Just hooked up my (new to me) 2018 XLT (3.5 liter, max tow). Normally the engine runs around 210. It went up to 225 on a pretty easy incline (granted, I'm in Denver at a mile high and nothing is really easy).

Is 225 high ? I know that pulling the trailer was super easy for the truck (it's small and light).

Thank you guys, I appreciate any info.

 

The ability of the radiator to remove heat is dependent on the mass flow of the air passing through the radiator (as well as temperature differentials). Dry air has less mass (no water content). High altitude has less mass. High temperatures have less mass. That's a triple wammy for Denver (although I doubt temperature was a big factor this time of the year). On top of that, pulling any trailer will add to the heat created by the transmission which increases the heat load which needs to be dissipated.

The thermostat starts to open between 183°F to 190°F and does not full open until 210°F. I think the 225°F you saw is a little high but it obviously is below the maximum permitted as you never mentioned an over-temperature warning message. I would not be overly concerned but would continue to monitor it in future.

 

That's one of a hell of an answer, I agree 225 was high, especially with a trailer that weighs less than 1,500 pounds. That's why I asked.

Thank you

 

I know this is apples to bananas but I live in Phoenix and my motorcycle has been up to 230 degrees on a very regular occasion... I'm from Ohio where a 185 degree thermostat keeps it at 185... The heat used to worry me but I have had only one problem ever (my wife's 4 banger eco escape got so hot the turbo turned off and I got a dash warning that it was off due to heat.... If that car wasn't already slow enough, you should feel it with no turbo..).

Edit: I just got my truck in Jan so I'm not sure what temp it'll run in the summer.. My last car didn't say.

 

In my working life I designed heavy duty oilfield equipment. It always amazed me how much bigger radiators needed to be for dry, hot, high altitude applications. Humidity makes a huge difference as it adds a lot of mass (relative to the air itself) to the cooling side of the equation.

I would at least pressure wash the radiator to make sure it is clean. If its partially plugged from winter road grime that would obviously reduce its efficiency.

 

Uhh,,, dry air has more mass than humid air, just say'in.

 

Recently installed an AeroForce Interceptor gauge & one of the items I monitor is engine temp.
Based on the the temps I see, ( 5.0 ), I have to conclude the stock thermostat is 195*.
Usually see 195, 197, 199 during normal operation. If I sit in traffic, 203.
225 is high..
.

 

just fyi - the thermostat isn't fully open until 217.6*F

 

Yes....nitrogen and oxygen each have a molecular weight which is higher than water vapor.

 

Thank you guys, I appreciate it. I'll keep my eye on it, I thought 225 was high as well, especially since I was towing a very light, small empty trailer.