Steam cloud when towing no fluid loss
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Rialto, CA
Steam cloud when towing no fluid loss
I have a 09 F350 CC 4X4 6.4 I purchased in March. I just did my frist trip pulling a 5th wheel. On three different occasions while pulling a grade I noticed a stream of steam/vapor shooting out from the right side of grille. Gauges where normal and no indication of fluid loss under the hood, on the grille or windsheild. No loss of power. Just wondering if others have had this happen. Will be taking the truck to the dealer in the morning.
Jim
Jim
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 25,479
Likes: 742
From: Isanti, MN
I'm no mechanic, but if it's only happening under load, it's not likely coming from the cooling system. It's under pressure whenever the engine is warm. The only thing that changes pressure with engine load is your intake system after the turbo.
Sounds like a charge air cooler leak to me...but if it was I'd think you'd lose power...
Sounds like a charge air cooler leak to me...but if it was I'd think you'd lose power...
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Rialto, CA
Jim
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,384
Likes: 1,868
From: Frederick, MD
sounds more to me like losing some coolant from the radiator. But even that discription from the op doesn't sound right.
Did you pop the hood to check for any evidence of leaks, esp around the seams of the radiator?
Did you pop the hood to check for any evidence of leaks, esp around the seams of the radiator?
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 6,521
Likes: 11
From: Greenwood, SC
Feeling no loss of power may be a tough call depending on what your previous vehicle was. The 6.4 is pretty stout even when it's not giving you all the turbo boost.
Kind of a mystery to me. I think a year ago, maybe more, somebody blew off the hoses either to or from the intercooler. It's the first radiator of the bunch right in front.
Maybe your coolant level was low to start with and it was boiling over? Coolant level too high and blowing off?
Kind of a mystery to me. I think a year ago, maybe more, somebody blew off the hoses either to or from the intercooler. It's the first radiator of the bunch right in front.
Maybe your coolant level was low to start with and it was boiling over? Coolant level too high and blowing off?
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Rialto, CA
UPDATE: Dealer had the truck for two days and could not duplicate the problem. They indicated they pressure tested the cooling system and all was ok. I got the truck home and started going over it. Found a hole in the rubber hose that connects the metal piping to the top of the front radiator. Why wouldn't I have coolant leak from that area? Oh well, truck is back at the dealer.
Jim
Jim
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Fords to Drive Before You Die
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / Worst Features Of The 2025+ Ford Expedition
Brett Foote
10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition
Joe Kucinski
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now
Brett Foote
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Verdad Gallardo
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
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,384
Likes: 1,868
From: Frederick, MD
UPDATE: Dealer had the truck for two days and could not duplicate the problem. They indicated they pressure tested the cooling system and all was ok. I got the truck home and started going over it. Found a hole in the rubber hose that connects the metal piping to the top of the front radiator. Why wouldn't I have coolant leak from that area? Oh well, truck is back at the dealer.
Jim
Jim
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 6,521
Likes: 11
From: Greenwood, SC
That's the CAC hose and it's where I suspected the hose was possibly blown off.
As Senix says, there's no coolant there but I personally don't know if it would produce a steam or a smoky condition.
As Senix says, there's no coolant there but I personally don't know if it would produce a steam or a smoky condition.
