Notices
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks 1987 - 1996 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350 and larger pickups - including the 1997 heavy-duty F250/F350+ trucks

Quick Question on Tranny Cooler Lines

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 24, 2012 | 02:35 PM
  #1  
El Camino Man's Avatar
El Camino Man
Thread Starter
|
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 4,063
Likes: 2
From: Southeastern IL
Quick Question on Tranny Cooler Lines

Hey guys. I recently put a tranny temp guge in my truck and installed the sensor right before my cooler. Its not giving me satisfactory readings whatsoever. 75% of the time, it says the fluid is 100* and has never read 160*... So I wish to install it directly onto the side of the tranny. My question is: which line is the feed and which is the return? I figure the "out" is the bottom one because its gotta suck fluid from the bottom, then cool it and return the fluid to the top of the tranny to trickle down onto tranny components. I could be wrong though. Also, does nayone know the size of the threads on the tranny lines? I need to know if I need adapters and such and I have no way of measuring them. Thanks guys!
 
Reply
Old Aug 24, 2012 | 05:00 PM
  #2  
Eddiec1564's Avatar
Eddiec1564
Cargo Master
15 Year Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,935
Likes: 34
From: Arcadia, Fla
One quick way I found which tranny line is output from the tranny to cooler. With truck cold start engine and put it in gear. Hold the brake and powered up to the torque converter's stall speed for 20 seconds. Then shut off engine and go feel which line is hotter than the other. The hotter line from the tranny is the output line to the tranny cooler.

With engine at stall speed of torque converter, the fluid will get hot really fast so don't over do it or you could burn up the tranny. Also block the wheels as you could over power your brakes too.
 
Reply
Old Aug 24, 2012 | 05:08 PM
  #3  
El Camino Man's Avatar
El Camino Man
Thread Starter
|
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 4,063
Likes: 2
From: Southeastern IL
Hmm good thinkin! Ill give that a try for sure!
 
Reply
Old Aug 24, 2012 | 06:43 PM
  #4  
subford's Avatar
subford
Fleet Owner
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Top Answer: 1
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 23,668
Likes: 301
From: Easton,Ks
The line that goes to the back of the transmission is the return line.
But you do not want to put a temp sensor on the cooler lines anyway. All you will read is the TC temp and not the transmission temp.
The only place to put the sensor is in the test port on the drivers side just above the pan.
Unless you just like to see high temp readings.



/
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
mudslingur
Clutch, Transmission, Differential, Axle & Transfer Case
2
Jun 4, 2007 11:13 PM
fordtuff33
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
2
Sep 22, 2006 03:48 PM
polar88
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
2
Apr 30, 2005 09:43 PM
HerkFE
Clutch, Transmission, Differential, Axle & Transfer Case
3
Nov 2, 2003 06:12 AM
Monsta
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
5
Feb 4, 2002 03:01 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:51 PM.

story-0
10 Fords to Drive Before You Die

Slideshow: 10 Fords to drive before you die.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-22 14:29:44


VIEW MORE
story-1
3 Best / Worst Features Of The 2025+ Ford Expedition

The latest Expedition is quite popular, but it certainly isn't perfect.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-22 14:23:19


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

Slideshow: 10 ways Ford is losing to the competition

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-15 09:52:01


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

Some great targets in today's expensive world.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-15 09:35:19


VIEW MORE
story-4
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-6
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE