Normal Operating Temperature

[PRS]

We've had our truck for about a year. Mostly used to tow a 5th wheel. On our return to Colorado in late October we were westbound on I80, trailer in tow, outside temps were mid 40's. The engine temp spent most of the time below 185. It went in the garage and has only been out a few times. Recently was out, unloaded, and on the 4 lane for about 40 minutes. Again OAT was mid to upper 40's. The maximum the engine temp reached was 188 on a slight uphill grade. After that it was all level or downhill and stop and go traffic. Temp went down below 175 and would run between 165 and 175 depending on if we were moving or not. Admittedly, I've not driven a diesel that much. I know excess heat is hard on it but it seems to me it ought to warm up to thermostat opening and stay around that level while it's running. What am I missing?

 

[H3LZSN1P3R]

We've had our truck for about a year. Mostly used to tow a 5th wheel. On our return to Colorado in late October we were westbound on I80, trailer in tow, outside temps were mid 40's. The engine temp spent most of the time below 185. It went in the garage and has only been out a few times. Recently was out, unloaded, and on the 4 lane for about 40 minutes. Again OAT was mid to upper 40's. The maximum the engine temp reached was 188 on a slight uphill grade. After that it was all level or downhill and stop and go traffic. Temp went down below 175 and would run between 165 and 175 depending on if we were moving or not. Admittedly, I've not driven a diesel that much. I know excess heat is hard on it but it seems to me it ought to warm up to thermostat opening and stay around that level while it's running. What am I missing?

The thermostat should be opening at 190 mine runs normally at 90*C (194).... if your not keeping temp id be talking to the dealer your thermostat may be stuck open.... 190 is proper operating temp you want to stay at

Anything up to 230 is not going to hurt anything but for the emissions system you should be running at 190 anything less can cause egr/dpf issues