My turn for a thread on overheating.

[theblue]

As an update, I haven't had any more temp spikes over the last few days. I'm wondering if adding a little more water and also securing that hose better helped? who knows, but I'll be keeping an eye on this.

 

[theblue]

it happened again recently. I checked and coolant was low. So I added more. I think I might get this pressure tested soon to look for leaks.

my girlfriend was driving and not hard at all.

 

[theblue]

time for another update. The car is starting to drink coolant faster (needs to be topped up weekly) and a hair rough startup with a little white smoke when cold that smells like coolant. I'm starting to think I might have a crack in the head. Will be doing a pressure test on the cooling system soon and likely taking this in to ford.

Can anyone confirm what I'm seeing is similar to other cases? I know this was a more common thing on early years. My car only has 10k miles an is about a year old now.

 

[Intuit]

Could be head gasket and/or head. A block test kit will tell you whether there are combustion gases in the coolant. Sooner that gets repaired, the better. The coolant exchange doesn't typically ruin an engine (to where they'll have to replace it under warranty) as much as it just (greatly) shortens the life span. They'll swap the head gasket and if necessary, the head, but the bottom end will be the same. The coolant is probably not good for the catalytic converter either. Running it cold isn't good for the cat either.

 

[theblue]

Could be head gasket and/or head. A block test kit will tell you whether there are combustion gases in the coolant. Sooner that gets repaired, the better. The coolant exchange doesn't typically ruin an engine (to where they'll have to replace it under warranty) as much as it just (greatly) shortens the life span. They'll swap the head gasket and if necessary, the head, but the bottom end will be the same. The coolant is probably not good for the catalytic converter either. Running it cold isn't good for the cat either.

my thoughts also.. I need to get this car booked in soon.

If I flash back to stock should I drive it a bit before taking it in so they are less likely to catch it was tuned? or is right away ok for how they detect?

 

[LastMK7]

my thoughts also.. I need to get this car booked in soon.

If I flash back to stock should I drive it a bit before taking it in so they are less likely to catch it was tuned? or is right away ok for how they detect?

Once its flashed back to stock, it shouldn’t leave any signs of being tuned minus the parts on the car.

 

[LastMK7]

Once its flashed back to stock, it shouldn’t leave any signs of being tuned minus the parts on the car.

Btw, assume its the head gasket. Has anyone else seen this as a major issue in these cars? Its common on the Focus RS but this is the first I have seen this on the FiST.

 

[Dpro]

Btw, assume its the head gasket. Has anyone else seen this as a major issue in these cars? Its common on the Focus RS but this is the first I have seen this on the FiST.

The head gasket deal on the RS was only a certain time period and while it affected a number of the cars its not something that is quote common.

There are a lot of RS’s running around out there with no issues and the proper head gasket. You only here about the ones that had it.

It was an actual mistake at the factory where they used the wrong head gasket, it being for a 2.3 Ecoboost MKZ. It was literally a one or two digit part number screw up.

 

[SrsBsns]

Once its flashed back to stock, it shouldn’t leave any signs of being tuned minus the parts on the car.

From what I understand, flashing back to stock eliminates the ignition cycles count and so they'll be able to determine if it's been flashed at all. I don't know if there is truth to this, but I remember seeing a thread somewhere here where someone posted the Ford service guide and it had a step to look for that. However, I think it depends more on the dealership than anything else.

 

[Capri to ST]

From what I understand, flashing back to stock eliminates the ignition cycles count and so they'll be able to determine if it's been flashed at all. I don't know if there is truth to this, but I remember seeing a thread somewhere here where someone posted the Ford service guide and it had a step to look for that. However, I think it depends more on the dealership than anything else.

I had heard the same thing, just thought I'd report that more than one person had heard that.

 

[Dpro]

From what I understand, flashing back to stock eliminates the ignition cycles count and so they'll be able to determine if it's been flashed at all. I don't know if there is truth to this, but I remember seeing a thread somewhere here where someone posted the Ford service guide and it had a step to look for that. However, I think it depends more on the dealership than anything else.

It does indeed depend on the dealership which is why I tell people always seek out a Ford Performance dealer if you can. They are going to be more friendly about this stuff than non performance dealers.

 

[LastMK7]

From what I understand, flashing back to stock eliminates the ignition cycles count and so they'll be able to determine if it's been flashed at all. I don't know if there is truth to this, but I remember seeing a thread somewhere here where someone posted the Ford service guide and it had a step to look for that. However, I think it depends more on the dealership than anything else.

Never heard that but that’s interesting

 

[Intuit]

"Tunes" are just as capable as damaging engines as hanging parts. I don't like the idea of altering it, breaking it, then unaltering it in the hopes that someone else (Ford customers) will pay for the damage. While the earlier ST years had their issues with running hot and overheating, we haven't thus far heard about it being an issue with an 2018. They'll likely cover it simply because it's basically still brand spanking new. But that just doesn't sit right with me. If I altered it, I would assume the risks/consequences thereof.

 

[TyphoonFiST]

Everyone gets their panties in a bundle about having their car "tuned"! . My car went in numerous times to the dealer with the accessport sitting in the cup holder with nothing ever said or questioned. Flash that shit back and roll it into the shop.

 

[MRX330]

I spent a shitload of cash modding my car but overlooked the 5 year old coolant expansion tank which took a crap. Old plastic is not our friend. Dang it!

 

[Dpro]

"Tunes" are just as capable as damaging engines as hanging parts. I don't like the idea of altering it, breaking it, then unaltering it in the hopes that someone else (Ford customers) will pay for the damage. While the earlier ST years had their issues with running hot and overheating, we haven't thus far heard about it being an issue with an 2018. They'll likely cover it simply because it's basically still brand spanking new. But that just doesn't sit right with me. If I altered it, I would assume the risks/consequences thereof.

Ya except you can’t automatically assume the Tune caused the problem unless you know it did. If indeed it did then yes its disingenuous to flash back and take it in. You yourself are uncomfortable with it. Though if my car had a overheating issue I can pretty much guarantee its not Randys Tune from Mountune that caused. So me either having it or flashing back to stock is no big deal.Nothing horrible about it.
The only time its bad is when you know you had a BT and ran it to lean or had a shitty tune from a inexperienced tuner then their is an issue.
You can’t just throw a blanket statement over it though saying that its not right though,It all depends on the situation.

If its unrelated it does not violate warranty. If it is it does. That is the whole reason for the Moss Magnuson Act. So manufacturers do not unduly reneg on warranty due to things unrelated.

Tunes from known reliable tuners are pretty damn safe and reliable. I have not heard of a Tune alone hurting someones engine ever.
Now adding a BT Turbo or Hybrid can add in variables that could cause a problem.
Though quite honestly if I put a BT on my car and it blew up I know enough about engines and tuning to know if it was the cause and at that point would just buy another engine. I have said this before the engines are cheap like $700 its not a lot of money to get into another low mileage engine for the car.

 

[SrsBsns]

I would add, that although it doesn't make it right, the dealerships and Ford are notorious for trying to screw people over. I don't see removing the tune as "pulling a fast one" on the dealership/Ford as much as I see it as giving yourself the best chance to get help as there have been numerous stories about dealerships denying work due to unrelated mods.

Then, talk about Ford and the problems that they've been having lately with the transmissions. They knew they were defective and they sold them anyways. And for years, they were comfortable letting consumers foot the bills for repairs for their faulty equipment. Talk about responsibility and it has to go two ways. They didn't want to act until they got caught with their pants down.

 

[Intuit]

I call BS. Wow, a lot of whiners here complaining that Ford should absolutely cover their screw-ups. Wait... you didn't say that? Well wow, what a coincidence because I didn't say that your tune absolutely caused the overheating.

Everyone gets their panties in a bundle about having their car "tuned"! My car went in numerous times to the dealer with the accessport sitting in the cup holder with nothing ever said or questioned. Flash that shit back and roll it into the shop.

This is what's known as a "strawman". Read my post again, but respond to the point that was actually made. The fact that it was altered isn't the issue. Do what you want, I could care less. The fact that you alter it and refuse all potential consequences, is an issue. If you alter it, then be a man and assume the potential risks that go along with it. There's no reason to flash back if you as a certified and experienced engineer with at least hundreds of testing hours, know that your alterations had nothing to do with an issue. If you paid a certified and experienced engineer to make the alterations for you, then they should be able to stand behind their product and represent you if there's a problem with warranty coverage. Bottom line, if you alter it, you void your warranty.

============

Ya except you can’t automatically assume the Tune caused the problem ...............

It's rather simple. Leave the tune in there and let them determine whether or not it's responsible for the issue. (that's if they even notice)

.........I can pretty much guarantee its not Randys Tune from Mountune that caused. ..............

If your tune really is from an unaltered Ford certified Mountune (or Cobb?) program, then there's no reason to flash it back. Leave it alone.

....... only time its bad is when you know you had a BT and ran it to lean or had a shitty tune from a inexperienced tuner ..........

No shortage of backyard engineers. Did you hire one? Did he work for Nascar, Ford or some other racing team?

......... You can’t just throw a blanket statement over it ........

No "blanket statement". Did Ford certify the program you had in there? If so, then the comments don't apply to you.

...... If its unrelated it does not violate warranty. ..........

Really? I beg to differ. EVERY car who has their halogens changed to LED, should have their drive train warranty cancelled.

Dude, that's common sense.

....... I have not heard of a Tune alone hurting someones engine ever. Now adding a BT Turbo or Hybrid can add in variables that could cause a problem...........

We'll simply have to agree to disagree. Altering engine operating parameters can have the same impact as hanging parts... the potential to throw off air fuel ratios, ignition and valve timing under the v e r y w i d e range of operating conditions that your vehicle may see... which btw requires more testing than a couple of hours on a dyno.

.... Though quite honestly if I put a BT on my car and it blew up I know enough about engines and tuning to know if it was the cause .............

What is one of the consequences of running lean? More heat. Is your system stock? Was it designed to handle the increased temperatures of running it altered? This isn't to imply that your person's alterations caused the overheat, because there's no possible way to know that. But the forums haven't (yet?) seen much in the way of post 2015+ models overheating. There were some frankenstein 2016 that had 2015 parts.

......... and at that point would just buy another engine. I have said this before the engines are cheap like $700 its not a lot of money to get into another low mileage engine for the car.

That's my only point. Let the dealer check it out as-is. If programming is unlikely to damage the engine as you imply, then you have nothing to worry about. If they balk, low mileage engines as you say, are cheap. Right now I'm seeing $900 engines though they're at 83,000 and 104,000 miles. What are your sources on the low mileage $700 ones?

 

[LastMK7]

If your tune really is from an unaltered Ford certified Mountune (or Cobb?) program, then there's no reason to flash it back. Leave it alone.

Has Ford certified Mountune and Cobb tunes? I thought Ford Performance tunes from the dealer were the only certified options?

 

[Dpro]

....edit ....Lot of INTUITs post deleted,
if you Intuit, really think someone needs to be an engineer to properly tune these cars to run safely you either know nothing about cars . Which I think is not the case or you are one of those by the book paranoid about everything people. I could be wrong though.
I do think we don’t agree on the fact that in my opinion and based on my experience with self tuning Japanese turbo cars that a experienced tuner can indeed initiate a perfectly safe tune that will not damage our engines. Its in fact why Ford released the ECU info to COBB for racing efforts. They left a lot on the table stock and there is room for more stock. The two biggest issues in our cars is the cooling system and intercoolers. Followed up by the tiny turbo that runs out of boost at 5500 rpm.
Though our ECU’s are sophisticated compared to the cars of old and actually even with tunes will still act to protect the engine to a certain extent.
I was just mentioning the reflash as some people get worried about it.
I have service my car with Tunes and bolt ons and my dealer does not blink an eye. Of course like I have previously mentioned they are a Ford performance dealer. Which is why I always suggest people seek out dealers like that.
I was not speaking about my own car as far as overheating as I had that happen once in spirited mountain driving in 85 degree weather and when I accidentally left my aircon on . I have since switched out to Mountune rad as it gets hot here in SoCal anyways and the added safety is worth it.

As for running lean one can run lean with absolutely no heat issue but a serious fueling issue it used to happen back in the day not so much with more modern ecu’s and whatnot. Though it is a way to make an engine go boom. Lol

I do not think there are a lot of whiners here I do think there are people trying to help, explain that some things we do have a right too. You do not seem to think so, thats cool we can agree to disagree.

As for engines I know I can find the engines here in California maybe not so much for you in OHIO.
I could never live out there but I am sure you would say the same about here. To each his own.

Anyways I hope you are not too worked up over this its just a conversation.
Have a good night.