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As most probably know, the trans, starting in 2017, is now cooled by the primary cooling system versus being cooled by the secondary cooling system like the 2011-2016 trucks. I've noticed mine likes to run a little warmer when towing. And now that I have tires and running a "hotter" tune, my average cruising temps are up 3-5* over what they used to sit at. Use to stay around 203-204. Now she sits around 207-208* running down the interstate.
I experimented with removing the thermostat inline at the trans cooler. The results? No change in temps. Just giving a heads up to those that hear about it and want to try it. No change in temps. I may figure out a way to convert the trans cooling back to the secondary system. Pics of location and what it looks like.
Why do you think that the temps you are seeing are a problem?
They aren't really. Ford wants the 6Rs in the 2017 to run warmer. Towing, guys are seeing 230s and 40s. My 2012 never went over 205 no matter how hard i beat on it towing. This truck gets to the 220s easy. I know its for efficiency, but why do you want to push normal operating limits so close to the edge?
Finding out what the edge for our trans is is tough. I've read Mercon LV is good between 250-255* for a few minutes. I just wonder what they found, efficiency wise, that makes them keep dialing up the operating temps.
Anything that's oil lubed gets more efficient as oil temps go up. The oil thins out. It's no wonder the trans is going to run hotter on the primary loop that loop is designed to run at 205 instead of the 120 the secondary loop runs. Guess it's time to look into retrofitting in the parts from the older trucks to move it back to where it should be. Freakin EPA.
Thanks for taking the time to post this. We often learn more from failed experiments than successful ones.
We got a jump on our knowledge on light (and the lack of an ether medium) from a famous a failed experiment (Michelson and Morley). I encourage everyone to share their failed experiments so we can learn!
Thanks for taking the time to post this. We often learn more from failed experiments than successful ones.
We got a jump on our knowledge on light (and the lack of an ether medium) from a famous a failed experiment (Michelson and Morley). I encourage everyone to share their failed experiments so we can learn!
I wish this experiment had been successful. Thank you for doing this and for posting the result. A quick-n-dirty solution would have been nice. I'm one of those guys that are seeing transmission temperatures in the 230's and engine oil in the 240's.
With regard to other fluids, I ran both Nissan Matic-S and AMSOil ATF in my Titan and there was zero difference in transmission temperatures. The biggest difference in that truck was adding a transmission cooler (in addition to the OEM one which wasn't small at all). If I had kept that truck my next step would have been to replace the OEM transmission pan with a larger capacity pan.
Last edited by HRTKD; Sep 3, 2017 at 12:23 PM.
Reason: Thanks!!!!
With regard to other fluids, I ran both Nissan Matic-S and AMSOil ATF in my Titan and there was zero difference in transmission temperatures. The biggest difference in that truck was adding a transmission cooler (in addition to the OEM one which wasn't small at all). If I had kept that truck my next step would have been to replace the OEM transmission pan with a larger capacity pan.
I wouldn't expect the transmission temps to be lower, but the concern is mostly around either degrading the fluid or significant thinning at the higher temps. A better fluid might alleviate these concerns.
Here's a question--since we know Ford uses this same engine and transmission in the larger trucks (Class 5 or 6?) I'd think they would have even more load and more heat generated. Anyone know how Ford cools those?
Here's a question--since we know Ford uses this same engine and transmission in the larger trucks (Class 5 or 6?) I'd think they would have even more load and more heat generated. Anyone know how Ford cools those?
I'm almost positive the class 4-5 4 and 550s use the same setup as the pickups. They are detuned to compensate for their duty cycle.
I think I would possibly like to make a correction on this. Maybe I had an air bubble or something. I know the system takes forever to burp, especially when you drain the entire primary system. I currently seeing an average of 4-5* cooler temps than I was before removing it. Maybe someone else can do this and report back.
