maximum safe engine temp
- Thread starter gunnie
- Start date
Mr_Roboto
Full Access Member
IMO, anything under the boiling point of the coolant is fine. Once the coolant starts boiling (and stops transferring heat) is where the metal overheats and damage is done.
192* is actually too cold, that's only the temp that the thermostat starts opening at. The hotter you can get a diesel without overheating it, the more fuel efficient it will be.
The PowerStroke boys have a custom 203* thermostat to get their engines to run hotter.
192* is actually too cold, that's only the temp that the thermostat starts opening at. The hotter you can get a diesel without overheating it, the more fuel efficient it will be.
The PowerStroke boys have a custom 203* thermostat to get their engines to run hotter.
Diesel JD
Full Access Member
It scares me, but I have seen 225-230 on my mechanical gauge towing the boat with the AC on full blast. No damage appeared to be done as a result of that episode. Normally if you start to see those kind of temps and everything is working right your fan clutch will engage and you'll be right back in the 195-212*F range, if not its time to shut off the AC and open some windows, maybe even turn the heater on.
the issue i have is from mods i have done, i have a dew eze big bale loader on this truck, i had to add a crank pulley to accomodate the hydraulic pump to operate this, when i added the crank pulley my original fan would not work so i added electric fans and removed the original. the whole system is great till outside temps get above 80 then my cooling system just doesn't cut it, cruising down the hyway unloaded is no problem but if i'm pulling a load temps get up to 205-210 pretty easy
Mr_Roboto
Full Access Member
210* F is not a problem at all.
Remember that these engines were designed for trucks loaded to 30K, not pickup trucks. Granted the pickup truck radiator is a little smaller.
Remember that these engines were designed for trucks loaded to 30K, not pickup trucks. Granted the pickup truck radiator is a little smaller.
jauguston
Retired
Do some calculations to figure out how much cooling system pressure is needed to keep the water from boiling at the highest temp you think you will see. See if you can buy a pressure cap for at least that much pressure. The engine will probably tolerate the temps you are talking about if you keep the water from boiling. Your overall cooling system will have to be in pretty good condition to tolerate the higher pressure.
You are another in a fairly long line of folks that have found out you can't cool these engines with electric fans. Many have tried and and many have failed.
Jim
You are another in a fairly long line of folks that have found out you can't cool these engines with electric fans. Many have tried and and many have failed.
Jim
Chuckdiesel
Full Access Member
well I have a question, my truck actually runs cold. Im wondering why my needle lives on the N in normal. It used to be straight up and down but no matter what now it lives on the N and knowing that heat is a diesels friend I am concerned. my coolant is full
Mr_Roboto
Full Access Member
Replace your thermostat, that will probably fix your problem. Ford or International only, no aftermarket thermostats.
The thermostat has a rubber ring around it, when the ring breaks down it can allow coolant to bypass the thermostat.
Before replacing the Thermostat, get an aftermarket temperature gauge that has real numbers on it!
Let's see some pictures of that electric fan install. I'm curious how they compare to the aftermarket units being sold for modern rigs.
jauguston
Retired
Easy way to check the thermostat. Find someone that has a infared temp gun and shoot the top radiator hose. Drive until the engine should be up to temp and pull over and shoot the hose.
Stock Ford gauges are not real trustworth.
Jim
Stock Ford gauges are not real trustworth.
Jim
oldmisterbill
Grumpy Old Man
"Stock Ford gauges are not real trustworthy."
Stock ford gauges are JUNK!!
Stock ford gauges are JUNK!!
the electric fans weren't my choice. after many conversations with the dew eze engineers, it was my only option. either that or no fan as they didn't offer any support, only stated that others have had simular problems. i'm certainly open to suggestions to improve this setup as i'd like to drive this year around not just in cool weather.
mel was the request for pics directed to me?
thanks
mel was the request for pics directed to me?
thanks
Mont91
Full Access Member
A couple of years ago I was reading the specks for the 7.3 Navistar and read the phrase " Maximum design operating temperature is 245 degrees."
I believe this because my '91 runs at 240 on hot days pulling heavy up grades, for over an hour at a time. I have a mechanical gauge that is 3 degrees low.
I believe this because my '91 runs at 240 on hot days pulling heavy up grades, for over an hour at a time. I have a mechanical gauge that is 3 degrees low.
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