Cold weather normal operating temp
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 85
Likes: 29
Cold weather normal operating temp
2021 F350 6.7 DRW CC. 46 k on the clock. On the morning ride into work today, engine coolant temp achieved 178 F degrees. About 47 miles; 50 to 55 minute ride. Was mostly surface streets with speeds around 40 to 45 mph. Last 10 miles were 70 mph freeway speeds. A faster way into work which is mostly freeway was not chosen this morning due to slow to crap-tastic traffic conditions. Was pretty chilly, with outdoor temp 22 F. Plugged in block heater before going to bed the night before. Have it on a timer, so block heater is on from 2 am to 6am. I can not recall what my normal operating temps were last winter, so not sure if something changed. No driveability or engine performance issue that I could tell. No CEL/MIL. Obviously, heater was not blasting me out like it does when operating at 195 to about 202 F which it generally is during warmer weather. What is your normal cold weather operating temp? Do you think I need a T stat?
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,384
Likes: 1,868
From: Frederick, MD
Nothing wrong here. I would expect the same and have the same temps right now.
If you have the supplemental heater then put your heat on max and that may help a bit for a few miles.
Seat warmers is where it is at. They are hot within just a couple of minutes and as long as the backside is warm then It is easily tolerated till the cab gets warm.
You can always try the true and verified method of some card board in front of the radiator. I think there is room.
If you have the supplemental heater then put your heat on max and that may help a bit for a few miles.
Seat warmers is where it is at. They are hot within just a couple of minutes and as long as the backside is warm then It is easily tolerated till the cab gets warm.
You can always try the true and verified method of some card board in front of the radiator. I think there is room.
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 3,271
Likes: 229
From: Gulf Coast, FL
I love the climate control system. When the family is riding along it's either HI max. or LO max for the temp. This truck will heat up or freeze you out.
At 22*F outside that's some cold air moving across the cooling system. As long as you are comfortable on the inside, don't stress the displayed operating temps. Find yourself an cardboard box, cut off a section to cover the radiator. Bet those temps displayed are going to go up a bit. I used to do that on my 6.0L which worked great to get the heat in the cab roasting.
At 22*F outside that's some cold air moving across the cooling system. As long as you are comfortable on the inside, don't stress the displayed operating temps. Find yourself an cardboard box, cut off a section to cover the radiator. Bet those temps displayed are going to go up a bit. I used to do that on my 6.0L which worked great to get the heat in the cab roasting.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 8,477
Likes: 4,972
2021 F350 6.7 DRW CC. 46 k on the clock. On the morning ride into work today, engine coolant temp achieved 178 F degrees. About 47 miles; 50 to 55 minute ride. Was mostly surface streets with speeds around 40 to 45 mph. Last 10 miles were 70 mph freeway speeds. A faster way into work which is mostly freeway was not chosen this morning due to slow to crap-tastic traffic conditions. Was pretty chilly, with outdoor temp 22 F. Plugged in block heater before going to bed the night before. Have it on a timer, so block heater is on from 2 am to 6am. I can not recall what my normal operating temps were last winter, so not sure if something changed. No driveability or engine performance issue that I could tell. No CEL/MIL. Obviously, heater was not blasting me out like it does when operating at 195 to about 202 F which it generally is during warmer weather. What is your normal cold weather operating temp? Do you think I need a T stat?
The thermostat controls operating temps, and your truck should have been up to the t-stat opening point of about 195 degrees during your drive.
So, very well could be a bad t-stat, open when it should be closed.
Something to be concerned about, and keep an eye on.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 1,016
From: Central KY
Yep these trucks are COLD natured. Too much thermal efficiency built in to allow massive tow ratings, which results in miserable comfort in winter. Mine on a 20F morning will reach 150F coolant temp in about 15 minutes of driving, but then will struggle to reach 190 and may not ever reach 190 if I'm driving into a headwind. I've seen it take as much as 30 minutes of driving to start getting comfortable cabin temperatures. There's lots of threads and discussion on this.
Some trucks were ordered with the "Rapid Heat" option which adds to electric heater element inside the ductwork. That does seem to help some. But for some odd reason Ford did not install that on all the trucks. They made it an option. Odd....
Some trucks were ordered with the "Rapid Heat" option which adds to electric heater element inside the ductwork. That does seem to help some. But for some odd reason Ford did not install that on all the trucks. They made it an option. Odd....
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 8,679
Likes: 4,783
From: Itinerant
Mine is pumping heat in no time even on the cold days. Benefit of a gasser. 
The '16' dsl....well that's a different matter but then it doesn't get to awfully cold in Southern AZ.
The '16' dsl....well that's a different matter but then it doesn't get to awfully cold in Southern AZ.
Trending Topics
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,675
Likes: 979
From: Walpole, MA
2021 F350 6.7 DRW CC. 46 k on the clock. On the morning ride into work today, engine coolant temp achieved 178 F degrees. About 47 miles; 50 to 55 minute ride. Was mostly surface streets with speeds around 40 to 45 mph. Last 10 miles were 70 mph freeway speeds. A faster way into work which is mostly freeway was not chosen this morning due to slow to crap-tastic traffic conditions. Was pretty chilly, with outdoor temp 22 F. Plugged in block heater before going to bed the night before. Have it on a timer, so block heater is on from 2 am to 6am. I can not recall what my normal operating temps were last winter, so not sure if something changed. No driveability or engine performance issue that I could tell. No CEL/MIL. Obviously, heater was not blasting me out like it does when operating at 195 to about 202 F which it generally is during warmer weather. What is your normal cold weather operating temp? Do you think I need a T stat?
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 85
Likes: 29
I am slightly less concerned about my comfort and more concerned about how the engine is operating. I do have the heated seats, but did not option the supplemental cab heater. I will definitely keep an eye on it. I do not exactly remember what my engine temps were last winter, but it general, the engine always seemed to run between about 195 to 205 F once it reached full normal operating temp. Additionally, I keep a very close eye my actual fuel mileage. I keep an electronic log on my phone recording miles traveled, gallons, cost. How much EDT and anti-gel I add. I noticed on yesterdays fill up my mileage dropped almost 2 mpg. But, could that be winter diesel blend? It’s supposed to be up to 40 F outside temp today on my drive back home. I will make sure to see where the engine coolant temp is
More Turbo
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 604
Likes: 314
Driving I-80 in Northern Nevada during the winter, I never see my truck get up to 195. It's usually 185 to 187 after a considerable amount of time. If I drive to Elko and back home (40 mile round trip) I might see 160 or so, but it never heats up to 195 during the cold winter here unless I'm towing. Just not enough load on the truck.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 1,016
From: Central KY
I am slightly less concerned about my comfort and more concerned about how the engine is operating. I do have the heated seats, but did not option the supplemental cab heater. I will definitely keep an eye on it. I do not exactly remember what my engine temps were last winter, but it general, the engine always seemed to run between about 195 to 205 F once it reached full normal operating temp. Additionally, I keep a very close eye my actual fuel mileage. I keep an electronic log on my phone recording miles traveled, gallons, cost. How much EDT and anti-gel I add. I noticed on yesterdays fill up my mileage dropped almost 2 mpg. But, could that be winter diesel blend? It’s supposed to be up to 40 F outside temp today on my drive back home. I will make sure to see where the engine coolant temp is
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 4,129
Likes: 1,649
You need to restrict the airflow over the radiator like the big trucks do. Ford sells one that is fitted to the grill, it should have an adjustable opening in the center of it to open up/close off airflow.
As said above, with how much cooling these trucks have, they will struggle to get to full operating temperature if you either don't let them sit and warm up (need to get into high idle for a good 5-10 minutes) or put the 'blankie' on the front.
As said above, with how much cooling these trucks have, they will struggle to get to full operating temperature if you either don't let them sit and warm up (need to get into high idle for a good 5-10 minutes) or put the 'blankie' on the front.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 8,477
Likes: 4,972
Guys, he's only talking about ambient air temps down to 22 degrees, that is ABOVE ZERO, not 22 below.
OP's truck will hardly be affected by such temps, and should be achieving full operating temps within 10-12 minutes of driving.
OP is driving for nearly an hour and the engine temp still hasn't reached full temp, definitely not right.
OP's truck will hardly be affected by such temps, and should be achieving full operating temps within 10-12 minutes of driving.
OP is driving for nearly an hour and the engine temp still hasn't reached full temp, definitely not right.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 228
Likes: 96
From: Southcentral Alaska
Silly me; thought the front of the truck has louvered section that opens or closes depending on the temps. Dawns on me that may be a remembrance from the F150. Before I go out to the shop to look... if no active grille shutter system on Superdutys, seems strange. If there are shutters - careful cramming cardboard in there.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 1,016
From: Central KY
Guys, he's only talking about ambient air temps down to 22 degrees, that is ABOVE ZERO, not 22 below.
OP's truck will hardly be affected by such temps, and should be achieving full operating temps within 10-12 minutes of driving.
OP is driving for nearly an hour and the engine temp still hasn't reached full temp, definitely not right.
OP's truck will hardly be affected by such temps, and should be achieving full operating temps within 10-12 minutes of driving.
OP is driving for nearly an hour and the engine temp still hasn't reached full temp, definitely not right.
I cannot imagine trying to even operate this 6.7 diesel at 22 BELOW zero. My goodness...
