Looking for the normal operating temperature for driving/towing.

99 F350 V10 E4OD 3.73 4x2 S/C SWB SRW

I bought the truck used and it had an aftermarket trans temp gauge. Normal driving it doesn't even register (lowest reading is 140). Towing <>6500#, it hovers around 180+. Climbing w/ trailer on a serious grade (3500-6000' in <10 miles) it was between 250-260.

A friend has gone through 2 warrantied transmissions on his SD. Best he can tell, it's from backing up his 30' 5th wheel.

I appreciate having a trans temp gauge (there's even an auxillary fan) but am in need of a benchmark.

Somewhat related, I've been told that more frequent trans oil changes help as preventive maintenance if you tow. Someone even suggested an aftermarket higher capacity pan w/ drain plug in order to service yourself.

 

if i recall correctly (i'm sure someone will correct me if wrong!) should be 180 degrees or less. i believe for every 10-20 degrees above 180 you shorten the life of the fluid drastically. if you get up to >250 degrees like you said, you might also want to install a bigger/better trans fluid cooler. also check and make sure the gauge you have is reading properly.

good luck,
lc

 

You should see normal driving(not towing) temperatures around 120 - 170. When towing the temperature will increase slightly, usually around 140 - 180. The only time you need worry about your transmission is if you see temps over 200 for a prolonged period of time. If you see a temp of 250, you should pull over and allow your trans to cool, or else you risk major damage to your trans.

Two things to remember, ambient air temperature will play a major role in how hard you can push your trans. If it's hotter outside, your trans will warm up quicker than if it's cooler outside. The other thing to remember is that synthetic oil has a higher heat tolerance, meaning it can get hotter than conventional oil before it breaks down.

Rich

 

Thank you for your comments.

The trans did reach +200 for a period of about an hour, peaking at approx 250 for about 20 minutes. It was quite a climb. Once the grade leveled off, the temp dropped back down to just under 200 but then I had another climb for 10 miles before finally reaching the campsite.

I'm estimating most of my towing will be in the warmer months of the year and it will all be a climb (I live in Calif. at sea level).

Other than checking the gauge (how?) and using synthetic oil, any further recommendations - higher capacity pan, more frequent oil changes (at what intervals?), etc...

Perhaps the friend I mentioned who had 2 tranny's warrantied experienced the problem due to this particular climb (it's Kennedy Meadows in the Calif. Sequoia Nat'l Forest).

 

I'm guessing that your climb was at slower speeds? Maybe in 2nd gear? If so, it is because you didn't have sufficent airflow accross the cooler(slow speed) and the TQ converter was unlocked creating heat(2nd gear). I climbed this grade one time, about 1.5 miles with snow and mud towing my 28' TT. I was going about 20 mph and the speedo registered 25! (got my $$ worth out of my Dunlop mudders that day) anyway... My temp went up to 200 and it was 26 degrees outside ans snowing! The 99 and 00 Superdutys only have an oil to air cooler. The 01 have a oil to air and oil to water cooler.(unit in the radiator) There is a TSB to replace the radiator with one with a cooler if customer complains of high tranny temps. Only problem is that you have to be under warranty still. You are prolly OK as long as you increase your tranny service. Instead of every 30K change it every 15-20K. The Ford pan has a drain plug so does the converter. It is rather easy job. Also, you may want to locate the sender for the guage. If it is in the cooler line out of the tranny it will regester the highest temps while if it is in the side of the tranny(drivers side by the shift linkage) then it is an average temp. 250 is too high, but for 20 minutes you prolly are ok. There are 2 different aftermarket pans available for the 4R100. B&M makes one that adds about 3 qts. Mag-Hytec makes one that adds I think 8 qts. Both are aluminum and finned to aid cooling.


Just for your information, my HOT AZ temps are:

140 or less in the winter
150-175 in the summer, stop and go traffic(110 degrees outside)
150-180 towing winter or summer

 

BMc,

The highest temp I have seen so far is about 165 degrees... This is towing my 27' TT @ #6400 on the "flats" and not pulling any grades...

Solo, I run anywhere from 125 to 150 degrees depending on the outside temperature...

I am running Mobile One in the trans and motor (not the same oil, obviously!!)... Unfortunately, I don't have a reference for comparison without the synthetic as I installed my temp gauge right after I changed over...

It's also worth mentioning that my truck had the TSB performed on it (00-24-4) for the new radiator with water to oil cooling... As delivered my truck had only the auxilary (air to oil cooler...

Best Regards,
Les

2000 F-250 Super Duty 4X4 Off Road, Super Cab, Short Bed w/ V-10/3:73LS/4R100

 

Let me ask, what type of temp guage are you guys intalling? Also does it require drilling into the trans pan to mount the probe?

Rick

 

I have an Issopro guage. Autometer makes several too. The Autometer starts at 100 while the Issopro starts at 140 degrees. Look at motorhaven.autoanything.com for guages. They are great! They will know which sender to give you. You can install the sender in the side of the tranny very easily. There is a port on the drivers side which works well.

 

LandLAdams...

I appreciate the tip regarding the transmission cooler. Problem is, in calling Ford, they have no idea what I'm talking about or what TSB 00-24-4 is referencing. I went to the page from Ford-Trucks.com, 'recalls/TSB', but could not search for that specific reference. The search criteria was based on make/model/year. This may seem ignorant but I'm not able to locate the TSB you referenced. I would sincerely appreciate your (additional) help; thank you.

 

Sorry V10man, I forgot that you mentioned the TSB also. I'm still in the same dilemma. Once I'm able to locate the TSB, I have a scheduled appointment 7/30 at Ford. I'd love to have a printed copy of it to show them. Where is it/How do I get it? Sorry to seem ignorant and on top of that, I can't access the 'recalls/TSB' page right now (unable to link up).

 

V10man,

So there is no drilling into the trans? It that true for both gauges? Also how did you mount the guage?

Thanks
Rick

 

Now I'm really concerned. I have the Issopro gauge mounted correctely into the side of the trans. The tranny got cooking on my last tow. Like I indicated previously, it was +230 and just about hitting 260!

I was finally able to get into the 'recalls/TSBs' page. I queried '99, '00, '01 F250 and F350. The only tranny related bulletin was for possible contamination in the lines from the cooler.

I was not able to find a bulletin regarding the warranty installation of a water cooled transmission radiator.

And like I said, with tranny temp approaching 260 for 30-45 minutes under tow, I wonder if I may have damaged the transmission.

Regardless, I have an appointment tomorrow AM at Ford. The truck is under warranty but, based on my telephone conversations with the service dept., I feel they are reluctant to delve into the tranny at this time.

Your suggestions, comments or specific TSB bulletins would be greatly appreciated.

 

[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 29-Jul-01 AT 03:08&nbsp;PM (EST)[/font][p]BMc check out this post: http://forums.ford-diesel.com/cgi-bin/ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=15&t=004586 It should help!

No drilling required. Just remove the port plug and install the sender. DIS will send the right one. Give them a call. I installed my guage just to the right of the steering column. I can see it ok through the steering wheel and shift lever. Depending on your height and where you set the tilt on the wheel you may not be able to see it well enough. Here are some tips for the install.

There are some brackets behind the dash. Measure carefully before cutting the hole. You can access this area be removing the lower panel. I was off my 1/4" and had to do some "special trimming"

Use just a little bit of teflon tape on the sender. Maybe 3 wraps around the last 1/2 of threads. The sender needs to ground and be able to seal. Don't leave any loose on the end that could enter the tranny. Don't over tighten it. It will break off and now you have problems! Mine leaked a little at first but quit with the tape.

Ford was wise enough to provide through the firewall wires. Use one of them for the sender wire. Also use the brown wire thats with the trailer brake wires for the guage light. I changed the clear bulb for a blue one because it was too bright. I believe you also need a switched on/off 12V+ source and a 12V - source. I'm not sure what I used here. Maybe more of the trailer brake wires. I could look.

Here is a pic. Not my truck but you get the idea. Also, the auto tranny shift lever would be in the way some accross the top of the guage. http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=126241&a=926826&p=14130176&Sequence=1&res=h igh You'd have to sit in your truck and eyeball it and see if it would work for you.

 

BMc

Here is another post that has the TSB and discription.

http://forums.ford-diesel.com/cgi-bin/ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=24&t=001784

IMHO you most definantly qualify!!! Give Ford hell if you have to. I just wish I was still under warranty.. I'd do it in a heart beat.

 

[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 30-Jul-01 AT 02:44&nbsp;PM (EST)[/font][p][font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 30-Jul-01 AT 02:44 PM (EST)[/font]

V10man, thank you for all the information. I will be looking to install a trans temp and boost guage. It is always good to talk to someone who has done a installation and knows what to look for.

Thank you again.
Rick