Coolant Temps while towing up 6% grade

[MLiljen]

I have only had this truck 7 months or so. Coolant temps started to climb over the gauge mid point about 3/4 up a section of 6% grade. Outside temp was 86F.

Coolant temp dropped as soon as I turned off A/C.

I would guess it is normal to see temps climb up that grade, but this was the Cascades...not the Rockies. Do I need auxiliary cooling?? I'm scheduled for service Friday. I'm having coolant flushed.

Anything to worry about?

[BrianGlenn]

I would not think temp indication just above mid point of the gauge is anything to worry about.

I would recommend getting a digital gauge display like the Edge Insight or similar. These are devices that read sensors etc through the OBDII port. They can display actual temperatures in a numeric display.

You can buy ones that only monitor and do not void warranty.

I found them very helpful when towing.

Brian

[09 harley]

Shutting off the air is an old standard for reducing the load on a long climb. 6% is not a very steep hill and you can expect your water and trans and rear end fluids to rise in temperature.

[Cumminsfan]

Just went over the Cascades both ways over a long 4th of July weekend. My 12 Ram CTD towing 9000 lbs temp went from 203 to 217. @217 the fan kicks in and the temp drops to 213 or so. I tend to push it a bit as I wanted to get around a semi.
Going the outside temp was around 82, returning it was around 72+/-.
My temps only rise that high when nearing the pass. The rest of the time they stay normal at 203 - 204.

You don't say what your towing with or towing.

[fvstringpicker]

If you're towing with a diesel the exhaust gas temp is more important than the coolant a little above normal.

[MLiljen]

2014 F250, Lariat, 6.7. Towing MPG2800. 6800lbs.

I'm getting a new EGT probe installed before next trip. It was reading whacky numbers.

Have the gauges set up now for everything except EGT. Now I just need to find normal ranges and what to do if any read outside of those.

I know it's not that steep, that's why it bothered me to see temps climbing. Trailer is pretty light. I'd like to get over into the Rockies with some confidence😜

Thanks!

Mike

[Old Scout]

Generally speaking--RPMs are your friend.....select a gear and speed that keeps the engine at the higher range of the RPM scale.....more HP, more torque, better coolant circulation .......

[MtnTrek]

Originally Posted by BrianGlenn

I would not think temp indication just above mid point of the gauge is anything to worry about.
I would recommend getting a digital gauge display like the Edge Insight or similar. These are devices that read sensors etc through the OBDII port. They can display actual temperatures in a numeric display.
You can buy ones that only monitor and do not void warranty.
I found them very helpful when towing.
Brian

Agreed.
It's always interesting exploring a new to you vehicle and seeing how it reacts. As noted the scan-gauge devices are helpful. FOMCO has a lot of CAN sensors to tap into.
Make sure to flush out the air side of the radiator as well as the water side, especially if it's been used in dusty areas.

[1320Fastback]

Temps are going to climb towing up a hill for sure.

We just pulled our trailer from California to Wyoming and just as your leaving California there are two 13 mile long 5-6% grades out in the desert. We of course hit them at 1pm which is the hottest part of the day and i sure did watch my coolant climb but it stabilised at 3/4 on the gauge which in the owners manual is the upper tow temp limit. My pyro was holding at 1,100 and speed was holding at 55 so i left the AC on

[timetogo]

Originally Posted by Old Scout

Generally speaking--RPMs are your friend.....select a gear and speed that keeps the engine at the higher range of the RPM scale.....more HP, more torque, better coolant circulation .......

This is how truck drivers do it. Down shift, back out of the throttle a bit and enjoy the hills