I have looked all over the place and unable to find the answer to this question. Would someone please answer or point me in the correct direction.

Does upgrading the transmission cooler on a 2005 6.0L in a Ford Excursion help reduce the Engine Oil Temperature? If so approximately what improvement should be anticipated? If not why not?

Thanks for the assistance in advance.

Sean

 

A transmission cooler will cool transmission fluid and is not going to affect the Engine Oil Temperature. Two separate fluids in two separate components.

 

Why not? I ask as it seems like it would since the transmission line runs through the coolant system and then through the transmission cooler. Since the coolant system also cools oil and in my theory would not be placed under the same demand because the transmission fluid would be cooler because of an upgraded transmission cooler? Have I just lost my damn mind.

 

I'm a little lost and don't see the connection you're making between the trans cooler and the engine oil temp, but regardless, you already have the best trans cooler available. When 7.3 and V10 owners want to upgrade, we install the 6.0L cooler.

Besides, why would you want to try and effect your engine oil temp by cooling your trans fluid? That makes no sense. Another thing is, there is such a thing as keeping the trans fluid TOO cool.

Maybe instead you should tell us what the problem is you're having, or anticipating you will have.

Stewart

 

First off you won't find a better transmission cooler than what your Excursion already has.

Second, cooling the trans fluid more isn't going to lower the engine oil temperature by an appreciable amount. If you want to cool the engine oil more, get a better engine oil cooler.

Not on a 5R110W. There is a thermostat in the transmission. If the trans is cooler than 165°F only 10% goes to the coolers. 90% bypasses the coolers and stays in the transmission.

 

Thanks again. The problem I am experiencing is that when towing in the mountains or high temperatures for long hauls (across Texas and through Co. in the summer. 100+ degrees and many days running for 10hrs plus) the engine coolant and oil temperatures get hot (above 230). I am trying to find ways to cool these temperatures down. Recently, I replaced the EGR and Oil pump and things are running grand again, I just really want to keep it that after that expense.

 

Heh, thanks Mark, I do know that because of the info in the Derale thermostat thread for the 7.3 owners. Just have too much info in the head to always recall everything the right way, in my brain.

Thanks for the correction.

And thanks in advance for when I do this again....

Stewart

 

230 seems a bit high to me, even towing. Here's my .02....

1. Coolant filter. If you don't have one, get one.
2. Full flush of the coolant system. There's a ton of information here on how folks are doing it. If you use the Motorcraft Gold, make sure you change it on interval and probably sooner given your conditions. I use NAPA Gold ELC and I'm happy with it so far.
3. Make sure you have the proper thermostat. I thought I'd be smart and get a low temp thermostat and keep my temps cool. Not the case. I found that the coolant system couldn't keep up.
4. Your fan should be screaming at 230. I want to say mine kicks in full bore about 220 or so and cools all the way back down to 195 before it stops. Your's should be doing the same. If not, replace it. While you're at it, do the belt too. I keep a spare in the truck (the belt). I buy mine from autozone because they have the warranty and they're just about everywhere. If I'm on a trip and it craps out, I know I can get one. I carry the tools to change it.


That's where I'd start. I've also found that running high EGT's while towing will greatly affect coolant/oil temps. If you're lugging, grab a gear and keep them cool. Edit: High EGT's being 1000 or over for any length of time. I try to keep mine 900 or less while towing.

 

I agree with you, cooling any of the fluids - engine oil, trans fluid or engine coolant more should reduce the overall cooling loads a little on others. A larger trans fluid cooler will reduce the load on the engine coolant radiator, a larger engine coolant radiator will reduce the load on the engine oil cooler, etc., but the biggest effect will be on the system the larger cooler is installed on with minimal affects on the others. Installing a 5R110 cooler reduced my trans fluid temps almost 30 deg compared to my stock V10 cooler. I added a 3rd large B&M stacked plate 1/2" port trans fluid cooler after the 5R110 cooler which reduced the trans fluid temps another 30 deg or so. I have not seen any noticeable difference in the engine oil or coolant temps. Since you have a 5R110 trans do you ever see the trans fluid temps go over 165 deg? If you temps go over 165 adding another cooler might mean the temps never go over 165 which may not be a bad thing.

I would like to get a 3 row radiator when my OEM radiator needs to be replaced, but I don't see anyone making them. My class C 460 had a huge 4 row radiator. The extra engine coolant capacity is nice to have when going up long grades towing in 120 deg temps.

I've been looking at a kit that adds a plate under the oil filter with ports to add an engine oil cooler. I installed one on an E150 351 used for towing and it helped keep the engine oil temps down, but again did not noticeably affect other fluid temps. That van also got the huge 4 row RV radiator and the engine coolant temps stopped rising when the thermostat was fully open - plenty of reserve cooling available.

 

I keep my radiator happy by using Royal Purple 'Purple Ice' - it consistently lowers your radiator operating temperature 20%.

I've been using it for over 10 years in everything we own.

Plus it lubricates your water pump internals as well.

 

This stuff looks interesting, good reviews on Amazon.
The ads state it is a good anti-corrosion additive, too.
The only internal parts of a water pump that need lubricating is the shaft bearing which I think is sealed.