Running HOT During Plowing Route

Cruiser2500HD · December 3, 2002

Hello...

I have a 2002 Silverado 2500HD x-cab w/ the 6.0L and auto. It is an LT model w/ plow package. I have a 7.5 foot HD Boss "V" Plow (about 850lbs) and about 450 LBS of weight over the rear axle for a bit of extra traction. Here's the problem:

Been out plowing a couple of times, yesterday really worked it hard (we had about 15" of snow in places) and twice it started to run hot... a hair above 3/4 on the gauge. Both times I stopped and temp was maintained... I would start to drive and could hear the clutch fan really spool up and about 30 seconds later it would cool right down. I've towed before and never had it get past the 1/2 point on the temp gauge. Is this normal? Could the thermostat be sticking? Anything else I should look into? Thanks in advance for the help!

BDBWTE · December 3, 2002

I haven't plowed any with my 6.0 but I do pull well just about everyday and when I'm grossly overloaded the truck will start to build up the heat and take the needle to about 230 or so...I'm just going to throw a 180 Thermostat in there and maybe mess around with the fan but not 100% on putting electric fans in the truck...

sonjaab · December 3, 2002

CRUISER.....Yea its normal for your rig

temp to rise when plowing.. Mine does !

If the temp goes too high a alarm (chime)

will sound off. I just stop for a minute and

run the idle up a bit in neutral..These new

plows block off air flow thru radiator..so

higher op. temps................geo

BTW: check out www.plowsite.com

Lots of plow help over there !

rlchv70 · December 4, 2002

Don't worry, the fan clutch is doing it's job. Towing is a lot different than plowing. Plowing is done at low speeds, so there is less air flow through the radiator. Also, as previously mentioned, the plow blocks the air going through the radiator. If you are that concerned, you could buy an aftermarket electric fan and mount it in front of the radiator. Turn the fan on when plowing.

Cruiser2500HD · December 4, 2002

Thanks guys!

Polaris Man · December 4, 2002

Also when you are going down the road with the plow, keep it as low as you can and at an angle to let more air go throught the radiator. This will make a big difference, I can see my temp drop by dropping the plow down some and angling it.

December 4, 2002

One of my buddies rigged up some flexible dryer vent hose to direct more air into his grill when he had the plow on. it worked real well, helped keep the rig cool.