C15 issues. Running hot, possible oil in coolant.

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by TruckNorris, Jul 14, 2016.

  1. TruckNorris

    TruckNorris Light Load Member

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    Hey guys, I need some help. Truck is a 06 387 with a c15.

    A month ago I noticed it running hot, so I poked around and found the radiator was leaking, replaced that. Truck still ran a little warmer than usual. Last week I had an exhaust manifold gasket go out, and A AFTER they put everything back together they decided to tell me there was oil in the coolant. I fought with them over many issues (unauthorized work done, bill way over estimate..) I also brought up that if there were issues Roth the coolant I should have been notified right away. After some back and forth they said it's possible the coolant was contaminated after it was drained, they don't know.

    My oil level has gone down slightly, and I haven't noticed any oil in the reserve coolant. Normal exhaust, no leaks, etc.

    When running normal the truck runs between 180 and 190 like normal, oil temp is 200. When the truck has to work even on a little bunny hill the temps both climb, oil gets to 230 at most, coolant gets to almost red line but never there. The fan kicks on and pulls them both down quickly.

    I've also noticed a drop in fuel mileage. Not sure if that's related.

    Any ideas? I'm thinking oil cooler, but I don't know enough about these cats to say, maybe this is signs of another issue?
     
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  3. 062

    062 Road Train Member

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    Have you checked the cac? With a drop in mpg that's the first thing I would look at.
     
  4. TruckNorris

    TruckNorris Light Load Member

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    Check for what exactly? It was inspected when I did the radiator, and I've rechecked all hoses since to make sure they're tight. My boost pressure is still normal (45psi at max)
     
  5. 062

    062 Road Train Member

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    To make sure it's not leaking. If this started after the cac was put back on truck,they could have over torqued some or all of the bolts holding it causing it to crack. Just idle the motor up and spray the cac with soapy water. As for the oil in coolant,you'll just have to judge how bad it is and if it get worse.
     
  6. TruckNorris

    TruckNorris Light Load Member

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    Oshkosh, WI
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    If the cac was leaking, wouldn't I notice a loss of boost? I can check it this weekend to be sure (I replaced the radiator myself with a mechanic's help)
     
  7. 062

    062 Road Train Member

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    Depends on how much of a leak. Do you have a pyro?
     
  8. TruckNorris

    TruckNorris Light Load Member

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    Yes I do, and that has been normal. I've been close paying attention since the trucks been running warm to see if that would give me insight.
     
    25(2)+2 Thanks this.
  9. lilillill

    lilillill Sarcasm... it's not just for breakfast

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    If they did the exhaust manifold, I'd check that they tightened all the joint clamps on the turbos and precooler connections. In particular, the bellows connection to the precooler--it's a pain.

    As far as the heating goes, are you going by the dash gauge or something digital like a scan gauge? Fan should come on at 215 degrees. Oil temp is calculated from coolant temp by the ECM and probably has no bearing on reality.

    Oil in the coolant can come from the oil cooler on the motor or the one in the transmission, if so equipped. You might also want to check the transmission oil for coolant contamination.
     
  10. TruckNorris

    TruckNorris Light Load Member

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    For the heat issue I'm going by both, the fan does kick on right around 215, it'll climb slightly higher and the fan brings it down, I'm now turning the fan on before a long climb and it keeps the temp down like it should.

    As far as the oil issue I'm suspecting the oil cooler.
     
  11. lilillill

    lilillill Sarcasm... it's not just for breakfast

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    If the fan comes on at 215 and brings the temp down quickly, there's nothing wrong. What is the ambient temp where you're at? If it's like it is here, in the mid nineties, you'll see the fan come on a lot more--even on a slight grade.
     
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