Dodge Dakota ForumDodge Dakota PhotosDodgeDakota.net Membership
  Forums   Forum Tools
02:44:05 - 12/29/2024

Dakota Performance
FromMessage
Jeffster
Dodge Dakota


7/14/2001
17:04:57

Subject: Just did the t-stat and fan.
IP: Logged

Message:
Put in the 180 t tstat and removed the clutch fan. The engine won't run at a continous 180* because the electric fan doesn't cool it to that temp. The electric fan kicks on around half way on the gauge. The engine idles ver smoothly and the temps are cool when in motion for that is all that is needed to cool the rad down. The clutch fan removed vey easily, I simply used a 2" clamp on the pulley behind the nut and that jammed it agaist a bolt in the center of the front cluster plate.

It appears that the pulley is welded and the nut's only function was to hold the clutch fan assembley. I have driven around with out the nut and it's was fine. I am going to a specialty fastner place next week however to get a nut for that extra piece of mind.

The next thing I will do is hook a switch up to the fan so I can manually overide the PCM's temp setting and acheive maximun cooling for idling in the staging lanes at the track. I will still allow the PCM to control the fan as well for normal operating conditions. I hope to have everything ready for a good run at next Fridays street legals. I feel like I can get mid 14's but will have to wait and see.

All and all this feels like a great in exspensive way to gain a little more out of this engine.

2001 4.7 RC 5 speed 3.92 LS

Custom 3" cat back
Custom 4" intake tube with K&N
Electric fan only
180 T stat.



Duner
Dodge Dakota


7/14/2001
17:33:26

RE: Just did the t-stat and fan.
IP: Logged

Message:
Jeffster,
For at the track - I just pull the relay out of the fuse-block and use a solid wire jumper between the two larger connector openings. I just used short piece of #10 house wiring to do the job. I started with a piece that's about 1.5" long. I stripped about 3/8" off each end and bent it into a U shape. At the track - whenever you want the fan on just plug the jumper in. I will caution you that the pcm sees this as a problem and will set a check-engine light without the relay in place. I just run it that way and once I'm done at the track - I plug the jumper back in and reset the pcm....no more light. The switch is a very good idea, but you want to make sure you get the right wire. Who knows what happens if you supply 12 volts to the wrong one. After all, it is hooked up to the pcm.



Jeffster
Dodge Dakota


7/14/2001
18:16:18

RE: Just did the t-stat and fan.
IP: Logged

Message:
Duner I allready found the wire for the fan leading to the fuse block. I crept below the truck and located a large light greeish wire. I pulled open the wire bundle right where goes into the fuse block. Using a pointed wire prod I hooked one end up to the POS on the bat and the other end I pricked through the same color and gauge of wire that I located at the fan an the fan turned on. I don't really want to continously reset my PCM anyways because it's learned my driving habits and I may want a little extra cooling when I am not necessarliy at the track. I plan on tapping into the cig lighter and running a switch in series braiding it to the green wire I allready located. Should work really well.



Duner
Dodge Dakota


7/14/2001
18:25:17

I always reset my pcm
IP: Logged

Message:
Thanks for the info.... the large light greenish wire. I might have to add that switch myself.

I reset my pcm whenever I go to the track anyway. Otherwise it takes the computer 4 or 5 runs before it starts to get any faster. Typically I drive pretty conservatively on the street. The computer learns this and it might even help my fuel mileage. With the pcm reset, it doesn't have to un-learn any of my "nice" driving habits. Whenever my truck starts to act funny at all....the first thing I ever do is reset the pcm. Basically, I'm just re-booting it's computer by doing that.....or at least that's my take on it.



Jeffster
Dodge Dakota


7/14/2001
18:30:23

RE: Just did the t-stat and fan.
IP: Logged

Message:
I always have my foot in it so the PCM knows exactly what I want from it. LOL

Make sure you crawl under your truck and color match that wire. As you said apllying the wrong voltage to the wrong wire could be a disaster and even deploy the air bags!! I am glad there is a relay also. This will prevent power back feed to the PCM when it's in manual mode.



bernd
Gen III
 Email User Profile


7/15/2001
01:18:32

RE: Just did the t-stat and fan.
IP: Logged

Message:

Hey Duner...try this:

Reset your PCM the day you drive to the track. Drive with the A/C ON and use a light foot.

Once you get to the track, (obviously) turn the A/C off and see how she runs.

(Just try it....)

1997 Dodge Dakota SLT - V6
Supercharged @ 10#

Andy Bosi
Dodge Dakota
 Email

7/15/2001
13:21:18

The pulley IS welded into the wtrpump
IP: Logged

Message:
Jeffster,

Putting a bolt into that pulley may make you feel better, but will not do a thing. That pulley is welded into the water pump shaft.

I stopped by the Dodge dealer to get some parts, and asked to see a water pump for an 01 Dak (V6). Sure enough, the water pump came w/ the pulley.

01 QC, 3.9L V6, 4x4, 3.92 LSD, 5 spd
180 T-stat, autolite 3923 plugs; MSD 6A & 8680; Mech fan removed

/Andy



Jeffster
Dodge Dakota


7/15/2001
15:01:18

RE: Just did the t-stat and fan.
IP: Logged

Message:
Thanks Andy. I was positive it was welded but wanted a bolt anyways. I am in no hurry but if I find one I will just throw it on.

Later



   P 1


Post a reply to this message:

Username Registration: Optional
All visitors are allowed to post messages


Name:
Email:
Notify me when I get a reply to my message:Yes  No

Icons:            

Subject:
Message:
 



Home | Forums | Members | Pictures | Contact Us

This site is in no way affiliated with Chrysler or any of its subsidiaries.