I have a 99 PSD(6 speed stick), and I was replacing the tranny ATF with new fluids. I have an Autometer tranny temp gauge, and wanted to install the temp sending unit at the same time. I had a install sheet from Western Diesel, which is pretty good. The diagram and instructions said to install the sending unit just above the pan flange and just ahead of the wiring harness coming out of the tranny on the driver's side. My first problem is I don't have a pan for the tranny (?), unless they mean install it just ahead of the tranny where it and the oil pan meets (?). I found an allen wrench head sticking out back heading towards the transfer case. I took that out with a 7/32" allen wrench, and it was over 2-3" long. The problems with that are the threads were way towards the end of the bolt I took out, and there is no way to thread the sending unit into it unless I tap it for 1/8"NPT. I looked around for another spot to install the sending unit, but couldn't find one. I really don't want to tap and die into the tranny. I found a website that has a tranny fill plug replacement with a flange in the middle to fit a sending unit with 1/8" NPT. Any suggestions from the FTE vast bank of knowledge ?

 

Unless I'm missing something here, I haven't heard of anyone putting a gauge on a standard tranny. They are used on autos. 1st clue....6 speed
2nd clue...no pan

 

Obviously I have no clue about that. I don't get it. Can a tranny temp gauge even be used for a standard tranny ?

 

Manual transmissions do not suffer from the same heat-generating ailments that auto's do, so no, you should not need a trans. temp. gauge for your truck.

However, if you just gotta use it..... I could trade you your manual for my automatic.....

-David

 

__________________________________________________ __I have a 99 PSD(6 speed stick), and I was replacing the tranny ATF with new fluids.
__________________________________________________ __

Hopefully you didn't put ATF in your manual tranny.

Depending on the temp range of your gauge/sender you might be able to use this to monitor oil temps with a little adapt-o-matic parts and pieces. I believe there are ports on the oil filter boss available - mostly helpful in warm weather, see if you need an oil cooler (not likely) Otherwise return it and use the credit toward a good pyrometer

 

Trade my manual for an automatic ? Let's see, your's is a 97, mine is a 99. Your truck and $10,000 cash with it ? How many cats would I need to scrape off the undercarriage ? On second thought, forget it, I love my truck.

As far as using ATF, I've talked to guys at Amsoil and at a Ford dealer, and they all said use ATF. The pyro is next after I get my new exhaust.

 

We all learn something sometime, some of us everyday. I knew some of the lighter imports could run ATF, but I thought all of the trucks required gear oil for better lubrication. I'll reference the manual when I get home, but sounds like there is a general consensus on FTE that ATF is fine in the stick slapper.

If you tow or climb hills with your foot in it, the pyro is a sound investment even before you put an exhaust on IMHO.

As far as using the sender in the fill port 1.) Dont believe you're gonna have sufficient fluid contact for accuracy 2.) What a PITA every time you go to check fluid level 3.) Still don't know it is really necessary in the manual gearbox - what damage can you do to a manual with a slightly elevated fluid temp??

Happy truckin'

 

Actually, I was only offering my transmission.... You can't have my truck! I love my truck. (Better looking, you know ).

Good luck with your install.

-David

 

I confess ! I bought the tranny temp gauge because whenever I've researched what gauges to get, the pyro/tranny temp/boost were always the ones, and I bought it already. The pyro is a definite. The boost I'm not as concerned with because watching my pyro will hopeful tell me when and if the turbo is about to toast. Also, drilling for the boost scares me a bit. The tranny temp I wanted because I'm going to jack up the hp with a Microtuner (70 or 90 hp, I'm not sure yet). I do some towing in the hills, and my trailer is 30' and 8,000 lbs. Just thought it would be good to have and look cool in the gauge pod, and watch the temps when I'm hauling the trailer and who knows what else in the fututre. Knowing from you guys what I know now, maybe I goofed. Oh well. I'm falling back on the looks cool excuse !

As far as using ATF, a guy I spoke with earlier today said ATF is for aluminum tranny cases (mine), and gear lube is for steel (?). Maybe the aluminum case is what helps it to stay cooler. The accuracy comment is interesting. I'll keep an eye on that.

 

Now that works for me

 

What I meant about the accuracy is that if you put the gauge sender in the fill port (overflow) I'm not sure you're gonna have enough fluid contact around the sender - most of the sender would be in the dead air space above the fluid. The fluid will retain heat, some will be lost to the aluminum case (sink) and a little bit to the air space above the fluid - without the sender immersed in the fluid, I dont know that the indication is 'accurate' As far as the cool factor - definitely. The boost gauge isn't that big of a deal - mine is a mechanical unit that plumbs into a line with a tee fitting. As far as the pyro, with the concerns about grenading the motor from excessive heat (~1100F) I wonder why it isn't a factory option on the PSD - unless the fuel curves in the management system don't generate the temps under load in stock configuration. I don't know it all and am learning with my first diesel - you found a good site and the guys and gals here are real helpful and a wealth of info.

BTW, biggest PITA was getting the wires and plumbing through the firewall - I used a grommet on the Goodyear shaped plug below the master cylinder since there wasn't a real good place to work my drill into. I ran everything at once so I wouldn't have to go back into the gauge pod. My tranny sender is coiled up on the passenger side waiting for my pan with a sender port to get ordered - too many projects.

Like I said, this is one of the most firendly sites I have found, we all share a common interest in the love of our trucks and always looking to encourage the other guy with his project. Good luck, drop some pics when you get the pod done.

 

Lucca

FYI......
No drilling/tapping necessary to install the boost gauge line. It "T"'s into the boost sensor on the passenger side near the firewall.
I did mine.........really simple.

 

I think a DUH! is in order.

Now that I think bout it, the "Goodyear" shaped plug I used may be where the clutch cylinder sits for the manual tranny model. In that case you're gonna have to get the wires and plumbing throght the firewall somewhere. You might pull off the drivers side pillar moulding first, seems to me there were a few nooks and crannies up high on the firewall you might be able to snake a grommet into or easily drill into from the engine side. Anybody else run their wire through there??

 

Wow, what great advice from everyone. Actually, I found an interesting spot to run the wire from the tranny sending unit. Below the floorboard carpeting on the driver's side I found an oval shaped large grommet about the size of a strectched out cookie. I opened up that grommet and found that it's an access point for one of the frame bolts. Next to the bolt head was 2 holes cut out for unknown reasons. I think I'm going to run the tranny sending unit wire from the tranny, away from the moving parts (which is easy), and into and through that hole. I'll cut a very small hole into that oval grommet and run the wire through it, under the carpet, over to the driver's side wall near my trailer brake box and emergency brake cable (behind them near where the computer box is), up through the moulding (somehow) and into the end of the A pillar moulding. I spent some time a while back tearing off the door mouldings, looking under the hood, around the hood, everywhere. That seemed to be the least hassle, and those holes are already under the driver's side of the cab on the tranny sending unit side.

I also found a website that makes a replacement drain plug that has a 1/8" NPT fitting for the sending unit. Just slap it in replacing the current plug. I'm hoping enough of the ATF will surround the unit when it's running that I can get a reading, but 1BADF350 has a decent point about me possibly not getting enough fluid there. Oh well, I'll try it and see what happens.

As far as this website and it's usefulness, you guys (and gals ?) are awesome. A wealth of info for someone like me who's a hack, but learning fast. You guys are making me feel like I should have gotten the 3 gauge pod with the whole shbang. Maybe I'll trade the 2 gauge pod for a 3. What, more money ? I'm in PSD heaven ! Thanks folks.

P.S.-If I took pictures, how do I start a gallery if someone wanted to see them ?

 

It's been about 6 months since this posting, but I can't figure out how to email someone directly...What is the website where you found the modified drain plug?