acceptable ECT & EOT differences ?

[rdodger]

I am about to monitor my ECT and EOT with my SCT and LIVELINK software . I am wondering what is an acceptable difference between the two ? Also i would like to know what exactly it means if i am outside the acceptable limits ? The reason i am doing this is to determine whether my Headgaskets are bad or its my EGR cooler . Any input or help with this is greatly appreciated .

[NYC F-350]

You should not see a difference exceeding 15* between EOT and ECT after the truck is up to operating temperature (190*F ECT or so).
Anything over that and your oil cooler and EGR coolers are clogged and will need to be replaced. Reason being is the oil cooler gets coolant first, then clogs up. This in turn starves the EGR cooler of coolant. Basically the small amount of coolant that can get through the EGR cooler flash boils, which stresses the metal until it fails.

[m-chan68]

What NYC F-350 says is correct. Ford released a calibration update in late 2009 to turn the yellow wrench light on and de-rate power output when EOT exceeds ECT by more than 15*F (setting a P012F code), when turbo overboost is detected under any condition (setting a P0234 code), and when FICM voltages decrease to a level that is not satisfactory. However, 2003/2004 model year trucks were excluded from this update for reasons beyond my ability to fathom. So you 2005 to 2007 truck owners can rest easy if you guys have the latest and greatest calibration level installed in your trucks, and you are not seeing the wrench light coming on. Because this means all those important parameters are remaining in check.

[rdodger]

so if i read my ect and eot and it reads within the 15* limit does that mean oil cooler/egr cooler ?
and if it reads above the 15* limit does that mean headgaskets ?

[amdriven2liv]

Originally Posted by rdodger

so if i read my ect and eot and it reads within the 15* limit does that mean oil cooler/egr cooler ?
and if it reads above the 15* limit does that mean headgaskets ?

If you are with in the 15* range, ie. 190 ECT vs. 195 EOT you're good.

190 ECT vs. 218 EOT. EGR/Oil cooler troubles which could lead to other issues.

The temps are for cruising at highway speeds and up to operating temps. Level ground.

[05 six-0h psd]

my normal operating temp lately has been ect 190-194 and eot at anywhere between 206-224 while cruising down highway at 70, could this mean a bad oil cooler?

[NYC F-350]

Yep, it certainly does.
Keep an eye on your exhaust for steam, you may want to remove your EGR valve and have a looksy inside the intake. Park it on a hill with the nose down overnight and check it for wetness. You find that and your EGR has ruptured.

[BugsWest]

How much does level ground matter? I have noticed my EOT/ECT are about 9-10* apart on level ground, but when I start heading up I-70 into the mountains and push it up the hills, my difference can grow to 15*+. Is this normal, or should I be concerned?

[NYC F-350]

The reading should be taken on the flat since EOT will climb going up hills.
The temp will climb as the engine works harder, totally normal.
I get 10-12 on the flat ground @ highway speed, and up to 20 going up steep grades.

[BugsWest]

NYC, thanks for the quick response. I figured it was normal, but it's good to hear that others have the same experience that I do!