Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) High temperature while towing

[stownsend]

I was towing this weekend up a long steep grade (Parley's Canyon in Utah for those who know) and the outside temp was around 100 F. I was keeping such a close watch on my gage pod that I failed to notice the main temp gage worked it's way up to ~230! I had the Edge on settings 2 by 2 and I was keeping the exhaust temp under 1200, and the transmission temp was under 190.



The temperature was up that high for about 3 to 4 minutes until I crested the summit and let it cool off on the down hill side. Do I need to worry about any permanent damage (warped heads, cracked block, etc. )?



Steve

 

[DMcPherson]

I recently found out that the fan likes to pull oil out of the overflow bottle and blow it all over the radiator plugging it up pretty good. check the front of the radiator and see if its covered in crap

 

[stownsend]

It shouldn't be that because I moved the overflow bottle. The radiator looked clean.

 

[TRAMPLINEMAN]

If the outside air is around 100*, the air in front of your truck mixed with the heat coming off the road is probably around 110-115*. It's just hot. Did you have your ac on? All your other temps seem to be in check.

 

[Cummins724]

I recently found out that the fan likes to pull oil out of the overflow bottle and blow it all over the radiator plugging it up pretty good. check the front of the radiator and see if its covered in crap

That happened to me yesterday towing 7ton up long grade & hit 220 degrees. came home & changed thermostat. no good still doing it so I pressure washed the radiator this morning & today was way hotter, but truck stayed at 200 on same hill hauling same load. [my buddy had a bad clutch fanwhen his did it]

 

[stownsend]

Yea I had my AC on. I was doing everything I possibly could to get the engine REALLY hot... and it worked!



I know to keep the EGT below 1300, but since the outside air was so hot it still drove the engine temp up. The good thing is that it seems that everything was working okay because when I got back on a flat grade the engine cooled back to 190.



I'm just concerned that something bad happened while that temp hovered at 230 for several minutes. My plan is to flush and pressure wash the radiator, and replace the thermostat like Cummins724 suggested. That will at least give me piece of mind for my next tow next weekend.

 

[NoSeeUm]

Reminds me of a conversation I had with one of the gents over at Source Automotive . At that time, I was told that the cooling system temperature would be the next limiting factor while pulling on a modded Hp truck.



Evidently, you hit the break over point pulling that grade where you have to be as concerned about engine temperature as you normally have be over EGT.



Thanks for the info;

Jim