Clyde is going to get a transmission temperature gauge. I've decided on a pan mount (as opposed to cooler line installations), an electrical gauge and sender (I've heard of line failure with the mechanicals) and have aquired an extra pan. The original pan will stay in place until I remove it to mount the new, sensor equipped pan.

Where on the side of the C6 pan (better protection for the wiring) is the best (easiest, most spacious w/o internal conflict) location to install the sender unit?

Thanks,

 

I don't have an '80's truck with a C6 so I personally can't comment on your situation.

However...
While you have the pan off, install a drain plug ($5). It'll make things easier when you do fluid changes.

 

Without sounding like a commercial ... I'm a big believer in the Wynn's Flush & Fill process. After adding a cleaner to the transmission and circulating it through out the transmission, the torque converter, the lines and the cooler nearly 100% of the old fluid is removed and replaced with new fluid and a seal revitalizer. Drop and replace may only remove ~40% ... just the oil in the pan area. The C6 converter has a drain plug but most don't. That's a lot of contamination for the "new" fluid, after a few miles it's just slightly cleaner than the old stuff. I replaced the flilter at 39,000 and did a flush and fill at ~60,000. I'll likely replace the filter when I replace the pan although usually it's done every second or third time.

I've seen aftermarket pans with the drains installed but I'm amazed no one sells one with a drain and a sensor port.

 

clyde my tranny guy told me to pull the small plug by the shift linkage and use that opening to get true reading of internal fluid temp before the converter which puts a lot of heat into the fluid just in front of the cooler line

 

Thanks shorthair, that's exactly the kind of info I was looking for!! I'll be under Clyde this weekend and check it out.

Thanks again,

 

clyde i am also using 3 coolers. how heavy a fifth wheel and how much tounge weight?

 

I've got a 24' Hitchhiker. Never ran it across a scale but judging by how it lowers the truck when hooked up I'm guessing ~1,100# on the truck.

Before we got the 5th wheel I had an 11'3" slide in from the early 70's ... now that was a HEAVY! camper. Picked up the camper (ice cube trays still sealed in plastic) before we got the truck so I knew I'd have to have something pretty stout to haul it. On a level camp site I could level the camper refer by putting a little hyd. jack under the receiver hitch and raising it ~ 1 1/2". Very well matched set

Heaviest load Clyde has hauled was 2 cubic yards of 3/4" washed river stone ... ~5300#. Handled it beautifully. If I had needed 2 1/2 yards instead of 3 I'm confident it would have taken another 1/2 yd. without problem.

Not sure I've ever had a trans. heating problem but there was a CO to MN run through 110 weather with a heavy headwind where I was more than a little concerned!! The fluid took on some color and so did the Mobil 1 motor oil for that matter. I felt the mechanical coolant temperature gauge paid for itself on that trip. Amazing how inaccurate the factory gauges are in comparison. If, once I have the tranny temp gauge installed, I have a problem I have no qualms about adding another cooler but I've got a pretty big one right now.

Once I know what I've got I'll have a better idea of what I need.

 

clyde i am currently pulling a 31' TT with 1300 lbs hitch weight and a gross of 9500 lbs. thinking about going to fifth wheel.

 

I've had a lot of experience in tractor-trailer rigs so the fifth-wheel was a natural choice for me. I like the stability, manuverability and flexibility that I have with the 5er. There are a lot of people with different views but this is what works for us.