Yes, you will be extremely disappointed with the performance. You're running approximately 1,000 RPM below the speed where the engine is HP rated, and just slightly above the torque peak- - - -ideal speed for good performance and hill pulling or hauling a lightweight trailer. Install a clutch-type fan or maybe a flex fan that won't make so much noise at cruise, and let the engine wind up. You're probably hearing fan noise, not the actual engine, and it will run all day at 2500-3000 with no damage. Dropping the cruise RPM as low as you're suggesting would be a huge mistake!
Jerry
I agree 100%. I run mine around all the time at 3k+ and it runs just fine. Doesn't get hot and doesn't even use that much gas in my opinion.
