[mouseys_7.3]

I have searched around the forum for info on the max safe oil temp for a 7.3. I have so far concluded that the 7.3 is not as particular in its oil temps as a 6.0 and that I should not be overly concerned with a 221 degree oil temp. Is this a correct assumption? I do not have a way to measure coolant temp so I can't check the delta between coolant and oil.
I hit the 221 oil temp pulling very steep hills but holding 60 mph. the outside temp was around 75 degree mark.
I am not trying to diagnose an issue, just see what is normal. Are my findings correct?

 

[RT]

That is well within normal limits. The delta the 6.0 guys are looking for is the difference in oil temp / coolant temp in a non loaded steady state situation. i.e. - going down the freeway at 60 MPH. They do that because their tiny passageway oil coolers clog up if you stare at them sideways. Our large bore coolers probably wouldn't clog up unless you poured cement into the system. Loaded like you were - 221 is just great.

 

[BS Hauler]

I don't think that there is any concern until you get over 250 degrees. When I pull my 4 horse goose neck out to the Big Horn mountains mine will run 235 to 245 a lot of times. I only run dino oil in mine also. Don't believe all the marketing hype on using synthetic oil. We have never lost an engine in any of our AG tractors running oil temps this high also and they run flat out for hours everyday under full load. The worse thing for your engine is to run oil temps below 212 degrees for long periods of time. My 7.3 takes about 15 to 20 miles to get the oil temp up over 200 degrees when just driving it without a load on it.

 

[mouseys_7.3]

Great, that was the info I was looking for. I run the normal Rotella. So along with the oil to water cooler, these engines have an air to oil cooler as well. It seems real small. Does it actually help? I ask because mine needs new hoses or o-rings or something as it leaks real bad.

 

[Maryland dieselnick]

Air to oil?

 

[RT]

That air to oil cooler is the power steering cooler.

 

[Maryland dieselnick]

Power steering is hot oil to air, that's what confused me, it being backwards to power steering. Can't find the smiley guy smacking his own forehead.

 

[mouseys_7.3]

My bad. Uhm are you sure? It looks like it is coming out of the block. I figured it was the power steering till I got under the truck and looked a little harder.

 

[Maryland dieselnick]

The one RT. Referred to is small and in the front. It's tied into the power steering and hydro boost circuit. Coming off of block, huh. Might be some aftermarket deal. Can you post pictures?

 

[mouseys_7.3]

In the first pic is in front of the block mounted water to oil cooler. This is one of the lines connected to the cooler that is behind the front tag in front of the condenser. I have not traced the lines as it is raining and the truck is parked on the street.
I know, I have a small oil leak....

 

[RT]

That's your ps cooler.

 

[mouseys_7.3]

then, what are those lines coming off the block?

 

[RT]

That big nasty greasy one in the split wire conduit that attaches to the block is the negative battery terminal from the driver's side battery. The two small ones go from the cooler straight up the side of the block to the power steering system.

I'd suggest a can of degreaser and a pressure washer! :|

 

[mouseys_7.3]

It was cleaned... about 4 months ago. I Keep the underside clean when I have the time. I should probably just fix it. band aids don't fix bullet holes do they? :roller:

 

[RT]

Reminds me of that old saying - Army rangers clean their guns so they will shoot. Marines shoot their guns to clean them. Guess if its leaking that bad, you need to find the source. Or you could just say its a self oiling rust prevention system.

 

[mouseys_7.3]

kinda my thoughts.Its not bad enough to fool with yet. I still don't notice a change in oil level between oil changes. It will ride till spring unless it gets worse.
But thanks for all the help.