A road test for a Ford 6.0 Powerstroke with a restricted oil cooler involves monitoring several key parameters to assess engine performance and cooling system functionality. Here's a general outline: Initial Inspection:
Before hitting the road, conduct a visual inspection of the vehicle,
checking for any obvious signs of oil leaks, coolant leaks, or other
abnormalities.
Engine Warm-Up: Start the engine and allow it to reach operating
temperature. This ensures that the engine and cooling system are
properly warmed up for accurate testing.
FOR ACCURATE TEST RESULTS, ECT TEMPERATURE MUST BE
GREATER THAN 190° F (88 °C) WHEN MEASURING THE ECT AND
EOT MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE DIFFERENTIAL PERFORMING THIS
TEST STEP OUT OF SEQUENCE CAN RESULT IN INACCRUATE
TEST RESULTS.
THIS CAN BE CAUSED BY A LEAKING EGR COOLER ALLOWING
(HOT) COMBUSTION GASES TO ENTER THE ENGINE COOLANT
AND ARTIFICALLY RAISING THE ECT READINGS.
Install integrated diagnostic system (IDS) or a datalogger of your choice
and select engine coolant temperature (ECT) and engine oil temperature
(EOT) PID’s.
Monitor Coolant Temperature: Throughout the road test, closely monitor
the coolant temperature gauge or digital readout. A restricted oil cooler
can cause coolant temperatures to rise higher than normal, indicating a
problem.
Check Oil Temperature: Keep an eye on the oil temperature gauge or
digital readout. A restricted oil cooler can lead to higher oil temperatures,
potentially causing damage to engine components if not addressed.
Acceleration Tests: Perform several acceleration tests to evaluate engine
power and response. Note any hesitation, lack of power, or unusual
engine noises that could indicate performance issues related to the
restricted oil cooler.
Highway Driving: Take the vehicle on a highway or freeway to assess
performance under sustained higher speeds.
Pay attention to coolant and oil temperatures during this phase, as
highway driving can put additional strain on the engine and cooling
system.
City Driving: Navigate through city streets with frequent stops and starts
to simulate typical driving conditions. Again, monitor coolant and oil
temperatures, as well as engine performance, under these
circumstances.
Idle Test: Allow the vehicle to idle for several minutes while monitoring
coolant and oil temperatures. A restricted oil cooler can cause
temperatures to rise even at idle, indicating a potential problem.
Cool Down: After completing the road test, allow the engine to idle for a
few minutes to cool down gradually. Monitor coolant and oil temperatures
during this cooldown period.
Observe ECT and EOT PID’s on IDS Datalogger. EOT maximum
temperature differential might occur at throttle tip-out.
(1) If EOT is within 15° F (8.4° C) degrees of the ect, next step is to test
head gaskets.
(2) If EOT exceeds ECT by 15° F (8.4° C) or more at any time during the
test, next step is to replace the oil cooler.
Post-Test Inspection: Once the road test is complete, perform another
visual inspection of the vehicle to check for any signs of leaks or other
issues that may have developed during the test.