03 BLACKOUTSSS

iTrader: (3)

Okay, like the title says, I am running hot, and I don't like it. This weekend I installed a second cooler in front of the primary, and it helped and it didn't at the same time. While driving, I run about 5 degrees cooler (trans) and coolant stayed the same (crazy movement from 170~ while driving to 230 in traffic). If I turn the AC on in traffic, the temps come down to about 205~ and the trans stays at 200~. I am not happy with this at all. Here's what I plan to do, you tell me what effect I may see from this.

Flush and replaced coolant with 50/50 mix water/coolant. Maybe 75% water, 25% coolant...still debating that.

TruCool 40K, I am considering mounting a fan with the cooler alone, more on that in a minute.

160 stat.

Anyone care to guess if this will work to bring my temps down across the board?




The cooler, I am thinking about mounting a blower fan of sorts (something in the 750-1000 cfm range to a shroud that is attached to the cooler.



just got off the phone with my father, he suggested that the thermostat might be taking a ****. That never even crossed my mind . I think I am going to give that a try first, any suggestions, 160 or 180 (do they even make a 180 for the trucks)?

JakeBrakeIH

iTrader: (22)

Try out the 40k cooler 1st IMO. Even in heavy traffic these past few weeks trying to get off the island the HOTTEST I can get it is like 170. Let me know if you need a hand installing it

BTW, what are your fans set at for temps?

lady3bglover

iTrader: (3)

I have the 160 Hypertech, along with e-fans, B&M External, and Dex Cool 50/50. Temps between engine and trans s/b within 20 degrees. And don't forget to burp the baby. And the 180 was stock on mine....

53bowtie

iTrader: (6)

Yeah sounds to me like either a thermostat or your fans arent doing the job. It should be that when you turn your AC on the temps should go up not down so this makes me think maybe your fans arent kicking on by the engine temp just by the AC?? My truck never goes over 210 idling with AC on but I have the stock clutch fan not efans.

CashDudeHomie

iTrader: (5)

Stock Tstats don't fail very often, but since yours is a Hypertech, I wouldn't be surprised.

I suggest you do the BB mod and put your stock stat back in.

That is if they still used the one-piece thermostat/neck housing in 2003.

dlt76028

iTrader: (13)

Put the stock fan back on. You never see these threads pop up with a clutch fan.

03 BLACKOUTSSS

iTrader: (3)

Who said anything about a hypertech? Stock stat.

Not happening. Love the Efans. However, that does come with issues, goddamn relays strike again. Changed 'em, back to normal.

lady3bglover

iTrader: (3)

I said that my '02 came with a stock 180 which was failing, and we changed it out in '06 for a Hypertech 160, along with removing the stock clutch fan and replaced with e-fans.

CashDudeHomie

iTrader: (5)

Yeah I mixed up the posts. Sorry. What fans do you have?

budhayes3

iTrader: (19)

Honestly, you should be able to keep it cool with the stock stat, but with a 160 stat and the right fan settings you'll be golden. What temp are your fans set to come on at and what fans are you running? Are you sure that they're both coming on at said temp? The reason the temps came down with the ac on is that the fan(s) came on high speed if your harness is set up as they usually are. Keep relays in your glove box...I had 5 good years without a relay going bad, then just like that, after the truck sat for 18 months and was just about to get back on the road, two relays smoked. I now keep 3 new relays in the glove box just in case.

Lingenfelter offers a 180* stat

I've heard that the stock stat is either 187* or 195*, depending on who you talk to. I know that with the factory clutch fan, my truck ran consistently at 195-197* in all seasons and all types of driving. It would go up to 203ish at most after spirited driving on 95* days. When I switched to a 180* stat, I saw temps fluctuate more between 185-195*, usually settling out around 192ish. Sold the 180* stat and went to a 160* stat, 34" radiator, and 05 efans. Truck used to run consistently at 175ish with fans set to come on at 177* and off at 170* (set by PCMforLess). My fans are now set to come on around 189-190ish and off...can't remember where, but it's a larger spread than before.

There was a thread, maybe a year ago, that had a good debate about the necessity of a 160* stat in an NA truck, and I got convinced that the GENIII engines perform best when tuned to run between 180 and I believe 195ish. The factory fan settings are much higher and wider I believe...