Transmission Temps

[ck21084]

I am concerned about my transmissions temps. On the way up to gainsville, FL pulling the Stream a few weeks ago I noticed the temp of the transmission climbing up to 210oF, this happened 25miles from the campground on interstate @65mph. The engine was not running hot(N on NORMAL).

The TV is a 93 E-150 5.8l with tow package. This van has towed this RV all over the US and Canada so i know it can do it.

As a precaution I just added an addtional 15 x 8" transmisson cooler in line with the factory unit and it still runs 180oF with no load on 100oF day.

Any ideas on how to keep this thing cooler?

[87MH]

Originally Posted by ck21084

....temp of the transmission climbing up to 210oF, this happened 25miles from the campground on interstate @65mph. The engine was not running hot(N on NORMAL)...The TV is a 93 E-150 5.8l with tow package....Any ideas on how to keep this thing cooler?

I occasionally towed the 31'er with a '96 E-150 - so I was a bit heavier than your 25'er....

First - ALWAYS tow with the OD locked out - even in the relatively benign hills of Florida.

Second - install a good analog Tachometer so you can see when your torque converter is "slipping" - I am willing to bet that the converter is not locked up at all if you are towing in the "OverDrive" mode - especially if your van is starting to get a bunch of miles on it. I tried to keep my max speed at 60 when towing with the Ford van - 55 would be better, I know that speed sucks, but the taller axle ratio in the van probably demands it. I would suspect that your van has 3.73 gears in the axle. If original, your fan clutch may be suspect, but if that is the problem your engine temp will start creeping up also.

I considered my '96 to be "barely marginal" as a tow vehicle - I used a bit heavier TV whenever possible.

[ck21084]

@87MH

Thanks for the quick reply..

That is a great tip that most newer people overlook. I did have the trans in drive the whole time.

I think that a tach would be a good idea as well. I will order one this week.

Does any one know the average temp for a setup like this or how to keep it cooler?

[Jammer]

Are you measuring the temp in the pan or in the lines?

[ck21084]

Originally Posted by Jammer

Are you measuring the temp in the pan or in the lines?

This temp is measured in the side temp port on drivers side. Some people say that this is the same as your pan fluid temp, while others disagree.

When I measure the lines with a temp probe they are 140oF on the return.

Chris

[Silvertwinkie]

Towing my 25er on significant grade, I got near 200 degrees and I wasn't happy with those temps. What I did was this to counter the heat and it seems to have worked:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f463...s-51433-2.html