Radiators

luvs hds · September 14, 2005

Do the 8.1's have a bigger radiator than the 6.0's. I would think that they do, but don't know anyone w/an 8.1 to check it out. The reason I ask, my truck runs hot when pulling 6-8% grades in the high desert while its 118* out. It cools when I turn the AC off, but I'd (along w/my family) would perfer to have it on. If the 8.1'a do have a bigger radiator, has anyone put one in their 6.0? Is it a direct replacement or do I need to modify brackets, etc...Thanks, Jake

Haulin' 8.1 · September 14, 2005

Jake I don't know all the details yet but I can share a few things. The 8.1 radiator is different, bigger. Also the front frame section is different on the 8.1, it's the same as the Duramax. Therefore the small block frame may not accept the larger radiator due to mounting differences. You would have to make it fit.

Vernon

dannyukonxl · September 15, 2005

the 8.1 has about 7 gallons of coolant also

luvs hds · September 16, 2005

Thanks for the responses guys. I didn't realize the frame is actually different, that kinda sucks for me:(....Back to the drawing board....Jake

Frozen001 · September 16, 2005

Just a thought, but my '04 would over heat in the winter with my plow on, there was a TSB out for replacing the clutch fan with a different one, something about when and how long it stays engaged. Maybe this could help. I will tell you that there is a definite difference in the sound coming from the fan. This fixed my problem maybe it can help you out.

luvs hds · September 16, 2005

There isn't much fan noise from from under the hood, but I'm not sure how much is normal. I called the dealer just now. They said no TBS for my truck reguarding a fan clutch, but recomended that I bring my truck in to take a look. Was thinking of just replacing the fan clutch myself, but was wondering if I would be able to find one thats better than the factory clutch. Perhaps one that comes on sooner and stays on longer than the factory one. Also, when the clutch is fully engaged, does it turn the same speed as the engine? Or is there a small amount of slippage? Thanks again for all the responses....Jake

Frozen001 · September 16, 2005

Fan TSB

This has the TSB

It is unlikely that the TSB is related to your truck because the TSB is directed tward truck that have the snow-plow prep package. The link contains some part numbers on the different can clutches, it might be worth it to just by the fan clutch assembly and put it on.

dannyukonxl · September 17, 2005

i dont think its the fan, 118 degrees with or without the ac is pretty d**n hot for a truck, id try putting some water wetter in the coolant mix and see if that works. I know my dirtbike overheated a lot in the woods in the summer and i put this stuff called engine ice in it and it ran soo much smoother (cooler temps). i think they have water wetter at most autoparts stores.

MS3DALE · September 17, 2005

Jake I don't know all the details yet but I can share a few things. The 8.1 radiator is different, bigger. Also the front frame section is different on the 8.1, it's the same as the Duramax. Therefore the small block frame may not accept the larger radiator due to mounting differences. You would have to make it fit.

Vernon

6.0,8.1 or Duramax does not make a difference on the frame.

The only thing that makes a difference on some models is the transmission (Whether or not its an automatic or manual,and only on certain models) some it does not matter if its an automatic,manual,6.0,8.1 or Dmax,They would be the same part number.

The radiators are different but the frames are the same.