Truck running cold, coolant question
#1
Truck running cold, coolant question
So after I replaced all that stuff in my truck a few weeks ago, I keep getting P 1281 - engine too cold too long. I have run a 180* T stat the last year or so with no problems even in the dead of winter (for Texas anyway). I replaced the T-stat and coolant temp sensor when I pulled the intake that last time. I tested the T-stat for accuracy and it opened at about 182. Started throwing a code so I replaced it with the same brand I initially had and tested that one as well, still a code. So I replaced the coolant temp sensor with a different brand, and I still get the code. After 2 T-stats that have been checked and 2 coolant temp sensors, I think the problem is something else.
Here's the question: Would antifreeze that is too diluted with distilled water cool better to the point that I can't get the truck up to temp? does antifreeze retain heat better than water? Do they make a tester for concentration levels? Maybe I just need to drain a gallon and replace with pure Ethylene Glycol.
Suggestions welcome.
Here's the question: Would antifreeze that is too diluted with distilled water cool better to the point that I can't get the truck up to temp? does antifreeze retain heat better than water? Do they make a tester for concentration levels? Maybe I just need to drain a gallon and replace with pure Ethylene Glycol.
Suggestions welcome.
#2
RE: Truck running cold, coolant question
Anti-freeze that is over diluted with water would run hotter. if you've got a 180* t-stat that could potentionally cause the truck to run cool. I know most people have no issues with them but others have lots of problems. You may not have enough water in there. I would try draining hal a gallow and adding half a gallon of water.
If that doesn't work, it could also be a problem with the PCM and how it's reading the coolant temp. Try getting the genuine mopar sensor. And if that isn't your problem, just return it or sell it to someone else.
If that doesn't work, it could also be a problem with the PCM and how it's reading the coolant temp. Try getting the genuine mopar sensor. And if that isn't your problem, just return it or sell it to someone else.
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#6
RE: Truck running cold, coolant question
I would think that diluted coolant would run cooler. Water boils at 212 degrees, antifreeze raises that to 270+. The lower the concentration, the lower the boiling point. It takes something like 540 Kcals to transform liquid to stream which takes energy in the form of heat out of the system. While our system isn't reaching 212*, some amount of water is super-energized at a lower temperature and this is why you start to see steam from a kettle before it actually boils. Under pressure this further raises the boiling point. But water jackets tha touch heavily heated areas will still absorb a lot of energy.
My question is better suited by knowing this. What retains heat better, Water or Ethylene Glycol?
Turkeyhunter, you may be right about the T stat, I never did check the original and might have just gotten lucky. I might have blown some chunks out of my radiator when I flushed it and am getting better cooling than I'm used to. Or maybe the new water pump is more efficient?
My question is better suited by knowing this. What retains heat better, Water or Ethylene Glycol?
Turkeyhunter, you may be right about the T stat, I never did check the original and might have just gotten lucky. I might have blown some chunks out of my radiator when I flushed it and am getting better cooling than I'm used to. Or maybe the new water pump is more efficient?
#7
RE: Truck running cold, coolant question
All i know is that water cools better than anti-freeze, but its highly corrosive and eats blocks and water-pumps. Try mixing a little more anti-freeze into the mixture so it holds more heat.
Also remember that straight anti-freeze will freeze when not dilluted with water
Also remember that straight anti-freeze will freeze when not dilluted with water
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#8
RE: Truck running cold, coolant question
here's another thought - did you recently remove your superchips ? i'm thinking that hypertech and (maybe) superchips alter the pcm programming to accept the 180. the hypertech programmer actually comes with a 180 t-stat. they wouldn't provide that if it set off the cel.
#9
RE: Truck running cold, coolant question
ORIGINAL: aim4squirrels
I would think that diluted coolant would run cooler. Water boils at 212 degrees, antifreeze raises that to 270+. The lower the concentration, the lower the boiling point. It takes something like 540 Kcals to transform liquid to stream which takes energy in the form of heat out of the system. While our system isn't reaching 212*, some amount of water is super-energized at a lower temperature and this is why you start to see steam from a kettle before it actually boils. Under pressure this further raises the boiling point. But water jackets tha touch heavily heated areas will still absorb a lot of energy.
I would think that diluted coolant would run cooler. Water boils at 212 degrees, antifreeze raises that to 270+. The lower the concentration, the lower the boiling point. It takes something like 540 Kcals to transform liquid to stream which takes energy in the form of heat out of the system. While our system isn't reaching 212*, some amount of water is super-energized at a lower temperature and this is why you start to see steam from a kettle before it actually boils. Under pressure this further raises the boiling point. But water jackets tha touch heavily heated areas will still absorb a lot of energy.
I still think it's the 180* t-stat. But again, I could be wrong.