I’ve got a 2020 f150 3.5 EB. I had to replace the radiator about a month ago because it was leaking. Until a couple days ago, everything was fine, but it’s been above freezing (12. Degrees Celsius) the last couple days while driving to work and I’ve noticed the engine temp starts to climb on any hill, but it always comes back down once I level on flat road. The truck has the max towing package. Any thoughts or ideas?

I should note that it seems like both fans run way more than they need to be.

 

Assuming coolant level is still good…


which replacement radiator did you use?
shutters working correctly?
did you replace the thermostat while you were in there?

 

What temps are they at? You have the digital data enabled with Forscan?

 

How much higher is is than it used to be?

 

I used the direct replacement radiator from my local parts store. Couldn’t wait a month for the dealership to bring one in. Spectre was the brand.
How would I check if the shutters are working? Can I just unplug them?
no, I didn’t replace the thermostat.

Coolant levels are good. Will engine temp change whether I used the motor craft coolant or not?

 

I don’t have the actual temperatures on my truck. They’re not digital as it’s only an XLT.

 

normal operating temp is half way up the gauge. It reached 3/4 by the time I got to the top of the hill.

 

I would hook up a scanner or use something like Forscan to determine what the actual temps are.

Did you use a vacuum style system to add coolant? You possibly still have air in your system.

BTW, Rockauto has the Motorcraft radiators in stock for both the medium duty cooling and Max Tow cooling. You installed the one for Max Tow right?

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...,radiator,2172

 

no I didn’t use the vacuum system. I will try hooking my code scanner up and see what it reads. Now I feel gyped. I spent 3 times that for the rad I put in. Yes, it said it was for the max tow package on the box, although it doesn’t look like it holds more coolant than a regular one.