Engine fan always running

Discussion in 'International Forum' started by j76ny, Apr 25, 2015.

  1. j76ny

    j76ny Light Load Member

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    Currently driving a 2012 Prostar with the Maxx force engine. So far so good despite what I've heard about the engine. My issue is I've noticed the engine fan always seems to be running. I'm not sure it's even an issue as I have yet to see the temp go up over 180 even pulling heavy up hills. Not a big fan of rolling through customer parking lots kicking up a cloud of dust though. Is this normal and is there anyway I can manually turn the fan off at lower speeds?
     
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  3. KB3MMX

    KB3MMX Road Train Member

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    If the fan is running, it's for a reason most likely. I wouldn't want to force it to be off, bad things could happen.

    Do you often run A/C or defrost mode? That cycles my fan on and off at low speeds frequently.
     
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  4. j76ny

    j76ny Light Load Member

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    I've noticed if I shut the a/c or heat off I get a message that says activate front blower. I usually have the temp set mid range on the normal selection.
     
  5. Mr.X

    Mr.X Heavy Load Member

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    The old air actuated clutch fans stop working when they don’t have enough air pressure, the newer ones stay on when they do not have enough air pressure. Could be leaky airline, switch, or problem in the clutch drive itself. Im sure there are several other possible sources of problems with all the new technology but if the engine isnt getting hot then air supply and/or temperature sensor is easiest place to start looking.
     
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  6. j76ny

    j76ny Light Load Member

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    When I was in training my train had a 2015 and pulling up hills the fan would kick on around 210. With my truck I could be pulling 80k up I 80 into the Poconos and it never gets above 180. I've been keeping my eye on the belts and fan blades for excessive wear but haven't noticed anything yet. Sensors are beyond my level of knowledge so I might have the shop take a look at it but I'm wondering if this is even an issue with no temp. fluctuations or if I'm just overly paranoid.
     
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  7. Mr.X

    Mr.X Heavy Load Member

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    Sounds like its always on, that might be hard on the fuel mileage, but shouldn’t hurt nothing, other than maybe a little more ring wear From what I have seen there aint much wrong with any of the new engines, most of the problems are from the added emissions crap.
    When I was a kid you would see old junky trucks broke down all the time, but these days its the new shiny ones sittin along the side of the road.

    Sounds like you dont have a manual switch, would be easy to add one, thats all the old trucks ever had, just be darned sure to keep an eye on the temp gauge and never forget to flip that switch when needed! Im not a mechanic, just have done a lot of mechanical work but chose to drive truck for the almighty dollar. Best to yah...
     
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  8. spyder7723

    spyder7723 Road Train Member

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    It takes a lot of energy to spin that fan. As much as fifty horsepower. That's a while lot of wasted fuel.
     
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  9. j76ny

    j76ny Light Load Member

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    I'm pretty sure I will be able to get the shop to look at it without risking a lot of downtime but I have a feeling they will just tell me to monitor temp, belts etc. We don't get a fuel bonus but I'm not too keen on wasting money in general so I'll get it looked at.
     
  10. spyder7723

    spyder7723 Road Train Member

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    Remember, there is also a sensor that tells the fan to come on to keep your ac system from imploding. Everyone I know that owns a pro star has had a lot of problems with the ac system. I'm betting your problem starts there.
     
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  11. Arkansas

    Arkansas Medium Load Member

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    I bet your air to air needs to be taken loose an cleaned. It's almost impossible to clean the radiator out unless you take the air to air loose. I bet if you take it off an clean both real good it will solve your problem.
     
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