer can monitor all temp data, and kick it in whenever or however it would feel best. Also, I dont really know what takes so much electric in the vehicle, to "max it out" as once engine is warm, no glow plugs light, and if an engine is cold enough for glowplugs, the fans wouldnt be running anyways.

As far as longevity of the charging system, it sure doesnt seem like they have a problem on long-term durability in cars. Dont see why fans, motors, alterntors, etc couldnt be built a little beefier for larger vehicles.

Nate

[George C]

The only difference in fan operation is at very low RPM. Once you idle up the truck, the fan kicks off to normal operation..
I doubt fuel economy will be impacted at all, unless you are trying to idle your way to great fuel economy numbers.

If you guys don't plow, you have to understand that there is just no rpm involved, no air flow and a LOT of load. If the fan didn't run at very low RPM, things would get hot very quickly. The plow also blocks air flow while driving in town, so again, fan operation is a very good thing.

If you didn't plan on plowing, why did you order it?
If you do plan on plowing, I think you would want your fan to run at low RPM, and not be concerned with what it sounds like.

[CMB430]

My truck has the snow plow package on it and when I start the truck up at 5 am when I leave, every house around me knows because it idles up to around 1,200 RPM if it is a cool morning (below 45). The fan runs like I just dropped my trailer after a summer day. I also have a 6sp manual, and when shifting it sounds like a AC-130 taking off. But I would rather have it do its thing than replace parts at 150K miles.

UPDATE: 3,687 miles in 1.5 months. Avg MPG = 15.5. Will do first oil change this weekend. The transfer (manual) is noisy compared to my old '06 2500HD.

[loft306]

hehehehehe....... already have plans to change out the clutch for the summer...... i was sitting next to one that deffinatly has snowplow prep sounded like i was parked on the ramp at an airport....
I wish that they simply had a winter/summer switch under the hood/dashboard to change up the fan clutchs behavior.

[F450Mikey]

No plow package here and I get the "aircraft" noise some mornings. I only have 4500 miles and it doesn't get that cold here in Cali.