i got an 2004.5. stock turbo and no tuner. i have heard that you should be really able to hear that fan especially from take off. i cant hear it at all. my temps are always about 190-195 where they should be. when towing it gets up to about 215 untill i get up to speed and the load settles. i understand that it gets hot when you work it because youre burning more fuel and its under load, but it seems to get warm awfully easy. several times a year, i wash and blow-out the cooler and radiater, so i know its not caused by beeing plugged with dirt and bugs. also, i noticed when its at full temp. and i shut it off, the fan continues to turn for a good 4-5 seconds after the engine stops turning. that is also why i think the cluth is shot on the fan.the truck has 114k miles on it.
I'm not sure, but it seems like everything is normal from what you are saying... as long as you aren't overheating I would say that you're fine.
At idle put your A/C on, 9 times outta ten the A/C will not operate properly at idle, because the head pressure gets to high and trips the hi pressure switch. Listen carefully when you kick in the AC, should hear the fan engage more. Did you check for codes?
i tried the a/c and it blows as cold as ever. i still couldnt hear the fan though. havent checked for any codes and the check engine light has never come on.
Maybe some of the guys who know your year can chime in and let you know if 04.5 does this, my 07 5.9 has thrown a code (can't remember the number) for fan speed when my fan clutch wiring harness got cut by the fan. I don't know if the 04.5 has the electric fan clutch controller not, but if it does, it should be controlled by the ECM/PCM, and would throw the code if not engaging.
my 07 5.9L fan clutch engages now and then down here in Florida but not very often, and to tell you the truth I've never heard it before when I was working up north just down here.
