3406 high coolant temps

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by rank, May 4, 2018.

  1. rank

    rank Road Train Member

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    4 yrs later and I’m still chasing this high coolant temp problem on my 86 359. It’s worse this year than last so I spoke to an old school mechanic I saw at lunch today. since I’ve already changed rad, t-stat and water pump I asked the old fella if he thought the coolant passages might be plugged. He said no and suggested firing rings. He said 3406 was famous for it. Told me to pull off the fan belt and check the coolant reservoir for bubbles.

    Comments?
     
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  3. ShooterK2

    ShooterK2 Road Train Member

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    @rank there’s a kit you can buy, you put the end of the overflow hose in it, and it’s supposed to change colors if combustion gasses are present. I’ve never used one myself, but it may be something to look into if you’re concerned about that.

    When mine starts running warm, it’s always dirt and crud plugging up the fins on the radiator. A little time with an air hose and she’s good to go again.
     
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  4. special-k

    special-k Road Train Member

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    Firing rings are basically head gasket issues iirc. Are you having other symptoms that point to a head gasket problem? How hot is hot?
     
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  5. wore out

    wore out Numbered Classic

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    Take a bottle of water and run your over flow hose into it. With it warned up good and rev the engine to about 1500 see if it bubbles. If not rig up an extension on the hose and tie it to mirror or hold it what ever suits you and go for a drive loaded don't be easy make it run full boost. You didn't say it was loosing coolant so I wouldn't think you have issues there.

    That bleed hose from front of head to top radiator tank if it's restricted it will get warm and mirror a head gasket or liner issue sometimes.


    Oil cooler passages are notorious for stopping up and restricting flow.

    Thermostat housings will erode internally and cause issues but you woulda seen that already.


    Also check just to be sure the fan is pulling air from outside the radiator. With hood up RPM at 1000 fan engaged throw a dry wash cloth up toward the radiator front. It should pull it and hold it there. I have seen more than one backwards fan blade.


    When you done the pump did you notice if it had a metal or plastic impeller. New backing plate?
     
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  6. rank

    rank Road Train Member

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    No. No significant oil seepage around the bottom of the head. It can make ~26 psi boost if I ask it to.

    I turn the fan on at 205 but I'm sure the sky is the limit if I didn't turn the fan on. Couple of days ago it was ~75 degrees and I was 82,000 gross. Pulling even a small hill I had to run the fan. Just running down the road at 60 mph was 190-195.
     
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  7. special-k

    special-k Road Train Member

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    Kind of a dumb question but have you verified the guage is accurate? Hows the oil temp? It should be somewhat close
     
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  8. 062

    062 Road Train Member

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    What's your pyro reading when it heats up?
     
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  9. rank

    rank Road Train Member

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    Gauge was bang on 212 when I measured boiling water. Oil temp. ~150 15w40 Delhi 400 on a 75 deg day
     
    Last edited: May 4, 2018
  10. rank

    rank Road Train Member

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    Pyro temps also skyrocket they and the coolant gauge climb together. I start dropping gears on a pull at 900 deg
     
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  11. wore out

    wore out Numbered Classic

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    That makes it sound like a boost leak or lack of air problem
     
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