So today I helped a buddy tow his new (to him) 65 Impala over the Pacheco Pass.

Truck:
2000 Excursion, V10 4x4, 106k on the odometer, 87 octane gas. Stock radiators and coolers - no aftermarket coolers added.

Trailer:
U Haul transporter dual axle trailer + 65 Impala.

Conditions:
The pass is 1300ft max altitude and the outside temps were in the mid 50s to about 63. We were loaded Eastbound only, and I shut the OD down on the inclines to prevent it from hunting for gears.



I'd like to know if my temps were appropriate. I have a GlowShift oil temp gauge...sending unit is in the sandwich adapter at the oil filter. I have another GlowShift trans temp gauge...sending unit is in the test port on the driver side of the trans.

Here is a quick shot of the peak readings on both gauges:


That is about 209-210 oil temp, 150 trans temp.

So...how do those numbers look?

 

I think 150-195 tranny temp is perfect. I get sweaty hands at 225 and start yelling at the noisy kids above that - must focus on that gauge! At 250 time to pull over and let her idle.

Not sure about engine oil temps...

 

Engine oil temp should run right around the coolant temp depending on where your sensor is located. Since your's is a sandwich, it is reading the oil coming out of the pan, which has had time to disperse any higher temps equally. I think coolant temps should run around 210 (but now sure). Use your ultra-gauge and watch for any gap between your engine oil temp being much higher than your coolant temp.

Trans temp looks really good but I seem to remember the 2000s have a smaller trans cooler and you may want to upgrade that for the Sacramento 100 degree days.

 

I think, according to Mark, you're over the safe line at 250° on the tranny.

 

100 over ambient on the trans loaded sounds good to me. No idea on the oil temps, ignorance is bliss on mine. Never seen my water temp go over 195.