Oil temps are higher than normal. Started after working on an oil leak and replacing other needed parts. Prior to everything I would be around 197 oil temp with highway driving. Now I’m up to 219. Not sure how hot it will go or what the “new normal” is due to outside temps being in the low 50s on a hot day (winter going away). I’m just not sure why it’s running hotter than normal.

here is what I initially did:
- pedestal with ebpv delete
- butterfly flap delete on turbo
- bellowed up pipes
- cnc fab oil lines with crossover line
- water pump
- tensioner
- idler pully
- fan clutch
- thermostat
- serpentine belt

all parts are motocraft, riffraff, or cnc fab.

since then I have replaced the coolant, radiator, tranny cooler (not related but was on my list), oil cooler, and oil temp sensor. all of those have had zero effect on oil temps. Tranny cooler was a night and day improvement fyi.

anyways, thoughts? The only think I have not replace at this point is the high pressure oil pump or fuel filter. Trying to get this road ready for a huge road trip…. And I’m running out of time. Any help appreciated.

it should be noted I know I’m “within” the oil temp range. I get that. But it’s not normal for my vehicle. I’m driving to a warm area and don’t want to have issues.

 

what does the oil temp read on your scanner when the truck is cooled down? Is it close to ambient? I’m curious if the new oil temp sensor is not accurate.

 

What about idling or cruising around town, do the temps stay normal or are they up too? The only thing I can think of that could be related to what work was done is an up pipe leak killing your boost causing the engine to work harder. Any new soot traces on the firewall?

 

I replaced the sensor today just to give it a shot. It acts very similar to the old one. On the old one I left the X sit for 2 days and compared my digital gauge for oil temp to the coolant temp via a thermometer. They were the same exactly. So I knew it was fine at “cold” temps but not sure if it got off when hot. So I changed the sensor and the new one seems to be acting the same as the old sensor.

 

good idea. Never thought of that. I’ll have to check tomorrow after work.

it drives at a little warmer around town. Starts to warm up above 50mph. I see 219 driving 73mph.

 

Ok, just checked the rear connection between the turbo and the collector manifold of the up pipes. I remember there being a nipple on it to make sure it’s oriented correctly. I thought I got it to seat all the way but there appears to be a slight gap between the two (see images). Is that normal or did I do that wrong? If so they would cause an underperforming turbo and potentially make the engine run harder.

 

I can't make heads or tails from the pics but they mate up face to face and the clamp presses the tight. Do you still have the factory up pipes or have they been replaced with the bellowed style? If they are original its pretty common to get leaks after they've been disturbed at all.

 

just added a pic vs the video screen shots.

yeah I added riffraff bellowed up pipes.

 

I just posted on the other forum...

I do not think an exhaust leak would cause higher operating temps. You can test for an exhaust leak by power-braking. If you have a leak, you will see smoke under the hood. Just don't get all crazy and start smoking the tires, just put a good load on it. Exhaust leaks would cause higher egt's but shouldn't effect operating temps.

One last thing...Is it possible that you are putting more of a load on your truck than you think? It's been really windy lately and many people do not adjust for that and just power through it. you said you were doing 73 on the highway, but if you are fighting any kind of wind, it will work the engine more than normal...just a thought

 

thanks for the help. I’ll get this put back together and give that a shot. What about lack of boost. Would that cause the engine to work harder to maintain highway speeds (increased oil temp)?

i did the initial phase on this months ago (end of December/January) and have driven it without wind. Only difference was it was a high of 20 or so and I still saw elevated temps compared to normal.

 

That looks seated to me. You would be gapped by the length of the pin if it were out of the hole.

You mentioned low boost. Do you have a low boost issue?

 

I could see the possibility of low boost/ boost leak potentially causing the truck to work harder to maintain speed, yes. Whether or not that's your cause, IDK. If you do have a low boost issue, we should find the cause and take care of it an see if the temps get better or not.

I find a smoke/ fog machine is great for finding boost leaks. otherwise a setup to run low pressure air works as well.

What upgrades have you done to your truck if any and what are you seeing for boost. We will need details. Looks like stock turbo, but are you running a hydra or anything

 

here is a comparison for you
Click to see my CTS-3 with a 203*F thermostat

I would make sure the Fan Clutch is working as it should.

 

Your original posts lists replacing the thermostat. That is why the oil temperature is now reading higher, IMO. That big oil cooler mounted on the side of the engine also serves as an "oil warmer" in cold weather to get the oil up to operating temperature and then to maintain it. You don't want cold oil all day long any more than you want overheated oil, either. 219 degrees is just right, just under the boiling point of water and that helps to boil off condensation and keep the service life of the engine oil.

 

My link to my CTS-3 was bad.

I have a 203*F thermostat, and my temps are not as high as yours.

Oil Temp at 100*F Ambient