Overheating issues in mountain areas....

[M3sparky]

If you flash back to stock does it overheat? That would be an easy answer to those issues. If it still overheats it could be air in the system or a thermostat issue.

I'd flash back to stock, bleed the hell out of the system, and try a new radiator cap and see if that fixes the issue before you reapply your tune.

Not quite sure I was on ethonal blend mix so I couldn't try that, but something to consider in future.

 

[M3sparky]

So to clarify here, is it spraying from the radiator cap or the overflow tank cap? The overflow is not pressurized. Was the system overfilled initially? When the truck sits overnight is the level in the overflow at the "cold" level? Look under your truck and see if there are any leaks in the front.

I might have worded that wrong I was referring to the coolant overflow cap the clearish color on the very top, the cap seems to be spraying it every time, xept this last time it was way to covered in coolant to know for sure if it was only from that location, generally the coolant tank would show I am under level but when I tried to open the cap it would raise a bit and be at level or below it.

 

[M3sparky]

YES

If your cap is not holding pressure get a new one.

If the overflow tank is warped where the cap seals to it a new cap won't help (seen this on an old Dodge).

Thanks il try that. Didn't seem that the tank is warped but might not be noticeable to the eye I guess.

 

[M3sparky]

Ive had 2 caps go bad. DO NOT replace it with a gates cap. Use an oem ford cap.

Also, check the overflow hoses. I went through 3 of those too.

Disclaimer: I beat the snot out of my truck and have driven it in ambient temps up to 128 F. I look at things like caps and hoses as wear-parts that need to be replaced every so often.


Once you get a good cap & hoses, you're going to need to burp the air out of the system too. ( it takes a while. you'll know that you still have an air bubble if/when you see the ECT temp spike, then suddenly go down.)

Appreciate the info. Thanks

 

[FordTechOne]

Did you install a 170 tstat? I will be installing a FMIC behind the grille. I live in Florida, so I am going to try the tstat first and see if I still need the FR radiator.

The flap you are talking about is just to keep debris and so on from kicking up into the radiator area. It shouldn’t affect aerodynamics. @FordTechOne correct me if I am wrong

The thermostat temperature only controls when it begins to open. It will lower operating temperatures when under low load, but will not change the maximum temperature that can be reached when under a heavy load, such as pulling a grade or towing, since the stock t-stat would be fully open as well under the same conditions.

As far as the air deflectors, all have a purpose. I have seen vehicles overheat due to damaged/missing air dams. I would be hesitant to make any modifications to the factory dams and deflectors, as you may actually decrease cooling system performance. It’s all a guess unless you run it in a wind tunnel.

 

[MikeyD]

How do you get the engine coolant temp to show in the dash board instrument panel? I can see the transmission temp but not the engine temperature.

I did a full coolant flush and it only took 2 gallons of coolant mix the manual says it should take 16 liters but it only took 8liters. I ran it a 12 minutes with cap off and it took a few more ounces. I tried driving it 3 times to purge the air out but it seems full? Expansion tank is full, swapped out the upper hose and thermostat also.
@FordTechOne any helpful hints on changing out the lower radiator hose?

 

[FordTechOne]

How do you get the engine coolant temp to show in the dash board instrument panel? I can see the transmission temp but not the engine temperature.

I did a full coolant flush and it only took 2 gallons of coolant mix the manual says it should take 16 liters but it only took 8liters. I ran it a 12 minutes with cap off and it took a few more ounces. I tried driving it 3 times to purge the air out but it seems full? Expansion tank is full, swapped out the upper hose and thermostat also.
@FordTechOne any helpful hints on changing out the lower radiator hose?

The engine side requires a radiator hose clamp removal tool, the radiator side is a quick connect. Just remove the metal spring clip and the hose pulls off.

 

[MikeyD]

What tool do you use and do you go from the top down or in from the front next to oil cooler? How about these fittings on the oil cooler there has to be an easy trick, I don’t want to break them?

 

[FordTechOne]

This is the hose clamp tool I posted in the other thread:



The quick disconnects are all a little different, there should be a tab to release or a place to squeeze the fitting and pull back.

 

[RaptorFun]

Also…in order to view the engine coolant temperature in the instrument cluster…use a software tool named FORScan. There’s tons of info here on the FRF to familiarize yourself with this feature rich and diagnostic tool. Simply use the Advance Search option.