Re: Cold running T SAT
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 12,258
Likes: 770
From: Houston, Texas
I thought about that myself, but unfortunately the 7.3 thermostat doesn't fit in the 6.0 thermostat housing.
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 3,263
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
I had installed a new thermostat when I did my egr delete earlier in the year. I had been over-enthusiastic back then. If instructions said to flush once, I flush 10 times. Back-flushed the heater core too. My thermostat is working like it should since may.
I get the occasional 186 - 188 but tats from sitting around. When I drive, I get up above the 190s. But diesels don't like the cold. Lol.
I tink my *** is numb. Praise be to Jesus for seat warmers!
Sent from my iPhone using IB AutoGroup
I get the occasional 186 - 188 but tats from sitting around. When I drive, I get up above the 190s. But diesels don't like the cold. Lol.
I tink my *** is numb. Praise be to Jesus for seat warmers!
Sent from my iPhone using IB AutoGroup
Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 15,369
Likes: 121
From: Stuttgart, Ar
Mine runs a fat and happy 190* all summer, then hits 184-186* in the winter. Done it that way for 6 years now, that's why I run (and strongly advocate for) grille covers. Between the t-stat's tolerable error, and the % error on the sending units, I'd say 5-8* either way is really a wash and there's not a lot you can do about it.
I kind of wish there was a 203* t-stat for the 6.0L like for the 7.3, but I'm not sure if programming changes would have to be made since the fan is controlled by the computer.
I kind of wish there was a 203* t-stat for the 6.0L like for the 7.3, but I'm not sure if programming changes would have to be made since the fan is controlled by the computer.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,739
Likes: 0
From: Virginia beach, VA
I think the problem is that these engines are made to stay cool under very heavy loads, so when you are just driving around unloaded in the winter the cooling system is "too good" and won't let it warm up.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 27,307
Likes: 549
From: Spanaway
under power. It drops back fast. Now that it is warmer out I will see
what it does and report.
Sean
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 12,258
Likes: 770
From: Houston, Texas
Maybe I just have an awesome thermostat, but I see 190 on both cruising around town and slightly higher on the freeway.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now
Brett Foote
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,590
Likes: 0
Put the blocker in? What is that?
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 8,241
Likes: 155
From: L.A. (Lower Alabama)
Well, the new stat that was rock steady at 191* in low 40's ambient could only muster 184* at 28* ambient yesterday morning. I'm sure I'm nit-picking on this but I want my truck up to full temp. Looks like time to try blocking some airflow.
Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 15,369
Likes: 121
From: Stuttgart, Ar
I'm also doing a cold soak study on my sensors as they seem to be off but they match each other exactly on cold starts. After 16 hours they are 10* higher than ambient...
Super Moderator
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 21,113
Likes: 3,939
From: Ohio
I did the thermostat game on my 03 which has a smaller water pump. Stop at a light in town when it is close to zero temps outside the heater would blow cold. I solved it by using closed cell cardboard in front of the radiator, not completely blocking it off but most of the mid section. You have one big radiator designed to keep things cool, which it does.
I have to do this on most of our field tractors, bull dozers and excavators when the temps dip so my 6.0L got the same treatment. Just remember to pull it out in the Spring or you will run hot.
I have to do this on most of our field tractors, bull dozers and excavators when the temps dip so my 6.0L got the same treatment. Just remember to pull it out in the Spring or you will run hot.