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6.0L Power Stroke Diesel 2003 - 2007 F250, F350 pickup and F350+ Cab Chassis, 2003 - 2005 Excursion and 2003 - 2009 van

Thermostat maybe??

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Old Apr 13, 2017 | 11:52 AM
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Thermostat maybe??

I have a 04 350 with a 6.0 165k on it and I've used the blue driver 100$ USB plug in to "read" some of the trucks issues and or use while driving and the coolant temp never gets above 169 no matter the weather outside. I was wondering if anybody has ever used this and if it's accurate at all. The truck runs fine have no issues but still worried about it.
 
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Old Apr 13, 2017 | 12:14 PM
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I have never used it. You could find someone with a different system to read it, or swap oil temp sensor with coolant sensor and see how it reads.
 
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Old Apr 13, 2017 | 12:28 PM
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If your ECT is truly 169, you are running way too cold and aren't running very efficiently. T-stats are not expensive. I'd use an OEM myself.
 
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Old Apr 13, 2017 | 12:34 PM
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Another option to verify data, would be to post up your general location to see if anyone is close enough to bring their scanning tool over and/or check in the Chapters section for the one you are in/near and ask there...

On your device, what does Oil Temp read?
 
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Old Apr 13, 2017 | 12:36 PM
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FIRST: Check engine coolant temperature and oil temperature AFTER about a 12hr. or longer cold soak to see if they read the same. They should be very very close. If not then record the temps and swap the sensors (they are identical) to see if you can repeat the results. If the temps move with the sensors then one or both are bad and a heat gun or instant read thermometer can help tell which is off.

As 69CJ says, it wouldn't hurt to change the thermostat. IMHO they aren't very long lived and frequently go bad. Regardless, you should be running at least 190*.

He's in Oregon, Scott.
 
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Old Apr 13, 2017 | 02:05 PM
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BlueDriver works fine on these trucks - just drain off 1.5 gallons of coolant into a bucket, replace t-stat and refill with what you drained off into the bucket.
 
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Old Apr 13, 2017 | 05:01 PM
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Thanks y'all for the input. amdriven2liv I'll do that thank you. About how long does a T stat take it doesn't look to hard. Yes I have some experience as a diesel mechanic. Not the greatest by any means but I've got some skills. I'm located in Oregon so 3/4 of the year it's cold and rainy. Npccpartsman what is a cold soak? Are you talking about letting it sit for 12 hours without running?
 
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Old Apr 13, 2017 | 05:19 PM
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Exactly what that is.
 
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Old Apr 13, 2017 | 05:44 PM
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WatsonR so doing a cold soak the temps on coolant and oil can differ after sitting for over 12 hours? Sorry for the questions I just don't get why the would be different if it hasn't been ran.
 
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Old Apr 13, 2017 | 05:50 PM
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If you can wait even longer, do so, or if it is pretty cold where you are, 12 hours might do it. Check those temps when you turn the key on with engine off.

I'm not a diesel mechanic, tho I have turned some wrenches prior to my body going south on me, and even I would do my own thermostat -- the other guys here will get that, it isn't anything towards you... If those temps look close get your shirt sleeves rolled up!

Scott

Edit: your looking for a bad temp sensor 1st....
 
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Old Apr 13, 2017 | 05:58 PM
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After an overnight cold soak the two temps should be within a few degrees of each other. If not there's probably a sensor problem.
 
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Old Apr 13, 2017 | 06:04 PM
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Thank you gents I appreciate all the help. This weekend I'll let her sit for a full day and check the temps and see where I have to go from their. Thank you again.
 
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Old Apr 13, 2017 | 06:16 PM
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And they should be close to the outside temp. If it's 65°, then they should be close to that. Both of them.
 
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