[AndyC3]

Hi Everyone,

New here. I have a 2005 F250, 299k miles, previous owner did the following: EGR deleted, head studs, there is no CEL and EGT valve always reads 0% for command and status so there may be some sort of tune in it.

The truck drives like it is stock from what I can tell. I don't tow anything ever.

All of the values/temperatures I list in this post are as read from my OBDII scanner.

So I read this thread on recommended temperatures and pressures (sorry about the other forum): Recommended readings - Temperature and Pressure - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums and now I have some concerns about my engine oil temperature.

When driving down the highway, flat road, after 15 minutes, cruise set on 65 MPH, my EOT is 232 and my EC is 195. So my questions:

• Is this temperature normal considering the EGR cooler is deleted?

• If this is not normal (which I expect that is the case), how BAD is this?

• Is this go trade it in on a new truck right now bad?

• Or is it more like stop driving the truck immediately and replace the oil cooler tomorrow?

• Or is it yea, it's okay to run to the parts store or whatever, just replace that cooler in the next month or so and drive it easy.

Other possibly relevant details:
The truck seems to be running fine. The only trouble is that when it cold outside (under 32°F) it it very hard to start. When I plug in the block heater it starts with no problems.

Thanks everyone,

Andy

 

[08spartan250]

This should be interesting opcorn:

 

[CrazyS0b]

Do you like the truck?

Hate to break it to you but you need a new oil cooler... Now...

It is going to cost you a bit to have it done unless you are handy with a wrench and have a few beers.

 

[AndyC3]

Thanks for the reply Spartan. Penny for your thoughts?

 

[08spartan250]

Well...an oil cooler replacement isn't that hard. Just have to be patient....and definitely have some beers handy.

If it was me, I would park it and get an oil cooler ordered. If you haven't done a coolant flush on it yet, now would be a good time before the new cooler goes in.

 

[AndyC3]

@Crazy,

I love the truck. I am trying to get a sense of is it too late, has the damage already been done, am I toying with engine failure and I need to unload (trade) this thing now?

Even when I install a new oil cooler is it worth it? Or have I already hurt the engine in a way that it will reach the end of it's life much sooner than later?

 

[Skip Sackett]

Personally, I'd not drive it until I did a flush. I also am one of those "OEM" guys so, I'd put new Motorcraft Gold in it and see how it did. If no better, park the beast, order a cooler and go from there...

 

[Canadian Mind]

When driving down the highway, flat road, after 15 minutes, cruise set on 65 MPH, my EOT is 232 and my EC is 195. So my questions:

• Is this temperature normal considering the EGR cooler is deleted?

No

• If this is not normal (which I expect that is the case), how BAD is this?

Bad enough you want to swap the cooler as soon as possible, but not so bad you should stop driving it. Keep an eye on your oil quality, and consider doing oil changes on shorter intervals until OC is swapped.

• Is this go trade it in on a new truck right now bad?

**** no. It'll probably cost you more to trade it in than to get your OC swapped.

• Or is it more like stop driving the truck immediately and replace the oil cooler tomorrow?

No. You do want to swap the oil cooler as soon as possible though. If your oil starts hitting 250 or more, or your delta gets above 50, that would be the time to stop driving it.

• Or is it yea, it's okay to run to the parts store or whatever, just replace that cooler in the next month or so and drive it easy.

see above answers

Other possibly relevant details:
The truck seems to be running fine. The only trouble is that when it cold outside (under 32°F) it it very hard to start. When I plug in the block heater it starts with no problems.

Not a hard job to swap the OC if you are mechanically inclined. Give yourself a weekend to do it. Make sure you've taken care of your coolant system first.

If there is no coolant filter, install one. I suggest the IPR full-flow filter, but any of the bypass setups will do.

If your coolant hasn't been flushed and replaced with a diesel ELC, do that after you've used the coolant filter for a few thousand miles. Given the oil cooler quality, your system probably needs a full chemical flush. That'll take at least a full day and an ocean of distilled water. You can use tap water up to the step where you use mineral cleaner. After that Distilled is fairly critical.

Once you've done this to clean your system, THEN swap your oil cooler. If you swap your oil cooler before your system is properly cleaned, you risk re-clogging it and having to do the oil cooler job all over again. Your oil cooler is in okay enough shape that you can install a filter, run it for a couple thousand miles (don't drive it hard), and then do the flush. When I did my flush and oil cooler job, I just left distilled water in my system at first. Once the swap was done, that's when I put in the diesel ELC (I used Rotella, good stuff, many people use it). You waste a little less coolant this way.



Or of course, if you don't like the truck, ditch it.

Quit panicking about wrecking the truck. Mine had oil up into the 270s and it's put on 50 000 mile since then. My injectors were toast, but that was about it.

 

[djmaguire]

^^^ This.

I'm with @CM on this. A 232 EOT is nothing to be thrilled about, but it isn't the end of the world, either. The problem with a big delta is that it's gonna get bigger. It may happen faster than you like. ...or in a location that is not at all convenient.

No long trips. No heavy hauling. Go easy on it. If the temp creeps up, drop the speed. Stay on your monitor. I would switch to T6 now no matter what your interval. A good synthetic oil can withstand heat better than conventional.

...and channel @Canadian Mind.

 

[G8orFord]

Yep, I agree with CM and DJ. Although as far as driving it, I wouldn't take it on any long trips or do a lot of towing. There are many threads on here about this issue, but since I'm the one linking, I'll link you to mine from about a year ago.

http://www.powerstroke.org/forum/general-6-0l-discussion/639466-newbie-eot-ect-deltas.html

Also a handy link for back-flushing the oil cooler, if interested. (stolen from NYC F350's sig)
nylyons' "reverse flushing" technique

 

[midnite rider]

Take it easy Andy, do a coolant flush as recomended, change or have the cooler changed after flush not be for and change the thermostat. Then when it is done, go have some :shots: worked for me :nod:

 

[NYC F-350]

Flush your cooling system thoroughly, replace the coolant with a CAT EC-1 rated ELC concentrated coolant, and then dig in to replace the oil cooler. I know that when you pop the hood for the first time it looks like doing that type of repair is very difficult and intimidating...but it really is much easier than it looks. The link in my signature line has all the information that you will need to do the repair...and if you have any questions whatsoever, the ORG is just a keyboard away.
I recommend that you use distilled water for the flushing and for diluting the coolant concentrate. For a buck a gallon, it is cheap insurance against contaminates being reintroduced into your cooling system.