The rep from Spal told me that an electric fan installed in front of the radiator is at least 20% less efficient than one installed behind the radiator. Of course for auxilary cooling anything is better than nothing.
I am a firm believer that a mechanical fan is far better at cooling than 99% of electrical setups although both will and can work for this application.
I run mechanical fans on all of my rigs and I'm one day going to add an electric for some additional cooling on my tow rig at least. Both of my trucks that do run will sit and idle all day long and never overheat. Same goes for having 10,000 lbs behind my tow rig--it never overheats or even gets hot.
I would check first to ensure your gauge is good. If you are indeed getting that hot, check your radiator. If it's questionable, have it boiled out or replace it. Radiators are about $150 and I just put a new one in my trail rig last year. Well worth it IMO for a lifetime radiator.
Check your water pump. Make sure it is not leaking or questionable. Water pumps for these rigs are insanely cheap and easy to change even if you've never done it before.
Of course check your hoses as well, they're probably questionable and its time to replace them if they are.
Of course someone already mentioned the thermostat. You can remove it and if your engine doesn't overheat you can pretty much bet it was the thermostat. They often stick and cause you serious issues.
I have never experienced overheating issues since I keep up with my cooling system pretty well. It gets pretty hot here, too, although not nearly as hot as other places in this country. Look on the bright side--the entire cooling system of this vehicle can be replaced for less than $300.
It shouldn't take much to get it to stop getting hot though unless it has some other factor that causes it to get hot all the time. These trucks have VERY good cooling from the factory if you ask me. I believe my tow rig has a 3 core, and I know my trail machine does, and I have never really had any real problems, and both get thrashed on a regular basis.
Do some poking around and let us all know what you find. /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif
