I have a 96 2wd extended cab PU. I got 315K on it with the original eng. and trans. It normally runs at about 185 after warm up but on a hard pull it will go up to about 200 degrees. I am thinking maybe the fan clutch is not working and the fan is not turning on a hard pull. I am considering flushing the system with a cleaner , putting on a trans cooler and a new , fan clutch , water pump and thermostat. With this many miles would it be to my advantage to replace the radiator as well. I work at a parts store so I get very good prices on the parts and will do the work myself. With that many miles I think maybe cover all the bases at once. What say you???


Regards,


96 Junk

 

Is this a new symptom or has it always done this? The temp swings you are describing sound ok and within normal operating range to me. BTW great job with the hi miles and no major repairs!

 

Thanks for the reply...It's been doing this since I got it with 100K on it. I attribute the longevity to strict maintaenance and Mobile -1. Although I have gone to 10w-40 as it seems to carry better oil pressure , the mileage has suffered somewhat though.


Regards,


96 Junk

 

Then I would do nothing more than your routine cooing system maintenance - ie flush and fill, hoses as needed. Don't think I would do water pump or radiator till they fail. Trans cooler probably not needed unless you are towing. Kind of want to say "if it ain't broke, don't fix it"!

 

Maybe so but I'm still going to replace the fan clutch. There is about 1/4 in. of side to side movement in the fan. I don't want the clutch to fail and stuff the fan thru the radiator.


Regards,


96 Junk

 

Makes sense - I'm on my 3rd one, 93 Sub 340k and considering a 4th clutch for the same reason!

 

Well...I installed the new fan clutch and it seems to be a bit better...truck sounds like a B-29 taking off though so it's my guess the old clutch was shot. The beat goes on...