Cat 3406B getting hot!!

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by Eighterfromdecatur, Jun 29, 2012.

  1. Eighterfromdecatur

    Eighterfromdecatur Bobtail Member

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    Apr 10, 2012
    Decatur TX
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    Got a B model in a 87 Pete 379. Guy I bought it from put 4 water pumps on it last summer and I guess didn't fix the problem all 4 times! Bobtail it does fine. Put a empty trailer behind it, runs a constant 190. Pulling a load it'll get hot quick on a small hill and you have to watch her close. Fan runs all the time w the ac kicked on. Radiator was plum full of dirt cleaned that to start w and it helped a little but now it's. over 100 every day so I'm at a stand still. As soon as you hit traffic or stop she will cool right back down to 175-180 real fast. I'm leaning towards having the radiator rodded out. Any suggestions before I pull it?
     
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  3. MNdriver

    MNdriver Road Train Member

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    sounds like the whole thing needs to get cooked out and back flushed. Engine block AND radiator. Sounds like a neglected system over the years.
     
  4. YETI1

    YETI1 Light Load Member

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    Jan 1, 2008
    kansas
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    My old b same way putting new 5 row radiator to solve the problem just a 1200 .00 problem
     
  5. Superhauler

    Superhauler TEACHER OF MEN

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    how hot is it getting? if you go with a new radiator just get a 4 row with the cooling fins at 14 per square inch, it will cool better than a 5 row will. change the thermostats maybe it is sticking. another thing people over look is the cac. if it has a leak it will make the engine work harder.
     
  6. Eighterfromdecatur

    Eighterfromdecatur Bobtail Member

    19
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    Apr 10, 2012
    Decatur TX
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    It'll get 200 in the 1st hill I pull loaded. Got to over ride it to keep going I have to back her down to keep going. Even empty she will get hot if u stand in it. I'm fixing to flush the system and go from there.
     
  7. Superhauler

    Superhauler TEACHER OF MEN

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    200! thats not hot for a cat. 215 and up then you should get worried. sounds like someone has the screws turned up a little. 200 is perfect running temp for a cat especialy if the outside temp is 100 deg.
     
  8. Eighterfromdecatur

    Eighterfromdecatur Bobtail Member

    19
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    Apr 10, 2012
    Decatur TX
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    Yeah it's been 105 here the last week. Guess I can bypass the dummy system and see what it does when u stand in it. I'm going to flush it and run some acid though the radiator today.
     
  9. Eighterfromdecatur

    Eighterfromdecatur Bobtail Member

    19
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    Apr 10, 2012
    Decatur TX
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    The pump is turned up 15% over stock and a good mechanic done the work and set the timing so I know it's right.
     
  10. Superhauler

    Superhauler TEACHER OF MEN

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    sounds normal for what you got. the only other thing to do is go with 180 stats and a 4 row rad. heck mine runs at 200 deg. on a 100 deg. day grossing over 100,000 lbs. but thats with a 4 row rad and 180 stats. i dont worry until it hits 215 and the fan wont cool it down. then its time to drop a gear and keep the rpm,s up.
     
  11. 59BROCKWAY

    59BROCKWAY Light Load Member

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    Jun 22, 2012
    Northeast
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    190 is nothing for her , even 200 is fine for a cat once it goes over 200 the aux fan should kick on by itself , of course you can monitor it too in hot weather and turn it on yourself especially if your in traffic pulling close to gross or over on a hot day. What do you use for coolant? Is it a 50/50 mix ? You don't say how hot she gets ? Maybe trying to flush the system and go from there, also what thermostat is in it , maybe the previous owner put the wrong one back in , that can happen very easily . Hope you make out OK .
     
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