lucky644

Indeed

toytech6466

I just had similar problem with the engine wanting to over heat. Pulling 8,000 loaded travel trailer up to Tahoe when it was about 85 degrees, it wanted to over heat. Transmission temp was below 220. I had to pull over twice to let it cool down.

It also happened when it was about 75 degrees, going over the Santa Cruz mountain which have a good 5 mile long pull that gets step the last 1/4mile.

I am 2,000 pounds under my tow limit and all ready have the Wagner intercooler on it.

This is my first disappointment with this truck and it is a big one! Ford has mis lead people with the tow rating on this truck. My old 2001 GMC with the lack lust 5.3 did not over heat on the same grades

Has anyone found a performance radiator, I have looked and have not found one.

If i can't get this fixed this truck is useless to me, 90% of my towing is going to be to the Sierras in the summer!!!

BucketMan

Have you tried adjusting the coolant/water mix? Maybe a 170* thermostat as well. This might be a cheap way to improve things a bit. Strange your so far under your tow weight and overheating. Do you have any other mods?

toytech6466

I was running the 87 tow tune with 91 octane gas. I have re gapped all my plugs. The cooling system is in great condition, my coolant is mixture is fine. I was not pushing the engine that hard when this happened both time.

I might be fine with it if I had been at 4 to 5,000 RPM pulling a 10 mile hill in 100 degree plus heat, but the second time it was only about 75 degrees out?

I need to be able to pull hills in the Sierras with the AC on. Not running the AC with a wife and a 2&1/2 year old when it is 90 plus out is not an option.

papa tiger

Go back to OEM tune and run High Test gas when towing in tow/haul. Disconnect battery and reset, let it relearn. U want maximum turck OEM design tow performance.

toytech6466

When it wanted to over heat the second time, I was not asking that much from the motor. I do not think the tune has much to do with it. It has more to do with Ford not specing a big enough radiator.

papa tiger

Ahh; Wrong: Advance curve wrong, possibly more than 50/50 antifreeze mix and gasoline with the tune wrong.


Why not; go with the OEM tune and tow/haul. See for yourself if it the tune/gasoline problem.

BucketMan

I disagree with the radiator being the issue. Plenty of folks here tow heavier in worse conditions without issue. If the rad was the issue we'd hear a lot more people bitching about overheating.

Wish I had more advice. If there aren't any obvious obstructions to the rad, cooling fins look alright, I'm out of suggestions.

LastResort

Is it just me, or is everyone who experiences this problem running a tune? Seriously, I can't recall any that haven't, but I could easily be mistaken.

93Cobra#2771

iTrader: (2)

Mine was 100% stock. It didn't go into limp mode but was up to 228 degrees. I backed off to 45mph and it started dropping. Ambient temp was 105 pulling a 6% grade.