So the 450 caught fire after going up a hill, overheated just as I entered a border patrol checkpoint at the top. Pulled over and there were flames from the exhaust manifold and the valve covers. Checked all the wiring, it all checked out, ordered UVCH yet to be delivered, replaced radiator which had cracked and sprayed coolant all over the place. I had bought the truck recently, last September, and brought it back from a no start condition by replacing the computer, fuel screen and UVCH. I also recently replaced the egr.

After the fire found the tin nut that held the ICP in was missing, replaced that. It starts up.and runs but overheats under load. Stalled out once not going more than 15 miles an hour. I've been using it to haul water about a ranch, so I can deal with it the way it is, but it sure would be ideal to get it sorted out. I'll be replacing the UVCH, but I don't think that is causing the overheating. I do have some blowby, I have it routed with a hose from the driver side valve cover over and then under the driver seat to exhaust.

Day it happened I had stormed through a foot of mud, mad it through but I'm wondering if that clogged up the oil cooler or something?
I also heard a whistling sound almost like a tea kettle from the engine bay on the passenger side that comes and goes, hot or cold. May be time for a complete rebuild, but any input from the experts would be greatly appreciated. I haven't noticed any cracks in the block. Since the fire it seems to leak oil from the valve covers and from the oil dipstick and from the hose that the blowby comes out from. Doesn't fail the blowby test, I haven't done a buzz test but it sounds alright, getting the plugin for a buzz test and more diagnostics in the mail once I can get out to my box.

Engine revs up, just doesnt seem to have power. I don't smell any transmission slippage.

I noticed sludge in the coolant reservoir, a dark green, but again there's a new radiator since the fire. When it gets hot the oil pan is HOT, not a mile down the road after going less than 10 mph. Starts right up on demand, perhaps after a try or two of cranking, not in a worry some way. But not much good if it can start and only go a half mile.

I haven't replaced the Tstat.
Anyhow, input is greatly appreciated. I'm hoping for a good way to know the head or block is ok and dig in with parts. Otherwise a local guy has an engine and transmission to put in it and offered a thousand bucks for the frame, which is about what I paid for it.
I'd like to have it going reliable again. I figured oil dropped down onto the exhaust manifold and caught fire,melting enough of the UVCH to sling more leaks.

Any thoughts?

 

First off, much appreciate the extensive description of the issues. All that helps because we are just armchair quarterbacks and you are the rookie RB taking handoffs on the field.

Overheating under load might be as simple as mucho crapo lodged between the various coolers up front. Pull off the rubber tool tray and take a look down between the various coolers. Clean, straighten fins, etc.

If it sounds ok running that's pretty much a good live buzz test. Problem elsewhere.

 

Like David said, excellent amount of information and first thing to look at is your heat exchangers up front to see if they are clogged with mud. Also check to see if mud got sucked into your airbox since you say the engine revs but has no power. Insufficient airflow can cause high EGTs. Do you have an EGT gauge? Do you have any way to log data? If not, read the FORScan section in the Tech Folder .

Our engines do not have an EGR valve though. What did you replace that you're calling an EGR?

 

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Welcome to the Forum.

Is this a 7.3 or 6.0L? The 7.3 doesn’t have a EGR the 6.0L does, Either way good luck