Overworking a 400?
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,729
Likes: 2
4x4 or 2wd? I pull my 25' goose with my 79 250 4x4 400 4brl c6 and don't have many over working issues. Their's only been once that I've "over worked" the engine starting out on a hill with a load. But it was a very steep incline with a stop sign at the top.. pulling out onto a busy main road.... can't do a rolling stop there very well.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,232
Likes: 3
From: NE Texas
I would worry a lot more about the transmission than the engine. When you pull heavy loads with an a/t, you need to change the fluid OFTEN.
I can't remember the exact numbers, but there was a question on the ASE transmission test about excessive heat drastically shortening the life of transmission fluid. If I remember correctly, for every 10 degrees above normal fluid temperature, the fluid change interval should be cut in half.
Without doing the math, this means change it OFTEN. The fluid temp increases radically when towing a heavy load.
Good luck,
Doc
I can't remember the exact numbers, but there was a question on the ASE transmission test about excessive heat drastically shortening the life of transmission fluid. If I remember correctly, for every 10 degrees above normal fluid temperature, the fluid change interval should be cut in half.
Without doing the math, this means change it OFTEN. The fluid temp increases radically when towing a heavy load.
Good luck,
Doc
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,637
Likes: 349
From: Albuquerque
Keep in mind a hot engine will heat up the tranny and vise/versa as they both exchnge heat in the radiator. Ruining one can ruin the other. I'd invest in some serious tranny cooler and a temp gauge for both.
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Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
Thanks for the feedback. My truck is 4X4, and it already has a tranny cooler & a oil cooler for the transfer case. It had been built up for plowing snow, but I was worried about towing capacity. I don't have a temp gauge for either the transmission or the transfer case, but I like the suggestion.
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,255
Likes: 37
Put a filter in the cooling line also to extend transmission life.
Wix transmission/PS filter
===================
Wix transmission/PS filter #58964
Ford equivalent filter kit #XC3Z-7B155-AA
Ford filter alone #XC3P-7B155-BA
200 psi working, pressure relieved, magnetic
change yearly or 12000 miles
Wix transmission/PS filter
===================
Wix transmission/PS filter #58964
Ford equivalent filter kit #XC3Z-7B155-AA
Ford filter alone #XC3P-7B155-BA
200 psi working, pressure relieved, magnetic
change yearly or 12000 miles
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Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 166
Likes: 0
From: Masontown, WV
I agree with installing temperature gauges. On a long heavy pull they will let you know right away what is going on rather than waiting for something to show signs of overheating.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,637
Likes: 349
From: Albuquerque
You can use an electric temp gauge as for water temp. Put a sensor in the oil drain by using a reducer, put on in the coolant and another in the tranny remote filter mount. Use a three way switch at the gauge to flip between the three fluids. Works like a charm