Can't take the heat?
 

It's hot as hell in New York lately. Everytime I shut my truck ('98 Disco I) off, the fan runs for a while. Eventually it shuts off, and my engine temp hasn't been running above halfway. Is this a potential problem. I'm planning on a four or five hour drive soon, and I wouldn't want to overheat...

It's called heat soak or heat over run.

Once you shut down an engine, often the hotter fluid migrates. (in this case to temp switch)

It's normal, and given your climate lately, I'd be concerned if it didn't do it.

That's one reason overheating engines boil out when you shut them down.
NORMALLY, if it's overheating, turn off a/c, turn on heat full blast, leave it running unless it boils over significantly.

luck,greg

You need a new fan clutch.
To replace it you will need 6 things.
1-a 32mm open end wrench, get a cheap one because you will only use it once.
2-a 3lb sledge hammer
3-the fan clutch for a 2000 Chevy Express cargo van with the 4.3L V6 NO a/c.
4-a small rasp or a drill and drill bit.
5-a cheap socket set.
6-a metric allen wrench set or metric allen socket set.

The good news is all of these things are cheap, the Chevy fan clutch is the most expensive part at $50.

Remove the fan shroud.
Put the wrench on the nut behind the fan and whack it hard and quick to the left.
It may take several whacks but it will come loose.
Remove fan.
Lay it flat on the ground and remove the 4 allen head bolts.
Take note of which way the fan is facing because you can install it backwards.
Take your rasp and make the bolt holes in the fan bigger making sure you keep them round.
Take the new bolts from the new fan clutch and keep checking to make sure they just slide through.
Once all four holes are done set the fan clutch face down, then put the fan ontop of it making sure it is flat on the clutch.
Install the new bolts making sure they are tight.
Install the fan, whack it once to the right with the wrench but do not use the hammer, use your palm.
Start truck and make sure the fan spins straight and true.
Shut off engine.
Replace fan shroud.
Done.

How much this costs you depends on what tools you already have.

Spike,

Can you sticky that please?

thanks!

"Take note of which way the fan is facing because you can install it backwards."

LMAO Spike. Did you add that after pilsner's great head gasket adventure included a backward install of a water pump pulley? That just caught my attention and gave me a good laugh as it is something I would probably do.

Thanks for the responses. I either need to not worry at all, or replace my fan clutch...I'm stopping for lunch on the drive, so I think I'll risk it and just be attentive when I'm running down the road.

The only time you will need to keep a eye on the temp gauge is while in traffic, going down the road you will be fine unless pulling a load, climbing a hill or speeding.