2003 1500 5.7 cooling question
#1
2003 1500 5.7 cooling question
Hello!
I've got a 2003 5.7 Quad Cab, and while towing my travel trailer through the mountains this past weekend my truck started to run a little warm, then my upper radiator hose blew. The hose as far as I can tell was OEM, and upon inspection after the fact is rittled with cracks on the inside. No wonder it went on me.
Now, I know it's totally normal, given what and where I was towing (~8k lbs trailer, 6% grade, 10 miles), but it reached 3/4 on the temp gauge on the most grueling part of the climb. Does anyone know what needle position corresponds to what temperature? I was off the road within 15 seconds of smelling the coolant, there's no damage to the engine, and with a new hose delivered within 2 hours I finished the last 50 miles of my trip no problem.
I never once heard my fan engage. This morning, with the engine cool, I gave the fan a spin and there was steady resistance, less than a full free rotation if spun by hand. Later today after a drive I got out, engine hot, and spun it and it almost free wheeled. I was under the impression when hot they should engage, as the fluid inside physically expands locking the clutches together. Mine seemed less effective when hot.
Edit - Pulled the factory clutch off... after a rotation or two it free wheels lol, it's toast. It'll spin and spin and spin.
I've got a 2003 5.7 Quad Cab, and while towing my travel trailer through the mountains this past weekend my truck started to run a little warm, then my upper radiator hose blew. The hose as far as I can tell was OEM, and upon inspection after the fact is rittled with cracks on the inside. No wonder it went on me.
Now, I know it's totally normal, given what and where I was towing (~8k lbs trailer, 6% grade, 10 miles), but it reached 3/4 on the temp gauge on the most grueling part of the climb. Does anyone know what needle position corresponds to what temperature? I was off the road within 15 seconds of smelling the coolant, there's no damage to the engine, and with a new hose delivered within 2 hours I finished the last 50 miles of my trip no problem.
I never once heard my fan engage. This morning, with the engine cool, I gave the fan a spin and there was steady resistance, less than a full free rotation if spun by hand. Later today after a drive I got out, engine hot, and spun it and it almost free wheeled. I was under the impression when hot they should engage, as the fluid inside physically expands locking the clutches together. Mine seemed less effective when hot.
Edit - Pulled the factory clutch off... after a rotation or two it free wheels lol, it's toast. It'll spin and spin and spin.
Last edited by Prismatic; 11-02-2020 at 08:33 PM.
#3
I mean, I was grossing 14k going up a 6% grade for 10 miles with the motor singing at 4500 rpm...
#4
You asked about temperature, there is a variety of readers that you can plug into your OBD port and get detailed information. I have one that links to my phone and use it to monitor transmission temp when I'm towing with my SUV. Given the towing conditions you described, I think knowing trans temp would be useful.
If you see your engine temp rise again, try turning your heater on high. This turns the heater core into a mini radiator and will help bring down temp.
If you see your engine temp rise again, try turning your heater on high. This turns the heater core into a mini radiator and will help bring down temp.