Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Temps up pulling the slightest grade

[PSoffe]

I have read in past posts Where guys are talking about there temps climbing various grades throughout there part of the country. I just recently purchased a new toyhauler nothing like some of giants these guys are pulling around. Ours is 20 foot, fully loaded about 6200 lbs.



I had just done some work to the cooling system in the form of a new water pump, an o-ring on the lower hose inlet assembly at the block (boy was that fun) flushed the system all brand new 50/50 shellzone and a new thermostat. What a differenence. Temps now down and consistent at 185degrees. Pulling the trailer on flat highway 190 or so. Seems o. k. to me. Pulling slight grades 200, o. k. Pulling good size grade (can't tell you what percent but average grade) I saw the temp hit the tick mark at the high end of normal I assume that this is in the neighborhood of 215-220 degress. I was a little uncomfortable at this point.



Is this normal? I don't have a pyro yet, and that worries me even more, but that will be ordered today.



These numbers concern me as we are planning on doing alot more towing and want to make sure that it will last.



I spoke to of the guys in our riding group both have 3rd gen trucks and they said that there temps don't move.



My buddies 12v runs really hot all the time and he pulls a 11000 lb fifth wheel.



What do you guys think?

 

[FourBarR]

Have you removed the radiator and had it flushed? Also crap between the rad and coolers. Test the rad cap to see if its holding pressure. Hope this is of some help.

 

[BarryG]

I know on my truck as time went by it seemed to run hotter and hotter and places that previously didnt allow the temp to go up started too. Turned out to be the rad was dirty(the outside). Only real way to clean it is pull it and degrease it well. I was amazed at how dirty it was. I removed the blowby bottle within the first year. With all the other stuff up there you just cant get it clean with it in the vehicle. I had thought I had done a good job of keeping it clean but apparently not as it was pretty dirty.

 

[DCreed]

pyro is a must with that HR pump!

 

[Bloomy]

I'm going to second what BarryG said. Have you actually pulled the radiator and fully degreased the outside? If not try that. My father's 01 was about 60 percent plugged. Brother-in-laws 98 was about 40%. Huge difference after the cleaning. Try out it worked for us pulling the small grades around here.



Thomas

 

[PSoffe]

Thanks guys, I can tell you that since I have owned the truck (3 years now) the rad has never been out of the truck (217000 miles)and since the bottle is still hanging there I would put money on the fact that rad is relatively plugged up.



The nice thing is is that since doing all the other work to the cooling system and having it run at a respectful 180-190 , I can only hope I get the same results towing after degreasing the radiator.



Thanks again for all the imput. This is probably the most invaluable website I have ever come across. Kudos to TDR and its' members!

 

[John - K5AWO]

I can guarantee you that after you pull the radiator and have it flushed which will also clean the dirt/grease out of the outside fins; you will not have any more cooling issues. That temp gauge will pretty much sit in one place again.

I just put in a new radiator (tank split) and noticed an immediate difference with my truck.

Our temps here in the Arizona area hit 118* in the summer quite regularly and the radiator temp stays at 195, never moves.

I have a temp gauge on the cylinder head also, it goes up about 5* but hardly ever more than that.

I pulled a Suburban diesel 4x4 on a car hauler over the Alpine Pass on I-8 and the temps still didn't move.

Clean radiators are a must.