Towing While Tuned
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 12,253
Likes: 763
From: Houston, Texas
I'm not sure of the tell on the others, but with an SCT running canned tunes, that's how you know.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 5,241
Likes: 3
From: Other side of the sunrise
I remember back in the early days, when these trucks were under warranty, that the dealership used to tell if a tuner was being used by pulling the heads and see if there's a star pattern on the tops of the pistons. If there was, they would use that to deny warranty work. I suppose that would be way too extensive of a test for someone purchasing a truck, but thought I'd throw it out there.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 12,253
Likes: 763
From: Houston, Texas
I remember back in the early days, when these trucks were under warranty, that the dealership used to tell if a tuner was being used by pulling the heads and see if there's a star pattern on the tops of the pistons. If there was, they would use that to deny warranty work. I suppose that would be way too extensive of a test for someone purchasing a truck, but thought I'd throw it out there.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,708
Likes: 7
From: Circle City
Summer time, loaded, chugging up to Flagstaff is where my HG's popped. The grade was too long for stock bolts. Tried to keep the Temps within reason running a heavy tow tune thinking that was better than no tune at all under the circumstances, the bolts just can't do the job.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,708
Likes: 7
From: Circle City
Yes I do run the 8k tune all the time. I'm towing very comparable weight as you are when loaded. Actually just got back from a 1600 mile round trip through the Adirondacks. How and I'm running stock bolts with 165,000+ miles.
I run with an eye on the boost and EGT gauges any time pulling grade. If EGTs get to 1250°F I back off the skinny pedal until they start coming down. No issues.
That SLR tune you can have it. It runs like a raped ape but EGTs unloaded go over 1500°F. That's just looking for trouble IMHO.
I run with an eye on the boost and EGT gauges any time pulling grade. If EGTs get to 1250°F I back off the skinny pedal until they start coming down. No issues.
That SLR tune you can have it. It runs like a raped ape but EGTs unloaded go over 1500°F. That's just looking for trouble IMHO.
We monitor all other temp and psi perimeters, but until a coolant psi gauge is in-line, like myself, most are just driving in denial.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 794
Likes: 1
From: Ontario
I too have an inline coolant pressure gauge. But really, the truck will let you know if you pop a head gasket. It will burst past the 16psi cap on the degas bottle or it will start consuming coolant. Just one less gauge that's needed. I'm going to be removing mine simply because it's the worst looking gauge i have
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,708
Likes: 7
From: Circle City
I'm not saying to always have one in-line, but to be informed of an unwanted, unknown, over psi condition of a known problem, to periodically use one as a test meter.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 794
Likes: 1
From: Ontario
An over-psi condition will always show itself through the cap, is what i'm saying. The gauge cannot show you an issue until it's already an issue
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,708
Likes: 7
From: Circle City
Remember that Ford changed their mind regarding the degas bottle's "full" mark, to have owners fill to the "min" mark, then again changed their mind so now it's supposed to be 5/8" below the "min" mark as "FULL".
Why? so an owner won't see the tell tale signs and experience white residue around the cap all in an attempt to mainly; reduce warranty claims, which in turn gives the owner a false sense of security that there's nothing wrong.
They're in the business of selling this product not warranty fixing it.
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 900
Likes: 0
From: Arizona
Only if the coolant level is high enough to vent out around it.
Remember that Ford changed their mind regarding the degas bottle's "full" mark, to have owners fill to the "min" mark, then again changed their mind so now it's supposed to be 5/8" below the "min" mark as "FULL".
Why? so an owner won't see the tell tale signs and experience white residue around the cap all in an attempt to mainly; reduce warranty claims, which in turn gives the owner a false sense of security that there's nothing wrong.
They're in the business of selling this product not warranty fixing it.
Remember that Ford changed their mind regarding the degas bottle's "full" mark, to have owners fill to the "min" mark, then again changed their mind so now it's supposed to be 5/8" below the "min" mark as "FULL".
Why? so an owner won't see the tell tale signs and experience white residue around the cap all in an attempt to mainly; reduce warranty claims, which in turn gives the owner a false sense of security that there's nothing wrong.
They're in the business of selling this product not warranty fixing it.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 6,496
Likes: 94
From: So. Jersey
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,708
Likes: 7
From: Circle City
5/8" below the "minimum" raised mark on the degas bottle.
To add to this, since the coolant is pressurized, the level "looks" lower when lifting the hood for inspection. It's not until the cap is relieved that the level rises to the new "full" mark.
So, any venting of coolant (ie; white residue) is mostly non existent when following this recommendation from Ford . This masks HG failure. It also brings up topics like "where's my coolant going, it seems to just disappear!" Actually I believe it's more like the H2O that's been pressure cooked out the cap while driving.
I know this doesn't have anything to do with this thread of "towing while tuned" but you all know how threads get
To add to this, since the coolant is pressurized, the level "looks" lower when lifting the hood for inspection. It's not until the cap is relieved that the level rises to the new "full" mark.
So, any venting of coolant (ie; white residue) is mostly non existent when following this recommendation from Ford . This masks HG failure. It also brings up topics like "where's my coolant going, it seems to just disappear!" Actually I believe it's more like the H2O that's been pressure cooked out the cap while driving.
I know this doesn't have anything to do with this thread of "towing while tuned" but you all know how threads get
Fleet Owner
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 24,724
Likes: 74
From: Blue Hill Township
Only if the coolant level is high enough to vent out around it.
Remember that Ford changed their mind regarding the degas bottle's "full" mark, to have owners fill to the "min" mark, then again changed their mind so now it's supposed to be 5/8" below the "min" mark as "FULL".
Why? so an owner won't see the tell tale signs and experience white residue around the cap all in an attempt to mainly; reduce warranty claims, which in turn gives the owner a false sense of security that there's nothing wrong.
They're in the business of selling this product not warranty fixing it.
Remember that Ford changed their mind regarding the degas bottle's "full" mark, to have owners fill to the "min" mark, then again changed their mind so now it's supposed to be 5/8" below the "min" mark as "FULL".
Why? so an owner won't see the tell tale signs and experience white residue around the cap all in an attempt to mainly; reduce warranty claims, which in turn gives the owner a false sense of security that there's nothing wrong.
They're in the business of selling this product not warranty fixing it.
New User
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Hey all, I have an '03 2WD Excursion. I have an SCT tuner with Tow 55 and Tow 65 tunes (as well as a performance tune). I recently upgraded the studs (OUCH) when she started 'pushing coolant'. She has EGR delete. I've also added AirLift air bags to the back.
Now to the question.
With all of this: tuner, bolts, EGR del, air bags, 260A alt... can I tow more than the listed 11k?
I'm looking at a slightly bigger toy hauler but I'd be moving from ~6500 dry weight to ~9000 dry.
In my current config with all my stuff (race car, etc.) and full of fluids (including 100 gallons of water) I was just under 19k total and the Excursion is rated at 20k GCWR.
I'd be looking at more like 22k total with the new trailer.
Thoughts?
TIA!
Now to the question.
With all of this: tuner, bolts, EGR del, air bags, 260A alt... can I tow more than the listed 11k?
I'm looking at a slightly bigger toy hauler but I'd be moving from ~6500 dry weight to ~9000 dry.
In my current config with all my stuff (race car, etc.) and full of fluids (including 100 gallons of water) I was just under 19k total and the Excursion is rated at 20k GCWR.
I'd be looking at more like 22k total with the new trailer.
Thoughts?
TIA!
Last edited by Phantom_9192; Sep 1, 2016 at 05:13 PM. Reason: added alternator