Hi,
Last summer it happened to me twice that the engine temperature crawled up. No overheating or losing water, just the needle moved up from it's normal stable position. Both times towing a really small trailer with a motor cycle (together not more then 200kg). Once on uphill on a high way doing 90km/h the second time crawling up a steep mountain road at low speed (1st gear, high gearing). The second time I parked the car and revved the engine to 3000rpm and the temperature dropped immediately back to normal, the fan clutch was definitely engaged.
Two questions:
1) I replaced last year the cooling fan clutch with a new one (https://www.ebay.com/itm/402825881562). Everytime I start the cold engine the clutch is engaged and it sounds like a hovercraft. After 30 seconds or so the clutch disengages and the sound disappears. My mechanic tells me that other car brands with viscous clutches don't make this sound. Do all pathfinders make this hovercraft sound when starting?
2) Surely this car should be able to tow 200kg without issues? it is rated to 3000kg. Yes it was like 30 degrees C but they they sold this car in the middle-east where temperatures are much higher. In both cases the engine was doing like 1500 rpm, so maybe the fan didn't spin enough? Or do I have the wrong clutch?