discocam,

is your condenser fan motor working? it should kick on at 208 iirc.

 

I will call them after work today to see what's up.

And drowssap, my condenser fan does work as I can hear it when it comes on. I thought it comes on a 212F and turns off when the temp is back to 200F but I'm not really sure. I sometimes get to 215 on a warm sunny day at a stop light. It is black so the hood is untouchable even on some colder days. Cruising around I am usually at 208. This is why I plan to switch to the 180 stat in the near future.

 

I went nuts on temperatures last year. It started with what I thought were high temperatures but it had probably always been that way I just finally watched it change on my code reader. I did have some engine ruining spikes but that was after I started work and my own fault (air in the system and a blocked radiator due to the electric fan I tried). I got a new radiator, I flushed the block, I got an electric fan (which is now on my garage floor), I got a 180 degree soft spring thermostat, I got a new water pump, and I did the inline thermostat mod. The only thing that made a huge difference was the inline thermostat. And by huge I mean lower and much more consistent temps. If my truck started at 206 or even 215 and stayed there all day I would be happy. As is now, it sits around 185 to 193.

I think it is the temperature swings and spikes that hurt our aluminum engines and heads. Just IMHO.

I would have saved alot of money and time by doing the inline change first, or maybe not looking at my code reader. I've had my truck so long I'm way past "Rover knows best" and have transitioned to "forum knows best".

 

just looked at the online manual for the v8 d2 and it says that thermostat is set for initial open at 179F and fully open at at 204F. also that the electric fan will turn on at 212F and off at 202F.

 

Wow, and to think I get nervous at anything over 205. I have a completely new cooling system from radiator, hoses, 180 thermostat, water pump, and still run Dexcool. Wednesday, outside air temp was 80, ac on auto (high) pulling a 3500 lb trailer up some long (1-2 mile grades) I never got above 205 at 55-65 mph. In town I stayed around 195-197. I am happy with my temps but would like to know how some are getting below 195 with the factory set up.

 

Operation with climate control off or in econ mode. Attached are the other modes.

Have noticed with AC on and under their 62.5 mph threshold my temps rise a couple of degrees. Believe it's due to elect fan operation blocking some normal flow of air through radiator.

I've yet to see my fan kick on with ign off as on a previously owned vehicle but haven't been through a summer with it yet.
......

 

"would like to know how some are getting below 195"

Having read nearly every thread on the subject here are the common items most missed...

- Using the OEM grey 180 stat. Some of the cheaper aftermarket ones do not perform as well.

- Green coolant, not Dex... Many reports of better temps.

- Flushing the block thoroughly, not just the radiator. As mentioned with vinegar and water using block drain plugs.

- Proper bleed procedure to get out every bit of air.

 

Would it be ok to use that spray sold at home depot for cleaning condenser / evaporator coils on the d2's radiator? Spray it on, wait a bit and spray it clean with the garden hose.