How to keep your 6.7L Powerstroke from overheating under load

Used mostly in Ford’s ¾ and one-ton SuperDuty series of diesel trucks, the 6.7-liter PowerStroke engine was released in 2011 to replace the previous 6.4-liter engine, which had a reputation for being less than desirable in terms of performance and reliability. The new 6.7 PowerStroke uses Ford’s latest Scorpion turbodiesel design and produces an average of about 400 horsepower and 800 lb-ft of torque in stock form.

After working out some glitches with the design, including a possible turbocharger bearing failure on 2011–2014 engines, the 6.7 remains a largely successful and powerful diesel motor. The 6.7L PowerStroke is a great platform for modifications that can increase power and, most importantly, reduce the likelihood of overheating under load.

intercooler pipe kit

There’s actually a solid reason to look at your intercooler pipes when thinking of ways to keep your 2011+ 6.7L Powerstroke cool while under load. The stock system uses plastic tubing and rubber fittings, which creates a weak spot for your engine. One thing about plastic is that it saves cost and weight, but this often does not translate into longevity, especially when it comes to engine components that heat and cool. All the temperature fluctuations can cause stock parts to crack and fail under load.

SPELAB has a solution that makes a huge improvement. their 6.7 Powerstroke Intercooler Pipe Kit Replace plastic pipe with mandrel-bent aluminum pipe with heat-resistant silicone fittings. You can replace both the hot and cold side pipes. Aluminum CNC flanges ensure proper connection with other OEM components. These pipes also do a better job of handling boost pressure.

coolant tube

Like the intercooler tube, the coolant tube is another location that can fail under heat and load. We all know how important it is to have a radiator and how important it is to have coolant flowing through the radiator. spellab’s 6.7 Powerstroke Coolant Pipe Replaces the factory plastic and rubber upper radiator hose on your 6.7L Powerstroke. It is made of 6061 aluminum with silicone couplers that are built to withstand heat and abuse. This tube eliminates the factory plastic parts and gives you better durability and flow, improving cooling reliability under heavy loads in hot weather. Plus, you can choose from multiple color options for a custom look.

intake manifold

The 2011+ 6.7L Powerstroke diesel engine intake manifold does not technically overheat due to certain external conditions. Common causes are high exhaust gas temperatures or serious problems in the EGR or secondary cooling loop. These problems cause excessive heat that either melts or causes failure with the stock plastic manifold, causing O-rings and/or blown shoes.

SPELAB’S CAST-ALUMINUM 6.7 Powerstroke Intake Manifold Is a direct-fit replacement for the OEM manifold on Ford Super Duty trucks equipped with the 6.7L. It features a 3.5-inch, large-bore, two-piece design that provides a large increase in airflow while reducing air intake turbulence. There are color options too, so you can customize the look of your diesel. you can also get 6.7 Powerstroke Intake Piping Kit With intercooler pipes and intake manifold to save some time and money.

CCV/PVC Reroot Kit

Since you’ll be doing some modifications to your 6.7L Powerstroke, you might also want to add one of these kits that helps reduce oil contamination in the intake system and maintain intercooler efficiency over time. It’s a small step that can yield huge benefits.

What it does is optimize efficiency and help prevent oil leakage. This improves performance and protects some of the most critical components. An oil catch collects waste oil from the gases from the combustion process and then filters the gas through a reservoir, removing excess oil. The clean gas is then passed through 6.7 Powerstroke CCV Reroute with Catch Can. This means that the oil molecules have been completely captured in the exhaled gases. The exhaust gases are oil free, preventing residual oil from reaching the turbo. This extends the life of the turbo as the compressor impellor remains balanced. This kit also prevents oil accumulation in the intake and intercooler pipes, thus preserving performance and helping to keep the cooler running when you’re driving heavy loads in hot weather.

Note: This is sponsored content produced in partnership with SPELAB