Hi, I just purchased a 2012 Freightliner M2 106 dump truck with Cummins ISC 8.3L, 10 spd. It has 25k on the odometer, and I have been experiencing coolant temp fluctuation from 175-200 F. This does not appear normal.
Background:
After initial start/warm up and as I get to highway speed (55-60 mph), the coolant temp keeps rising up to 230 F and the clutch fan kicks-on w/ the check engine light (this happens frequently during initial start). I let the truck coast in neutral when this happens, and then the temp decreases to 175 F, rather quickly within ~10 secs).
Afterwards, the coolant temp steadily increases from 175 F to 200 F and back down to 175 F. I see this continuous cycle every few mins. Coolant temp is steady (~180 F) when idling after running for hours.
Here is the following fixes I have attempted so far:
1) I pressure washed the front condensor, radiator, and intercooler as best as I can. Minor debris/dirt found.
2) I replaced the temp sensor and thermostat (180 F) with factory parts
Any thoughts on symptom? Is this normal operations? What else could be the issue? I called both Freightliner and Cummins technical assistance for feedback but they were uncertain and recommended to bring into dealer for inspection.
P.S.: The coolant expansion tank is to the full mark and there is a slight coolant drip near the cap. Not sure what is the issue here (potentially air in the system?). What is the proper procedure to bleed the coolant system?
Freightliner M2 - Cummins ISC Coolant Temp Fluctuation
Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by chips2002, Dec 27, 2019.
-
-
Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds
Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.
-
I would agree it is acting like air in the system. I would be replacing the thermostat with a new one OEM. Vacuum fill the system to ensure no trapped air if you can. Sometimes the top rad hose may have a bleeder, otherwise leave the cap off to run the engine up til thermostat opens, then top and cap.
Make sure a shop rag holds to the front of the coolant package with the fan on at rated rpm. If it does not hold very well the radiator is plugged with debris.QUALITYTRUCK and spsauerland Thank this. -
Do you know if there is another coolant sensor to turn the fan on? Some cummins engine has temp sensor for gauge and ecm (front) and a rear sensor to activate the fan. Do you have a fan override switch to keep the fan all the time and test it like that? You can bleed the system at the EGR cooler hoses, but most of the time when you fill the system and run it to operating temperature (thermostat opens) and run it for a little bit more and turn the engine off and let it sit to ambient temp and you will notice that the coolant level will drop and you have to refill to full mark. You can also pay attention to what temp. the thermostat opens at cold start.
-
Thank you for all your inputs. So I took a closer examination of the expansion tank today to see if there was any clogging within the hoses. There was none but the pressure cap seemed dirty around the vent so I cleaned this out with an air compressor.
Seems like the truck is running a lot cooler. Not too sure if this is the result of the cap or the thermostat now working within it's nominal range but the temperature is more consistent, staying around 180 F. -
To narrow down your problem ive got a simple test ti determine if its anything electrical or the problem lies else where.
I forget the name but basically its a temperature gun and take the temp of your engine running at operating temp like 190*f generally. Take it directly at the thermostat.
If the thermostat or any other component were failing the readings will match. If they dont match probably a sensor, but guranteed electrical problem.
Remember computers are niave and your computer is displaying that.
And no its not likely to be the ecm.
Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds
Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.