Engine Light - Coolant Overtemperature condition

[IanKar]

Was at the track on Friday (The Ridge, WA) and my engine light came on. I know I never overheated it according to the temp gauge. I checked my Ford App and it said "engine coolant overtemperature condition". Called my dealer (friend) and he searched my code and said it must of overheated at one stage. I said not according to the gauge but he said I could keep tracking the car but ease off a bit. I did and watched my gauges like a hawk. The next morning the light cleared itself. The dealer said it would be difficult to check the issue without it being present and I should check the forums? Anyone experience this before on the track with a solution?

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[Coastal-Mach]

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[Knockdown]

I watched your track video and see you have the A10 as I do. The cylinder head temps (CHT) creeps up rather quickly on track since the A10 keeps the motor up in the rev range. I never had a coolant temp code, but did notice that the revs would pull back from 7400 to 6800 rpm when shifting at times during a 25 minute session. BTW, the engine coolant temp is calculated from the CHT.

The fix for me was to remove the front bumper cover and seal up the air flow from the grill to the radiator, there are a lot of areas where air can bypass around the radiator. I used black rtv and black silicon rubber sheets.

 

[Traffic22]

Following.

 

[IanKar]

I watched your track video and see you have the A10 as I do. The cylinder head temps (CHT) creeps up rather quickly on track since the A10 keeps the motor up in the rev range. I never had a coolant temp code, but did notice that the revs would pull back from 7400 to 6800 rpm when shifting at times during a 25 minute session. BTW, the engine coolant temp is calculated from the CHT.

The fix for me was to remove the front bumper cover and seal up the air flow from the grill to the radiator, there are a lot of areas where air can bypass around the radiator. I used black rtv and black silicon rubber sheets.

Thanks for this. It also seems to make sense that I should use my paddle shifters and do the changes at around 7000 rpm. The sealing part seems quite technical but I will for sure have a good look and see if it's a task I want to take on myself.

 

[Knockdown]

Thanks for this. It also seems to make sense that I should use my paddle shifters and do the changes at around 7000 rpm. The sealing part seems quite technical but I will for sure have a good look and see if it's a task I want to take on myself.

It’s not too bad, the worst part for me was disconnecting the electrical connectors when pulling the bumper cover off.

There’s a long thread over in the road course section with lots of info, but the M1 has the advantage of an engine oil cooler…..
https://www.mustang6g.com/forums/threads/track-time-limited-due-to-high-cht.166499/

 

[IanKar]

It’s not too bad, the worst part for me was disconnecting the electrical connectors when pulling the bumper cover off.

There’s a long thread over in the road course section with lots of info, but the M1 has the advantage of an engine oil cooler…..
https://www.mustang6g.com/forums/threads/track-time-limited-due-to-high-cht.166499/

I really appreciate this thread. I haven't gone through it all as there is a lot going on and a wealth of ideas and info. I'm going to start with the radiator sealing and watch the CHT and Trans temps while on track.

 

[sakman84]

I used this on my S197s, brought CHT temps down 5-10 degrees from peak and it allowed a few minutes more of hard driving before hitting peak temps.

You can also dilute your coolant mix with more distilled water, this will help you a bit too.

Obviously don't go overboard with the dilution and consider your own year round operating conditions before doing so. Don't run a 100% water mix, as the coolant has chemicals in it that are corrosion protectants.

 

[cop on my back]

Interesting. I am hitting Pacific Raceways with my New Mach 1 in a couple days. What was the air temp at the Ridge? I need to hit that track again!

 

[GTP]

I've been waiting a year for this issue to come up, ie M1s overheating on track.

Not trying to start crap, but I've wondered if the little square cooler in the bumper is really large enough to cool the engine on track sufficiently.

I'm pretty sure the oil/water cooler is still present near the oil filter.

This issue is discussed in depth in the thread Track Time Limited Due To High CHT.

I implemented a large cooler and kept the OEM oil/water cooler as described in post #443. My CHT remains steady at 228F for 30min sessions and shifting my GT A10 at redline.

OP, try shifting even lower, 65-6800 max for now. Before chasing air bypass, instead try running on track with your driver side fender liner removed. That might increase air flow through the bumper cooler a little more.

 

[IanKar]

Interesting. I am hitting Pacific Raceways with my New Mach 1 in a couple days. What was the air temp at the Ridge? I need to hit that track again!

I'll be there on Thursday as well with a Mustang group. Driving down tomorrow. So I might see you there? Weather forecast says Sunny 12-26 deg C

 

[IanKar]

I've been waiting a year for this issue to come up, ie M1s overheating on track.

Not trying to start crap, but I've wondered if the little square cooler in the bumper is really large enough to cool the engine on track sufficiently.

I'm pretty sure the oil/water cooler is still present near the oil filter.

This issue is discussed in depth in the thread Track Time Limited Due To High CHT.

I implemented a large cooler and kept the OEM oil/water cooler as described in post #443. My CHT remains steady at 228F for 30min sessions and shifting my GT A10 at redline.

OP, try shifting even lower, 65-6800 max for now. Before chasing air bypass, instead try running on track with your driver side fender liner removed. That might increase air flow through the bumper cooler a little more.

I appreciate the advice. I'm on the track this week again and will be shifting (paddle shift A10) at 6500 and keep a watch on my CHT. I might do the same. I am seeing a Mustang 'guru' who works on track cars, organized by my dealer, in a week and we will be discussing options and modifications. I'll be looking at changing my coolant, sealing my radiator and adding a cooler like you have. If it works for you it should work for me.

 

[GTP]

I haven't changed anything about my coolant, or boxed in the radiator.
I kept the A/C system, as my car is also my DD.
I have opened every cell in both upper and lower grilles.

I think it's fair to say that the participants in the the Track Time Limited thread have all concluded that additional oil cooling is the best way to solve this problem.

 

[WildHorse]

I think it's fair to say that the participants in the the Track Time Limited thread have all concluded that additional oil cooling is the best way to solve this problem

I thought the reason Ford put 5000 coolers in the MACH 1 was so it wouldn't have any cooling problems.

 

[cop on my back]

I'll be there on Thursday as well with a Mustang group. Driving down tomorrow. So I might see you there? Weather forecast says Sunny 12-26 deg C

Sweet!! Yea temps are going to be perfect. What are you driving? I am in a 2022 Fighter Jet Gray Mach 1.

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