overheating question
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Elder User
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overheating question
94 7.3idi. The temp gauge never goes above the n or o on the word normal. I asked the previous owner upon purchase and he said it was normal. Recent radiator. I topped off coolant not even 1/4 gallon of coolant to fill completely. Drove her and towed about 300 miles and running about 6 hrs non stop. No issues until 50 mins from the house. The temp outside was 80 all day until cold front came and dropped to 40 degrees. Was almost home and temp showed to the m and then the l on normal. It held at the l and went back down to the m and up to the r. I was afraid to turn the truck off because of my air intrusion problem. 10 mins from my house the temp dropped back to the n on normal and stayed there. Sorry for the long post and it's confusing. Summary is the temp gauge went up and down after a hard day of towing. I'm in the process od installing a aftermarket temp gauge. But is this problem normal? I checked the coolant level next morning and it needed about 1/4 gallon to fill it up
More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 697
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From: Alberta Eh
My temp gauge is the same way. Someone here will chime in with more info, but from what I hear these gauges aren't calibrated. Your engine might be 5 degrees hotter, while the gauge is over and almost in the red zone. Mine always stays around the N, as this is normal operating temp for my rig. Sometimes, I swear I see my temp gauge wiggle when I step on the park brake. Like you, I have an aftermarket temp gauge on my shelf waiting to go in so I can see what is actually happening; I'm just waiting on my pillar pod.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 336
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From: Roslyn, Wa.
Yeah, those stock gauges are nothing more than an idiot lite. Put in the after market gauge and you'll know for sure where you're at. Or get one of those hand held temp guns and point it at the block when you think she's too hot.
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,298
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From: NJ
As far as I know even on the new trucks the temp gauge is a real gauge, it's just not calibrated. I've found they typically fall 180* somewhere between O and M. If it wasn't out of the normal range I wouldn't sweat it if it's running normally, but get a real calibrated gauge on there so you'll know in the future.
If cold weather mine often will be in the 160*-180* range most of the time and only get warmer at higher RPM. I only tow in summer, where 210* or so is about that max I'll see.
If cold weather mine often will be in the 160*-180* range most of the time and only get warmer at higher RPM. I only tow in summer, where 210* or so is about that max I'll see.
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Well she drove today about 100 miles with no problems..temp was steady on the n and o. Yesterday as stated temp was reading up to the L on normal. But went down and up and back down. But just scared me. I'll install the aftermarket temp gauge tomorrow hopefully
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Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,298
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From: NJ
My temp probe is in the rear drivers side NPT port in the head. I had to get an 8 point socket and got the old one out with heat, PB, a breaker bar and a long pipe. You'll want a 4 or 8 point socket, 9/16".
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Postmaster
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Just so you know, a sticking thermostat can cause that.
Not saying it's this problem, but if it gets sticky, what'll happen is that if it closes, it'll want to stay closed longer than otherwise; the temps will climb until the spring finally forces it open.
I've had that happen before, though not on a long drive. For me, it would do it first thing - the engine would get up to like 205+ before finally dropping really quickly and staying in the normal range.
Not saying it's this problem, but if it gets sticky, what'll happen is that if it closes, it'll want to stay closed longer than otherwise; the temps will climb until the spring finally forces it open.
I've had that happen before, though not on a long drive. For me, it would do it first thing - the engine would get up to like 205+ before finally dropping really quickly and staying in the normal range.
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