How absolute is the 15 degree delta rule?

[W4RLR]

Hello all,

I've had the ScanGauge II installed for a couple of weeks now. It's great to actually have working gauges as opposed to the glorified idiot lights that are the factory gauges.

Here is my question. I am told that anything over a 15 degree difference between oil temperature and water temperature is bad juju. But I get up to a 30 degree difference depending upon terrain and loading. I had a 35 degree difference climbing the I-24 Monteagle 6 % grade Monday. Once I got back on the flats on the other side, the temperature difference went down, but only to a 20 degree difference.

I did have the cooling system flushed with a machine last year, and added a DieselSite coolant filter, but I am thinking I may have the beginnings of a clogged oil cooler. Would a run of RESTORE and RESTORE PLUS be a worthwhile first effort to possibly clean a silica clog in the oil cooler fins? Is this something so bad that I should not drive the truck?

Looking forward to your sage advice.

 

[majek5]

The 15* delta is on flat ground, unloaded, at 60 mph. Since you are seeing higher deltas a new oil cooler should be on your to-do list. Flushing again will do nothing to unclog your oil cooler, but not a bad idea just before you install the new oil cooler. Some people see deltas of 40-50*, NOT good, but are still driving. If it were me, I would get a new cooler in there ASAP.

 

[WD40]

Sorry to say but I think Majek hit the nail on the head. So just go ahead and
get the ole card out and get it taken care of.
Doug