Greg Parker
Full Access Members
folks. Interesting to watch this thread and learn.
I was observing engine temps rising to 230-235 on hills pulling a 4000 lb trailer with my 19. I am going to start watching my trans temps too. I called two different Ford service depts. both say that 230-235 are normal eng op temps for hills with trailers.
observations?
Idaho ... honestly, I've been quite the opposite and have been far more concerned with trans temps than engine coolant temps. Consequently, I haven't really monitored those, other than to keep an occasional eye on the C-to-H gauge at the top of the display. Basically, the temps (when towing) are going to be fairly congruent ...depending on both towing weight and environmental factors (ambient air temp, ascent grade, etc.). There hasn't been a vehicle made for more than 40 years that would balk at 225-240F engine coolant temps. But most transmissions aren't very happy after trans fluid temps exceed 235F. But these late-model trans, with modern fluids seem to be capable of as much as 250-255F before any eminent failure is remotely possible. I wouldn't want to push it ...I've seen 245F on my trans temp pulling a 7% uphill grade at "full speed" (65 mph) ...in 112F ambient air temp.
I don't know how accurate the gauges are on the Fords ...it is pretty hit or miss with the "dummy gauges" from manufacturer to manufacturer. However, there are more than one kind / brand of engine and transmission that are fully capable of sustained temps of 250F+ trans and 260+ engine coolant. While I'm dubious that the Expy is one of those vehicles, so far, it has taken just about everything I've thrown at it.