Some of you may be familiar with the post I made last year titled "Help! I'm Stuck!". Well, I've rebuilt the transmission and have made some updates and have a couple of questions for those with trans temp gauges.

I have a triple disk billet converter now and the trans was rebuilt using a suncoast kit and a superior shift kit. I have updated the cooler tubing to 3/8" including the 3/8 check valve at the rear of the transmission. I also have the bypass-less tru-cool max cooler mounted in the bumper. The radiator is also brand-new and has the appropriate fittings installed to accommodate the 3/8 lines.

What are you guys showing for temps when towing and unloaded. Does it ever get over 200 degrees?

Today I had towed my 13k TT to the dealer to have some warranty work done about 60 miles away. The terrain is mixed with some grades on 55mph highways and some flat interstate areas. I saw about 190 degrees while towing. Normally, when not towing, the temp holds between 170 and 180. I know it was nearly 90 degrees in Richmond where I was, so I understood the 190 degree temp while towing.

However, upon returning from the dealer I became stuck in a low spot of my driveway since we've had so much rain lately. I used 4 low and got out after some interesting maneuvering in reverse gear, but I noticed the temp climbed to 225. This process took about 12-15 minutes to complete but, is this normal?

I'm thinking the engines cooling fan is too far away from the trans cooler to make it effective while backing or at rest. There is absolutely no ductwork between the condenser and trans cooler and I am going to start building a sheetmetal duct to help with this. I also have two 7" electric cooling fans that I haven't installed yet, and I think this will work but I just wanted some insight before I started cutting things up.

By the way, I have 3.55 gears and the trailer weighed with everything in it grosses 13600. I have a class V hitch, weight distributing hitch and air suspension on all four corners. It trailers nice but I'm worried about the temps.

When the truck was stock, the first gauge I bought was trans temp. Upon installation I noticed that the trans went immediately to 230 degrees while driving and while towing I once saw 300 degrees. It had the stock radiator, 5/16 lines, stock converter and stock trans cooler. I know I've made an improvement, but is it enough? What else can I do?

 

Yes, that's normal.

I agree with you. I'm interested to see if the ductwork helps with this.

Where is your temp sender located?

You could get rid of the aftermarket cooler and install a 6.0L cooler. It's almost twice as large.

 

The temp sender is in the test port on the left side of the transmission.

Thank you for the input.

 

With Mark you are in the "best hands" here.

 

Mark's right about the 6.0 cooler but its a bear to install because its so big. Mine is hanging down below the bumper and to be honest, I don't like it there. Last summer I had it installed between the ac condenser and radiator but it was heat soaking my radiator causing my coolant temps to run a little higher then I like. My temps pulling 18K in 90° stay about 180°. I've never have been 'stuck' without air movement so I have no expedience in that area. When I got my John Woods trans he didn't seem to think the 3/8" lines were important so I just don't know about that. I would think they would really help but IDK.

 

You're right, the 3/8" lines really help.

 

yup he is right i dont see any more than 180 degrees pulling, dirt drag racing, or your normal everyday driving

 

I've had installed the 2 7" fans last night. Just cruising around, it won't even get to 170. At best, I've seen 160 so far. I'm going to separate my cooler lines and see if they are transferring heat. They touch for about 3'.

 

I live in AZ and have an electric fan directly on my oversize tranny cooler - it really does the job when your at lower speeds and not getting the airflow like when your cruising. Highest I see mine is around 200-210 climbing steep grades with a fully loaded toy hauler, and usually 90+ degrees outside.