my bother in-law just bought a 1990 f150 4x4 for plowin. The problem is when u drive it like 5-10 miles the temp gauge goes way up to overheatin, but when u slow down to like 25-30 mph it goes bac to normal operating temp. . We've replace the t'stat and flushed the system but it didnt help. The last big storm we had we ran it for like 30 hrs straight but just plowin so it never got over 15-20 mph and there was no problems, but as soon as we hit the highway to go home 55-60 the temp gauge went up. mY question b4 i do this work is it a blown headgasket or crackhead? or is there something else it could b? i dont dont to go thur all that work if i dont have to, as ive never seen anything like this b4 we dont see leaks anywhere and dont notich a drop in antifreeze level but u can smell it once in awhile. Any help would b greatly appercated.

 

If you are driving this with the plow raised high you are blocking the entire grill area with the plow at road speed the clutch fan declutches because the fan is not needed as unobstructed air can enter the front of the truck the snow plow is stoping this, look at the front of the truck with the plow in the transport position. When you are going slow and plowing the fan is able to pull a lot more air as the fan is locked up and the grill is less restricted. I have seen engines cooked from traveling at road speed with the plow raised.

 

kool thank you i just called my bother inlaw and he gonna check it out. Can i change the fan to a nonclutch type like i have on my dodge by chance or maybe weld it so it spins at all times?

 

depending on the heigth of the plow sometimes you can set the chain so that it doesn't go up as high. a non clutch fan may help or an eletric fan

 

I'd go with an electric fan set-up. That way it'll switch on and off depending on the temps.

 

Yes, you can replace your existing fan clutch setup with a non-clutch spacer and flex fan. Here's a link if your clutch is a threaded unit:
http://www.perma-cool.com/PenguinPropaganda/ppV1I3.html

Other companies may offer similar things, so check around.

SL

 

Also running with the plow at an Angle will drop one side and allow more air to the grill.



Doug