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Old 07-05-2011, 04:19 PM   #131
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Re: Transmission Temperature

After installing a transmission temp probe, my HWY average is 190-210 *F and pulling long grade has hit 230 *F, before pulling over and letting it cool off. I brought it into a transmission shop that in theory works on 4WD in Portland. They swear I have the biggest most effective cooler supplied by Ford, and as good or better than any after market cooler. They recommend switching to synthetic and that alone will drop my temp 40 *F. I do not agree with that statement.

1. Has anyone had this issue address in the Portland, OR area and know of a good 4WD mechanic (or transmission specialist) that is comfortable with our vans? Quadvan did not do my conversion.
2. Anyone with 2010 year address this issue. My paperwork has no mention of a tow package in the origional van. I doubt I have the best cooler stock.

Any thoughts welcome.

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Old 07-05-2011, 06:05 PM   #132
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Re: Transmission Temperature

Just the statement that synthetic will drop your trans temp by 40 degrees would make me want to steer clear of that shop.

I documented it here somewhere, but I went with the Mag Hytec pan and Amsoil trans fluid. I have never seen over 223 degrees, even while towing up mountains.

There does seem to be a wide range of typical operating temps on the transmissions.


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Old 07-05-2011, 06:37 PM   #133
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Re: Transmission Temperature

What is the Amsoil specific fluid used for our 5r100 transmissions? 20 Quarts sufficient?
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Old 07-05-2011, 11:52 PM   #134
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Re: Transmission Temperature

Quote:
Originally Posted by BroncoHauler
Just the statement that synthetic will drop your trans temp by 40 degrees would make me want to steer clear of that shop.

I documented it here somewhere, but I went with the Mag Hytec pan and Amsoil trans fluid. I have never seen over 223 degrees, even while towing up mountains.

There does seem to be a wide range of typical operating temps on the transmissions.


Herb
I've got the same but have had to pull over to let it cool down. It's rare to see over 220 but I have see those temps and always pull over. Now my gauge sensor in mounted in the Mag Hytec pan. Maybe that makes a difference.
BTW, I thought the guys at Zilstra's said all of the trany fluid in my year vehicle was synthetic. I also thought they said the Amsoil T-fluid that I switched to was synthetic.
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Old 07-06-2011, 12:45 AM   #135
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Re: Transmission Temperature

Quote:
Originally Posted by John & Dana

I ordered the B&M Racing Hitek 10"x7" cooler with an electric fan for about $215 and installed in on the passenger side of the grill where it would not block air flow to the radiator or existing transmission cooler. I fabricated brackets from 1/8" x 1" aluminum flat stock by heating it with a torch and bending it in a vice to the desired shape. I routed the hoses so the oil goes to the stock cooler first then to the new cooler then back to the transmission. This way the fan will run as little as possible to prolong its life. I pulled power from the existing fuse block under the dash that was added by SMB West so it is keyed to turn on with the ignition switch. Less chance of a short killing my battery this way. The hardest part of the entire installation was routing the wire through the firewall, I was lucky enough to be able to slip it though the split loom for the wiring to my front Hella light. I also had to relocate the horn to the passenger side. John
I followed John's lead and had the same unit installed. Mine is running hotter than what John has reported. However, I live in AZ and I'm surprised I haven't found the van melted to my driveway yet.

That being said, I am no longer pushing 230 even pulling my adventure trailer up the mountains to Flagstaff in 110 heat this weekend fully loaded.
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Old 07-06-2011, 12:48 AM   #136
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Re: Transmission Temperature

Quote:
Originally Posted by daveb
BTW, I thought the guys at Zilstra's said all of the trany fluid in my year vehicle was synthetic. I also thought they said the Amsoil T-fluid that I switched to was synthetic.
It is my understanding that this is a true statement. Another great reason to never go back to the shop that recommended "switching" to synthetic.
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Old 07-06-2011, 07:15 AM   #137
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Re: Transmission Temperature

FWIW, I switched to amsoil synthetic tranny fluid in my 06 about 3 years ago. I did notice a decline in tranny temps of about 5-10deg. Any decline is welcome, but it was modest.

Also, I've got the stock cooler setup. No aftermarket; and I monitor the tranny temp via the scangauge. Even when going across the Mojave or climbing long grades, I seldom see temps above 210deg and average about 190-200deg on hot days. No towing.

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Old 07-06-2011, 07:57 AM   #138
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Re: Transmission Temperature

Quote:
Originally Posted by EMrider
FWIW, I switched to amsoil synthetic tranny fluid in my 06 about 3 years ago. I did notice a decline in tranny temps of about 5-10deg. Any decline is welcome, but it was modest.

Also, I've got the stock cooler setup. No aftermarket; and I monitor the tranny temp via the scangauge. Even when going across the Mojave or climbing long grades, I seldom see temps above 210deg and average about 190-200deg on hot days. No towing.

R
So the question would be where is the sensor that the scan gauge uses and would it be more incline to show lower temps that the one in the pan like I'm monitoring?
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Old 07-06-2011, 08:22 AM   #139
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Re: Transmission Temperature

PCM monitors inside the valve body, which could be hotter than a pan reading.
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Old 07-06-2011, 08:54 AM   #140
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Re: Transmission Temperature

Quote:
Originally Posted by carringb
PCM monitors inside the valve body, which could be hotter than a pan reading.
The lesson learned is that there is no absolute threshold for "above normal" temps, it all about monitoring for above your van's normal temps, which you will only know from keeping an eye on the trans temps.

Similar to people wanting to know the threshold for EGTs. There are a number of factors to consider, but a major factor in EGTs is where the thrmocouple is located, especially as some people mount it pre-turbo, and some people mount it post-turbo. That difference can result in temperature differences of hundreds of degrees. The trans thermocouple location doesn't make that significant a difference, but I bet there's a difference. I'll have to check when I get home, but I don't believe my trans thermocouple is in the pan.


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