Trans cooler question
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 165
Likes: 18
From: Red deer alberta Canada
Awesome, thats what ill do then. There might even be some around the shop ill take a look.
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 5,092
Likes: 1,422
From: Oologah, OK
I am with SkyJackson.
I installed the 6.0 ATF cooler, and bypassed the radiator, as I did not trust it to be clean, nor did I want a chance of Strawberry milkshakes in my transmission.
no issues for me either.
I installed the 6.0 ATF cooler, and bypassed the radiator, as I did not trust it to be clean, nor did I want a chance of Strawberry milkshakes in my transmission.
no issues for me either.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 210
Likes: 87
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 165
Likes: 18
From: Red deer alberta Canada
During winter time do people not have issues getting their transmission fluid up to temp if they aren’t towing? I know with my 6.0 radiator cooler I wouldn’t touch 110 TFT during the winter. I would barely ever get 100 degrees above ambient unloaded so I ended up installing a derale thermostat and now see 150-170 when unloaded.
Yea not I apparently
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 2,029
Likes: 531
From: Bottom Of Pikes Peak
During winter time do people not have issues getting their transmission fluid up to temp if they aren’t towing? I know with my 6.0 radiator cooler I wouldn’t touch 110 TFT during the winter. I would barely ever get 100 degrees above ambient unloaded so I ended up installing a derale thermostat and now see 150-170 when unloaded.
My temps during cold seasons are lower, I can't recall the range but I've never had a concern of lower temps. everything works just as if it's warm. Shoot, in the summer I only get to around 140 empty and never get above 170-180. lately i think running temp might be around 160 during summer temps. i'll have to pay closer attention. It does seem to be a bit warmer than it once was. I'm blaming that on my condenser being beat up by bugs
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 210
Likes: 87
is 110* considered an issue?
My temps during cold seasons are lower, I can't recall the range but I've never had a concern of lower temps. everything works just as if it's warm. Shoot, in the summer I only get to around 140 empty and never get above 170-180. lately i think running temp might be around 160 during summer temps. i'll have to pay closer attention. It does seem to be a bit warmer than it once was. I'm blaming that on my condenser being beat up by bugs
My temps during cold seasons are lower, I can't recall the range but I've never had a concern of lower temps. everything works just as if it's warm. Shoot, in the summer I only get to around 140 empty and never get above 170-180. lately i think running temp might be around 160 during summer temps. i'll have to pay closer attention. It does seem to be a bit warmer than it once was. I'm blaming that on my condenser being beat up by bugs
I have this thread saved where he gave some great information on the 4R100.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...r-input-2.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1196386-derale-transmission-thermostat-installation-2.html
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 2,029
Likes: 531
From: Bottom Of Pikes Peak
From what I’ve read from Mark Kovalsky 170 is the ideal operating temp of the 4r100. I also believe I remember reading somewhere that moisture doesn’t get removed effectively until 150 degrees. Depending on the day I wouldn’t see 100 degrees which is a problem.
I have this thread saved where he gave some great information on the 4R100.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...r-input-2.html
The above quote is from post 19 of this thread.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...llation-2.html
I have this thread saved where he gave some great information on the 4R100.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...r-input-2.html
The above quote is from post 19 of this thread.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...llation-2.html
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Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 12,782
Likes: 2,142
From: N.GA Mountains
During winter time do people not have issues getting their transmission fluid up to temp if they aren’t towing? I know with my 6.0 radiator cooler I wouldn’t touch 110 TFT during the winter. I would barely ever get 100 degrees above ambient unloaded so I ended up installing a derale thermostat and now see 150-170 when unloaded.
However, I’ve seen the unnecessary thermostats and filters fail and cause problems.
When I asked Brian at BTS about this, he said something like if the oil in cooler is gelled up from EXTREME cold, the bypass on transmission will open. Unless you’ve bought a transmission that has that feature foolishly deleted.
By contrast, the ATF suffers at some point above 200*. HOT fluid also damages friction material. At 30k mile service interval, the fluid should look and smell similar to when it was installed.
Clearly, Mark knows more than I ever will about these transmissions - but I have no problem recommending the 6.0 cooler to anyone. ESPECIALLY if your truck and usage generates high transmission fluid temperatures. (Stock is fine for most people)
Frmr Ford Trans Engr
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 24,738
Likes: 2,666
From: SE Florida
Except that moisture can accumulate in the trans and cause corrosion. Hotter temperatures drives off the moisture, cooler temperatures allows it to collect in the trans.
Me, too.
My solution is to have a lot of cooling and put a piece of cardboard in front of it in the colder months.
Exactly! I had this happen to me before I was a transmission engineer.
I was using an early 80's Econoline (this was in the late 80's) with a C6 to tow a trailer with a Ranger on it. I was in Michigan's Upper Peninsula in January. It was about -20°F. The trans overheated and dumped the fluid. That trashed the trans and it had to be rebuilt. With what I know now, I am sure the ATF in the cooler gelled and that stopped lube to the rear half of the trans, causing the failure.
That temperature for modern fluids is about 300°F, not 200°F.
I also recommend it.
My solution is to have a lot of cooling and put a piece of cardboard in front of it in the colder months.
I was using an early 80's Econoline (this was in the late 80's) with a C6 to tow a trailer with a Ranger on it. I was in Michigan's Upper Peninsula in January. It was about -20°F. The trans overheated and dumped the fluid. That trashed the trans and it had to be rebuilt. With what I know now, I am sure the ATF in the cooler gelled and that stopped lube to the rear half of the trans, causing the failure.
I also recommend it.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 12,782
Likes: 2,142
From: N.GA Mountains
If I understand correctly, this transmission is freely vented to atmosphere. So it stands to reason that as it cools, the vapor space can take in some moist air that could condense inside the transmission.
It seems like that water would rapidly mix with the ATF and effectively create an emulsion. My experience with vegetable oil is that you can’t break an emulsion at even above the boiling point of water - the water doesn’t just boil off at that temperature and leave clean oil. Perhaps ATF is different?
I know some of the 4R100’s I’ve had rebuilt locally have over 200k miles in cold climates with 6.0 cooler and have never shown any indication of moisture contamination.
As always, thank you for sharing your knowledge here!!
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 210
Likes: 87
I was genuinely curious. I have the 6.0 cooler and still recommend it as well and have no issues with it. I haven’t rebuilt a 4r100 so I had based my decision off of what I’ve read and am always looking for other people’s opinions, especially those who have dealt with it way long and more often than me. I appreciate your response and reasoning.
Frmr Ford Trans Engr
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 24,738
Likes: 2,666
From: SE Florida
I can't say that this can't happen, but I have not seen it happen. And for over half a century I lived in Michigan where it got pretty cold. Now I live in South Florida and don't worry about the cold.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 2,029
Likes: 531
From: Bottom Of Pikes Peak
I'm overdue for a flush and i will be a guinea pig for not worrying about maintaining 170* Luckily I only drive 5-6k a yr. Unfortunately,, I'm not in a position to be able to do a flush, so it'll have to wait. Also, I live in Colorado so I don't have to worry about moisture issues as much, I don't think/ in theory
I do have a stupid question for those that install the 6.0 cooler. what rubber hose are you using exactly? I do not remember what I used and Brian warned me about this but my rubber hose sweats. it's never leaked a drop but it's also not dry either. There is definitely some tranny fluid moisture/soak on the rubber hose.
I need a high quality line that won't do this. the line from the local auto stores seems to be junk or I'm not asking for the right stuff. I even went in the back to look at all the lines they had and chose the best one that would fit and was usa made.
thanks
I do have a stupid question for those that install the 6.0 cooler. what rubber hose are you using exactly? I do not remember what I used and Brian warned me about this but my rubber hose sweats. it's never leaked a drop but it's also not dry either. There is definitely some tranny fluid moisture/soak on the rubber hose.
I need a high quality line that won't do this. the line from the local auto stores seems to be junk or I'm not asking for the right stuff. I even went in the back to look at all the lines they had and chose the best one that would fit and was usa made.
thanks
