Overheating on a 6.0L Power Stroke almost always traces back to the oil cooler, which starves the EGR cooler and the whole cooling system when it plugs.
What causes overheating on the 6.0L Power Stroke
- A restricted (plugged) oil cooler
- A cracked or plugged EGR cooler
- Low coolant from an EGR cooler leak
- A failing water pump or thermostat
- Air in the cooling system
How to diagnose it
Check the oil-to-coolant temperature split - a big gap means a restricted oil cooler, the root cause. Then inspect the EGR cooler and confirm the water pump and thermostat.
The fix
Replace a restricted oil cooler (and the EGR cooler with it) and flush the cooling system. Confirm the water pump and thermostat. Fixing the oil cooler is the key to stopping 6.0L overheating.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my 6.0L overheat?
Most often a plugged oil cooler, which raises oil temp and starves the EGR cooler. Check the oil-to-coolant temperature gap.
Do I replace the EGR cooler too?
Yes - it is fed by the oil cooler and is usually addressed at the same time.
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