I am considering doing the E-fan that everybody is talking about. I found a good shop locally who can do it at almost cost for me (buddy of mine).

I asked Dodge for the printout of my factory installed features and options and I see that they mentioned two things that have me a bit worried (though I'm not sure why)...they are:

1. Auxiliary Transmission Oil Cooler
2. Heavy Duty Engine Cooling

What are these and how would they relate to that clutch fan at the front of the engine bay?

Also...my clutch fan tends to wait quite some time to click on during the summer (like 3/4 of the needle to hot). Is there a way to adjust this setting without putting in an electric fan?

Thanks guys! I finally got the go-ahead from the wife to get this thing installed, so now I have to do my actual research to ensure it will work as I expect!

 

Hmmmm....I don't think so. Not unless the engine just started up and it's cold. It stays on until the engine warms up (which is interesting since it's meant to keep it cool). The dang truck sounds like a semi pushing a ton of air early in the morning, haha!

 

#1 (Auxiliary Transmission Oil Cooler) this would be the small radiator thing that keeps your transmission fluid cool. (located at the bottom of your radiator, its *EDIT: part of engine radiator*)

#2 (Heavy Duty Engine Cooling) This was an option on the Dakota if you bought one with the tow package. It might have come standard on some with out, not sure. All this is, is a larger radiator for more cooling.

#3 (Clutch fan) i would check the spring on the front of the clutch for debris. Your truck needle shouldn't really go over half way unless there is something wrong i.e. bad pump, old coolant, clutch in fan not functioning properly.

 

I wanted to let you know that i changed some info on my post

#1 (Auxiliary Transmission Oil Cooler) this would be the small radiator thing that keeps your transmission fluid cool. (located at the bottom of your radiator, its *EDIT: part of engine radiator*)

 

thx for the help guys! i will be sure to check that "spring on the front of the clutch" for debris.

I think it may be a bad pump though because it sure does fluctuate a lot even during normal driving (about 1/4 on the freeway and just a tic under half during stop and go traffic). God forbid its summer in stop and go traffic.

that thing has me worrying a bunch (especially w/ my boat trailering in the back through our 115 degree summers). Once the fan kicks on though it goes down quickly, but i still don't like it!

i'm gonna check the spring first and if that isn't it, then i think i'll order a new pump. How hard are those to install?

 

Well before you go buy a expensive pump do check the clutch fan for sure.

I would also go buy one of those coolant testers. You might even be able to take it to AutoZone and ask them to test it for free. If the coolant isn't mixed properly it may add to the improper cooling.

 

Well, I took a look at the fan and didn't see anything obstructing it or anything that would physically be causing a problem. I'll take your advice eimer and see if Autozone can test the coolant for the proper mixture.