Radiator fan runs when cold, is this normal.

Hi,

We have a new to us 2001 3.4L V6 manual. I've noticed the radiator fan runs right from a cold start. Is this normal for this truck? The AC is off.

Thanks
Louis

 

Yes.

It's very noisy on cold start up. As long as it quiets down in 1 to 2 minutes later, the fan clutch is acting normal.

 

Thank you!

 

You are welcome. I've been running 1st gens for 20 years. I've always hated the high idle and loud fan on cold startups.

 

It also seems to run hot, although the gauge doesn't show that. I also smell what I think is coolant, although the odor is not strong. Is this also normal?

 

No.

The gauge us very in accurate. Get a OBD scan tool to plug into the OBD test port. You will be able to get a true coolant temp.

Has the radiator ever been replaced? Quite often there is a crack along the tank seams and coolant seeps out.

 

We just got this, so I don't know. Carfax doesn't mention radiator replacement and it looks old.

 

Regardless. Radiators are maintenance items. A rad flush costs $125, a new radiator costs $90. Just change it and the coolant and be worry free.

These trucks are very durable, but they need maintenance to make them bullet proof.

 

Yep will do. Thanks again.

 

Where are you smelling it? I believe these trucks are known for their smell when warm. I get an oder when my engine is hot

 

The smell is in the engine compartment.

 

Yea that's where I smell mine too. Specifically, when I get out and walk towards the front of the truck after driving it for a while. It almost smells like warm/burning rubber.

 

Temp gauges only show, cold at the bottom, hot at the top, and normal everywhere else. Trying to equate any needle position to a temperature is an exercise in futility.

And carfax is jus overpriced and poorly performing toilet paper.

 

It's likely the overage tank pissing coolant vapor out its too-short spill tube. I ran a longer one that exits down at the wheelwell bottom because the stock one was spraying vapor on the battery and I didn't like that.