454 Running Hot

Gjac wrote:
The OEM fan clutch moves a lot of air at any speed. It is controlled by air temperature not engine temperature. If you are going 60 mpg on a flat with little load it should not come on, once you hit a hill for any length of time your speeds will drop your temps will rise and it should then come on. When the coil spring sees about 160 degrees it will lock up, when the temps drop it will free wheel. You might be thinking about the electric fan on the front of the radiator. That does not seem to make too much difference at 60 + mph but does lower the engine temps at idle and lower speeds. Some of the older fan clutches have several notches that can adjust what temperature they come on. Mine is a 1996 and only has one notch. You can also clean the spring with a tooth brush and carb cleaner to remove dirt and any grease build up which will insulate the spring and cause it to come on at a higher temperature.

Thanks for the info. I don't think mine is coming on at higher speeds. Nor does it seem totally dependent on temperature. For example, when I left the campsite on Monday it was roaring when I left the spot, but I had just started it up. Anything just above idle I don't hear it at all. Like I said, the only time I heard it above idle was when it was really hot after that hill climb by my house. Which again begs the question - am I over reacting to the stock temp gauge? Maybe the fan is working like it should and it really isn't that hot?