Trans temp goes up but what is OK?

[Aquadzac Captain]

I am pulling a large 24.5 bayliner with a tandum trailer. My Expedition has adequate power but the trans, with my new gauge, shows it going up to 200 with two coolers and one of those with a fan. I have done all I can with trans coolers what is there left to keep the trans fluid below 200 on an hour trip? Any thought to those who pull trailers. This is a new trans auto since I smoked the last one......is 225 degrees ok to pull???

 

[DJ]

Re: Trans temp goes up but what is OK?

200 is not really a problem.<br /><br />Your engine runs at 200 plus. If you did not have the coolers, the trans would be at 200 plus (engine temp) because of he radiator tank cooler, with no load.<br /><br />Do not be afraid to use oerdrive on slight downhill or flat grade with no wind (ya, I know, no wind in OK-right).<br /><br />That trans makes heat in third gear if the converter remains unlocked. Watch your tach. for 3-400 rpm variances.<br /><br />Going into OD (ocasionally) will cool the trans down. Just don't let it hunt between OD and third.

 

[ZmOz]

Re: Trans temp goes up but what is OK?

I would change your ATF after the trip...

 

[Aquadzac Captain]

Re: Trans temp goes up but what is OK?

Good point to change the ATF. I wonder if ATF can be tested after use? Would save some cash if it holds up.

 

[Aquadzac Captain]

Re: Trans temp goes up but what is OK?

Well, again I did my magic research and this looks like a possibility to test engine oil and trans oil. Not sure of the cost yet, I have asked, but here it is: <br /> http://www.herguth.com/circoil/cs_Automotive.pdf

 

[ZmOz]

Re: Trans temp goes up but what is OK?

I wouldn't trust something like that. You can have an oil analysis done at a lab, that will cost you around $20. I would think an Expedition would have a drain plug on the transmission, if it does it would be really easy to just drain the 4-6 quarts of ATF in the pan. If it doesn't you can buy an aftermarket transmission pan drain plug. On my Jeep, I drain the transmission pan at every oil change. Probably a little excessive, but ATF is only $1/quart...transmissions are a few grand.

 

[ZmOz]

Re: Trans temp goes up but what is OK?

Another thing, you could install an inline spin on filter - will keep your ATF alot cleaner, and add about an extra quart of capacity to keep it cooler.

 

[DJ]

Re: Trans temp goes up but what is OK?

Motorcraft (Ford) offers an in line filter specifically made for that unit.<br /><br />It is supplied with all of their reman transmissions. It is one of the finset trans filters out there, and cheap.<br /><br />Your trans may or may not have a dain plug. Depends on the year. Same goes for a converter drain.

 

[wayne h]

Re: Trans temp goes up but what is OK?

i think that a trans cooler will be just what u need hook it up after the cooler in the rad alot of people disconnect the lines from the rad and just use the cooler but i use both its not that much more work. an aux trans filter is ok but can over work the trans pump in some models of tranmissions. i think that with a good cooler u will be ok remember a good cooler not a plastic 1.

 

[burp]

Re: Trans temp goes up but what is OK?

Aquadzac, I tow a 7500 lbs with a 3/4 ton Suburban. The transmission temp normally runs 160 degrees on the open road and 200 degrees with hilly terrain. Only once have I seen the temp higher - 220 degrees on a 95 degree day in stop and go traffic on the Washington DC beltway. <br /><br />I'd definitely change the transmission fluid on a more frequent basis. Might also be worthwhile to stop by a transmission repair shop and ask a few questions. Nobody should no better than a shop that pieces transmissions back together.

 

[Aquadzac Captain]

Re: Trans temp goes up but what is OK?

I ran about 30 miles up and down hills with the two coolers and one fan it went up to 200 at about 93 degrees. I may look into the inline filter but I am now working on pulling less weight. I now of thinking of lowering my Expeidtion fuel level to lower weight. I think I would rather pull over more to fill up 1/2 tank than carry 30 gallons of gas in the truck and 50 gallons of gas in the boat. That equals around 688 pounds. Low fuel will help. Thanks...

 

[ZmOz]

Re: Trans temp goes up but what is OK?

My Jeep tends to overheat a little bit when I'm loaded down and going over hills...they just don't put a big enough radiator in these things. I'm working on installing a radiator mister...using a second windshield washer bottle/pump. It will spray a mist of cool water onto the radiator just like a windshield washer. Maybe you should try something like that.

 

[wayne h]

Re: Trans temp goes up but what is OK?

why not just a rad with more rows or an electric fan i dont think the water mist will work.

 

[ZmOz]

Re: Trans temp goes up but what is OK?

Originally posted by wayne34609:<br /> why not just a rad with more rows or an electric fan i dont think the water mist will work.

Because those things all cost several hundred dollars and I can put in a mister for about $10. Yes, it will work. Spray down your radiator with a hose while the engine is hot...you'll see it get really cool really fast. Many turbocharged cars that don't have room for a big enough radiator do this - some come stock this way from the factory.

 

[BillP]

Re: Trans temp goes up but what is OK?

ZmOz, <br />Do you remember the canvas bags people used to hang on the front of their car for traveling across the desert? The bags were made of heavy canvas and sweated enough to help cool the radiator. I used them when traveling the painted desert years back and they kept the temp needle in the norm. You can always turn on the heater to get additional cooling but it ain't fun inside the car.

 

[wayne h]

Re: Trans temp goes up but what is OK?

fans are 10 $ at a salvage yard. a hose puts out alot more water and pressure then a gallon tank with a washer motor. i am not saying its a bad idea just seems like alot of work. would like to hear feedback on this when u get it working it sounds pretty inresting

 

[Kenneth Brown]

Re: Trans temp goes up but what is OK?

I agree that it will work. We would have overheating problems on the stock cars and use a similar concept. Washer bottles were cheap at wrecking yards and it was just one wire and a switch to hook up. It would usually help out about 10 degrees.

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Trans temp goes up but what is OK?

Most crude oil transmission fluids start to break down anywhere from 180f to 220f. I'm a little surprised that nobody mentioned synthetic, good for 260f.<br /><br />2 coolers and one with a fan should be more than adequate but in your case a third cooler may be the ticket. Air flow to all the coolers is critical, some areas in front of a vehicle actually are void of air flow because of bullbar or grill designs. Just my 2c.<br /><br />Aldo

 

[Aquadzac Captain]

Re: Trans temp goes up but what is OK?

Yes, I seen the synthetic is better. That will be my next additive. I would feel better if I hit 200 plus on the road. Cant afford another 3K for a tranny!!!

 

[bluewater19]

Re: Trans temp goes up but what is OK?

How are your coolers plumbed? If the trans fluid goes thruogh the aux coolers first and then through the radiator trans cooler I think that is your problem. The radiator cooler is heating the fluid back up. This is great in the winter for keeping the trans temp stable, but on a hot day when your motor is running at over 190 degrees the trans temp will be real close to the coolant temp. Try bypassing the radiator cooler and see what happens. Also a aftermarket trans pan will hold 2 quarts or more than the stock pan, add this to the aux coolers and aux filter and you should have no problems.