cooling system issues

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Feb 19, 2020 | 04:34 PM

gcon

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From: mass

cooling system issues

I have a 2005 f350 with 175000 miles owned since new. Recently I have had to add coolant every couple of weeks. Lately every so often the exhaust emits a lot of grayish white smoke. The upper radiator is hot but the bottom hose is quite cold. I live in the northeast and at this time of year the temperature is 35 to 40 degrees during the day and 25 to 30 degrees at night. In order to e assured it will start in the morning I usually plug it in at night. Looking forward to any input. Thanks

Feb 20, 2020 | 08:47 AM

Byrd.Dog

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From: Amarillo, TX

Most likely source of coolant being introduced into the exhaust is from the EGR cooler. It's common for them to fail internally - coolant can get into the exhaust and exhaust pressurizes the cooling system. Might look into a delete or the bulletproof egr cooler.

Feb 20, 2020 | 04:37 PM

gcon

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From: mass

I think that you are right about the egr cooler. The part that I understand is that the upper radiator hose and top of radiator are hot to the touch. The bottom of the radiator and lower are cold. I'm guessing that the radiator could be plugged ? Any input would e appreciated.

Feb 20, 2020 | 05:03 PM

Brotherbillstruck

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Joined: Dec 2012

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From: Warsaw KY

What is your coolant temperature? Do you have a way to monitor temperature? The dash gauge is not very helpful. It may be way too hot by the time the dash gauge shows hot. When my thermostat failed closed I had your same hose symptoms. Hot on top and cool on the bottom. I would start with the thermostat. Take it out and boil it to verify it is working.
You can park your truck nose down over night then remove the EGR valve and check for moisture in the hole. Cooler has failed if it is wet.
I believe a failed egr cooler can cause head gasket failure so you should be on top of it. Good luck.

Last edited by Brotherbillstruck; Feb 20, 2020 at 05:05 PM. Reason: Mistake

Feb 20, 2020 | 06:52 PM

gcon

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From: mass

I don't have a way to monitor the temp. but I will check the thermostat and egr valve.

Feb 20, 2020 | 07:07 PM

Visurveyor

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From: Jacksonville Florida

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Feb 21, 2020 | 12:10 PM

Byrd.Dog

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Joined: Aug 2010

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From: Amarillo, TX

Your top radiator hose will ALWAYS be hotter than the bottom, as hot coolant flows from the engine through the upper hose to the radiator, down through the radiator to cool, then out the bottom hose to the water pump inlet. The thermostat is supposed to fail to open. If you suspect the radiator being plugged, I'd try flushing it (disconnecting both hoses first). Wouldn't hurt to backflush the oil cooler and flush the rest of the cooling system as well, since you'll have it apart.