2018 Ford F-150 Running Hot

I have a 2018 Ford f-150 that wants to run hot just when I pull a trailer, a 12 foot empty trailer at that. I have taken to the dealer but they could not find anything wrong all they did is change out the Thermostat and it still same thing.

Was just wondering if anyone else has run across this issue and what you did to fix this.

Thanks in advance

I have not run across this issue in this particular vehicle, but In my experience there are a few things that could cause a vehicle to run hot like that. The first thing I would check is the radiator fans (I assume they’re electric) to make sure they’re working, if they aren’t check fuses and relays for them, the next thing I would check is to see if the radiator is clean, if your radiator is clogged with mud and dirt it’ll run hot, then I would check coolant level (I’m sure you have but it’s worth mentioning). Do you have any check engine lights or anything?

Thanks for your reply!

My truck is a 2018 xlt with 67k on it v6 twin turbo with 10 speed transmission my first ford! Been happy with on than this issue.

I have checked coolant / radiator everything is clean I really take care of my truck probably better than most. I have to make it last. I am no mechanic by far for sure just a thought I think the thermostat is a 280 what if I put like a 260 thermostat in it? What would that do good or bad? To make it open up sooner?

Thanks again

Where is the front license plate mounted? Did you mean 180* thermostat?

Typically the lower temp thermostats are only for performance applications. You could try changing the cht sensor. If you are handy you can do it yourself, it’ll take a little while, but those things don’t usually run but about $15-20.

in the middle at the bottom of the bumper the license plate is mounted

oh yes a 180 is what I should have said. i was just thinking if it would open sooner it would not run hot?

Thank you

Had a similar problem with my '18 Raptor right after they changed the cam phasers. Going up hills it would hit over 240 degrees. Had it back to the dealer 3 times and they couldn't figure it out. They replaced spark plugs, flushed the intercooler, and checked the radiator shutter vents, still did it. Dealer took it back on a very generous trade in and I went back to a Super Duty.

The twin turbos, at least the older ones were supposed to have the license plate offset for air intake to the turbos and I guess to the inter cooler. I guess it could be different for the new ones but that’s how the older ones operate.

What's hot? How fast are you driving? Are you running a tune or any other mods? Original radiator fluid/coolant?

Temp i don't know the number, but the gauge would get way over to the right side at times if this makes since.

Driven 65-70 MPH everything is stock no tuner all original, radiator fluid/coolant yes

The water pump would be my guess. Maybe the fan motor, but if it spins and sounds like a jet engine when its hot, probably not the fan. That Gold coolant Ford uses can gunk up in the radiator. Might need a flush, but I doubt that's it only being 4 years old.

I think those use the orange, the gold is for 2011 and older I believe. Regarding water pump, if it’s belt driven, check if the belt is slipping first.

Thanks Guys! I will check out the belt i did not think of that one i have not notice it squeaking.

The truck has 67 k is all, yes i hear the fan come on at times.

What is in it looks orange.

Not sure but I think the water pump is electric. Check and see if it's making oil. Some of the ecoboosts when the water pump leaks, it goes into the crankcase.

Ecoboost water pumps aren't electric. They are inside the front cover and you have to take half the engine compartment apart to change it. Engineering at its finest.

Yeah internal water pump, everything I’ve read is that when it goes the engine is usually toast.

take it back to the dealer and insist on a vacuum flush/refill on the radiator, you may have an air gap in the block that won't move.

they will put a vacuum on it to pull the old anti freeze out and then put the new back in, the vacuum sucks it into everywhere and they can also tell if you have a leak in the cooling system while doing it.

I would start there.

are the turbos spooling up right? when you pull a trailer are you mashing the gas to get going and spooling them up? might check the blow off valves and make sure they are not sticking, if they stick you have turbo 100% of the time and lower rpms that could cause your problem.

jmo

and I have a 14 f150 xlt coyote that has been the best truck I have ever owned.

Where does everyone have their front license plate mounted

Thanks hopalong

??? Ecoboost water pumps are external.......the water pump on my Tundra was internal and a PITA but it really didn't matter since the timing belt had to be changed every 100,000 miles anyway

I thought the Tundra 5.7 had timing chains not belts. My 5.7 has almost 200,000 on it and never touched the chains.

Correct on the 5.7....I had the small V8 4.7. Never had problems with it, just needed to do the belt and water pump around 100,000 miles. Sold at 270, 000 with original power train running good....