Ok, a little to complain about: everytime I get on this site I learn alot and end up spending money! I just recently purchased a scan guage and a dieselsite coolant filter (plan on installing this weekend) thanks to this forum. I am sure I will spend more on mods real soon.

Three weeks ago I had my tranny fluid flushed. While at it I had them flush my coolant. I checked it later and noticed they added green coolant instead of the Ford gold coolant. The owner of the shop has a 05 6.0 and stated it did not matter as long as coolants were not mixed together. He assured me he flushed it 100% and used the right coolant (prestone AF 2000). There could be some mixing still with the old gold coolant. Obviously he is not touching my Ex anymore.

I am not happy with this so If you want it done right you have to do it yourself, hence my own flush and dieselsite filter install this weekend. Last week I installed the scanguage. Once up to operating temps I noticed a large spread with EOT and ECT, approximately 15-25* difference at times. Per TSB 6-21-2 the ECT and EOT should be no more than 25*, if larger replace oil cooler and EGR cooler. Per references throughout this site, the spread should only be about 10* difference. Is this just being on the conservative side or is my truck a ticking time bomb?

Back in 2007 my truck was puking coolant and the tech replaced both oil and EGR coolers (old style OIL cooler). My service paperwork noted that there was a 36* difference in temps. Haven't had a problem since then. Obviously no puking yet, but I don't want it to get worse if temperatures increase.

I plan on flushing with VC-9 before adding the coolant filter. Will this help clear out debris from the oil cooler or am I just delaying the inevitable? Looking at BPD websites they seem to push for their oil cooler as opposed to the new improved OEM style. Are there any issues with the OEM? Their website is obviously geared to pushing/selling their product.

Now this may morph into another issue because if I have to take it in to get the coolers replaced, I am seriously contemplating having them do the studs and gaskets as well. $$$$$

 

The CORRECT max temp difference is 15*. The old spec was 20*. If you have a CONSTANT 15+* difference in the ECT vs. EOT then you definitely have a problem IF your normal operating ECT temps are ~190*.

I would definitely flush, flush, flush that green crap out. It will cause internal system corrosion. Don't ask me how I know.

 

Might want to also do a flush with Restore. From what I understand, the Restore melts the silicates out of the system.

Replaced oil cooler still difference in temps - Page 21 - Ford Powerstroke Diesel Forum

 

a good flush might help. helped both a buddy of mine and me. we had the same problem after replacing the oil cooler because oil was still in the coolant a bit. we both spent about 5 hours flushing our trucks but now everything is back to spec

 

Here's a good thread on the flush. It does help. I ran VC-9 for about an hour on the highway. After that, flush with distilled water until it is clear enough to drink, but don't drink it.

VC-9 Before and after; Worth the money - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums

 

Thanks for the input. I drove 50 miles roundtrip, mostly freeway to pickup a gallon of Restore. Trip out to store on freeway ECT did not get over 178, oil stayed around 205-208, driving very conservative. On surface streets the gap narrowed a bit around 185 ECT-205 EOT. Freeway back home the gap increase, agin conservative driving, but max was ECT 176, EOT 206. I am a little worried....

Called a few shops, both recommended BPD EGR cooler, replace stock OIL cooler. If doing serious mods then perhaps go with an aftermarket oil cooler. I got a quote of approximately $ 5500.00 to change coolers and head studs/gaskets from one shop, not using Ford coolant, advised it was junk. The other stated if not doing tunes or serious performance applications, ie racing, burnouts, then studs were not absolutely necessary. If doing more of a stock application reasonable towing the stock studs will hold up....

Any thoughts guys? Trying to do as much homework as possible before diving in. I plan on towing a travel trailer for camping and hunting but otherwise this is my families daily driver and i want it to last!!!

 

From the looks of your temps I would replace your thermostat first. After that get a new reading of temps. Your thermostat looks like it is sticking open. Some on here have seen this same problem and things looked good after doing this.

 

Yes this weekend when I do the flush with restore and vc9, I plan on putting in a new thermostat. I will remove it while doing the flushing, and then will pop in the new one, hopefully the temps will drop or at least narrow a bit. If this doesn't help then I guess new coolers are needed. When I towed my trailer yesterday (short trip only 10 miles one way) my coolant and oil was higher, but still had a big spread above recommended specs.

 

Hell i don't think the temps are that bad, but need new thermo to see. Your 04 is it the one with the ICP under the turbo or is it on the valve cover, if its under the turbo it a 03 motor and the EGR coolers are problem free

 

On valve cover, square style EGR cooler.

 

just because you change your thermistate does not make the oil cooler more efficante
the spread will endup the same just hotter

I think the saving grace will be the coolant flush

 

OK , Friday I spent all day flushing my system. I flushed with restore and did a few distilled water flushes before doing a VC9 flush. That green crap that came out after the Restore was thick slime. After about 40 gallons my water came out clear. Installed a diesel-site coolant filter and a new thermostat while I was at it.

My ECT stays steady now at 190-191. My EOT fluctuated as high as 230, hovering around 220-222 for the most part while on the highway. When slowed down driving on the surface streets ECT stayed at 190, EOT 215-222.

I know my EOT is high, but is it normal to see it decline when driving at slower speeds? I thought they were supposed to only have a 10-15* spread at all times. Looks like I may be getting a new oil cooler, might as well get the EGR taken care of....

 

May want to think about oil cooler my eots were 232 on interstate at 70 and ects 191. Your high diff was 40 degrees . I pulled mine in garage started taking it apart. JMHO

 

Oh yes the temps will come down when you slow down as in city street driving.

 

2004 F-250 FX4 6.0 64,000 miles Been having to add coolant at oil changes. Got to the point of adding about a half gallon. Took it to the Ford service center and they said bad Oil cooler, EGR, and heads. Bill was way out there. Over $5000. Did some on-line searching and decided to go with the Bullet proof full system. Can't wait to get it back and try it out. Also looking at chipping it and woundering what is the best programmer. I've read alot about the SCT programer.