So the truck has a functioning EGR cooler correct? If so, from Ford or aftermarket? What are your ECT/EOT deltas?

 

After market BPD EGR Cooler. Temps 194-195 EOT/ECT 65mph unloaded. 205 ECT /210 EOT while towing ~15K fifth wheel on the flats at about 65-70 mph cycling to 210 ECT. Fan steps up at about 218 ECT and Steps down at about 205 ECT. Long Hills have seen 220's ECT 220's EOT Fan knocks temps down pretty quickly after cresting hills.

 

Hes referring to a heater core leak.

 

Ah.... No, I don't think I have a heater core leak.

 

We have a large piece of equipment that is broken here at work and it is eating up a lot of my time. I REALLY want to get into this thing and determine, find a smoking gun, so I can get it taken care of. Going to Charleston, South Carolina from SE New Hampshire and it's a long haul. Having this crop up a month ahead of time is a blessing I guess, but at the same time I can't do anything till I can get freed up from work. Friday was supposed to be a day off for me but that is pretty much in jeopardy, right into the week end.

This truck has run so well for so long. Tough pill for me to swallow that I have some issue either real or perceived and I can't get into it right now!! Ugh!

I appreciate everyone's input. And to you Cheezit. You've been a great help in the past. I put a lot of weight into your input, no offense to you other posters, by any means!

 

Coolant expands about 6% when up at operating temperature. Only check its level cold, on level ground. You need to be consistent with this during your troubleshooting or you'll drive yourself mad with small differences!

 

Yes! Mad indeed! I am here at work for 12. I will pop the hood and look before I start the truck up. If it is low out of sight......? that would be expansion and contraction that I have not seen before, or bothered to notice.

 

Get the level right when cold and you may have to add some next cold check or two. You should not need to drain any. If you are "making" coolant in your engine, see if it looks like oil is getting into the coolant. It doesn't sound likely though for you since your oil cooler sounds good.

 

Yeah, there is no residue in the coolant. It appears clear. Still going to try to get as much of the TSB Cheezit mentioned done. I did that before, back in early 2011. That is how I self diagnosed the Head Gasket issue.

 

Two things I would check, make sure that when you check the coolant that not only is the truck keep front to back but side to side as well, it makes a huge difference. Also I would check the heater control valve if your truck has one, it will be just to the passenger side of the turbo in the hose going through the firewall. Both mine and my brothers developed a leak from under the screw at the top.

 

I will add that to the list! Thanks.still have the nagging question yet to be answered about the venting. Low coolant level allowing boiling or some vaporization?

 

So I have finally started digging around. I see no active leaks from around the degas bottle, I inspected the Degas bottle cap, which I had thoroughly, cleaned a week earlier, and noticed what appeared to be wisps of white residue under the cap lip. What would resemble what thin white spray paint on a fraction of the lip would look like.

Parked the truck on the bank next to my drive way nose down. It sat there for about 24 hrs. Pulled the EGR valve (which was coked up a bit) inspected the port and it was dry as a bone. Cleaned up the EGR valve, threw two new O rings on it and reinstalled. Started and warmed up the engine with a short drive and got out on the highway. After a mile at about 70 mph, 75F, my Coolant temperature was 175, oil temp was 180 max.

There is still more to check from the TSB Cheezit suggested, but I think I am going to take this a step at a time. So far I like how its going.

So off to ford this afternoon for a thermostat and a bottle cap. I will go from there. I have a camping trip this weekend with some hills. Coolant level has been steady again so I think I have a good starting point. I will see what I get when I arrive in the mountains on Friday.

Thanks for all your input!

This whole thing may have been self induced. I hope not, I would like to find a smoking gun, but I may not have one.

Eric

 

So after re-reading Bismic's post I reperformed the EGR port test looking for moisture. It was still BoNE dry.

Bought a new cap to replace the 4 year old one and put that on.

I looked at my serp belt and it was glossy. Not taking anything for granted, I used some belt dressing, making sure the belt was fully treated.

I bought a thermostat as well but did not install it as I wanted to see if the degas cap and belt ended up being contributing factors. Checked my coolant level, hitched up the fifth wheel and took a 85 miles trip into the White Mountains.

Maintained about 65, hit 70 mph once for short period and pulled the grades as normal. Temperatures were down about 5 - 8 degrees over all. I did not reach 220.

Got to the campground, got settled, and popped the hood.

No venting. Coolant was were I expected it to be. Seems all is well.

This whole thing, the original problem, I believe I caused. Stupid! Easy enough to do.

I have the pull home today. I will be taking the long way home. There are 3 long grades getting out of the Mount Washington Valley.

Should I do those with no symptoms evident afterwards, I will be 100% confident. Honestly I expect no issue.

Eric

 

I would bet you'll be fine but on another note my egr was bone dry but cooler was bad causing my puke. Now I'm sure it was a small crack that only had issues during certain times. Just something to be aware of if you do see the issue again.

 

Well, I took the hilly way home and kept an eye on everythiñg. Coolant level is the same, no venting all seems well, so far, so good. Off to South Caroline next week.