Tranny question

[ferrellb]

I have a possibly strange question regarding trannys and trans coolers. A little history: Just bought a hi-miles 1997 Isuzu Rodeo (5000# tow rating). I have a empty weight jetboat at 1350#. I "said" I would only be towing less than 20 miles to the lake and back. Now it looks as if I will be transferred. I will need to tow 500 miles. I was not expecting this but the truck tows fine. I do not think that it has a trans cooler. Is it tougher on a transmission (when towing) to go up and down hills or long stretches on highways? Any ideas? Any suggestions? Is a transmission cooler a hard install for someone who does his own winterizing? Please advise.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Tranny question

i would definate add a cooler. mechanically inclined should be no problem. make sure the radiator is clean, and the thermostat is in good condition, run atleast 50% coolant. i hope you have brakes on the trailer.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Tranny question

There is a transmission oil cooler built into the radiator which would normally be sufficient for the load. The key to avoiding tranny problems when towing is to keep the torque converter from frequent locking and unlocking, and from hunting (shifting from OD to D and back) That's accomplished by not towing in overdrive except on flat roads and even then some vehicles cannot keep the converter locked. Drop to direct (Drive) if thats the case. As I remember that vehicle has a 3.1 V6 which does not have an abundance of torque so towing in drive is probably necessary. With the converter locked up and hunting not occuring, the engine and tranny are coupled directly so there is no slippage, hence no excess heat build up.

 

[javsam]

Re: Tranny question

If it were me,I would :
1. install a tranny cooler-easy install.
2. change out transmission oil to mobil1 synthetic transmission oil-this will also lower temps inside transmission.
Both of these will greatly extend transmission life.
javsam

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Tranny question

I would install a transmission cooler too...it's easy.

Not sure it switching to synthetic ATF would help the temperature but the synthetic does break down at a higher temp. Problem with trying to switch to a different ATF is that it is hard to get all of the old fluid out. Draining the pan only get 3 qts out of the 20 or so that may be in there. The other option is to get the trans flushed which puts all new fluid in there but unlikely that you will find someone who will do that with synthetic because of the cost involved.

 

[ferrellb]

Re: Tranny question

It has 3.2L engine. I am a bit of a newbie (not just to boating but tow vehicles too!) so excuse any mistakes here. I do have an overdrive cutoff (called the Power Trans).

I have not installed brakes on the trailer. That is a project that doubtfully would happen before the move. I obviously have not been in an emergency situation but it brakes well and I put new brakes on the truck.

FWIW, the boat tows very easily with this vehicle. I plan to have both vehicles empty (including gas on the boat).

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Tranny question

Where are you being transferred to? I ask only because if you add an external oil cooler and you move to a very cold climate, external coolers should have a bypass installed as transmission fluid can be "overcooled". If you've not had any problems with your 20 mile jaunts, you very likely will not have any on a 500 mile trip. Mountain travel can add some complications but should also not be a problem if you select a gear than keeps the tranny from hunting up and down.

 

[ferrellb]

Re: Tranny question

Virginia to Georgia.

I have not had any trouble towing. As I said, I am a bit of a newbie and even have very little experience with larger vehicles. This truck sits except when a boat is attached. I am a two door sporty fan otherwise. The move simply spooked me a bit as it is a longer distance. The truck performs fine and tows very easily. This is true because of this forum. I knew SO MUCH MORE about installing the right receiver hitch, getting the trailer level and true tow weights and such.

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Tranny question

IMHO a good clean radiator would be a lot more important than a tranny cooler for your 1500 lb load. Your only about 30% of your towing capacity, a tranny cooler is really not a necessity.

 

[ferrellb]

Re: Tranny question

The radiator is brand new.

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Tranny question

The radiator is brand new.

With that being said, I would hook-er up and tow it to Georgia, keeping in mind what Silvertip said about your tranny "hunting". 8)