tran temp
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tran temp
I need some advice on tran temp . I am leaving Phoenix on the way to Co. The pull from phoenix to Flagstaff is long and steep. My concern is what trany temp I can be safe with for a long hard pull of approx. an hour long.I am pulling a 5th that about maxes out the GVWR. FTE is agreat place for info.
03 PSD 2X4
4" ex
Superchip set at safe tow
EGT Boost & tran temp guage
HXP
6637 air
MAP mod
03 PSD 2X4
4" ex
Superchip set at safe tow
EGT Boost & tran temp guage
HXP
6637 air
MAP mod
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,248
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From: Elverson, PA
Originally Posted by aklim
I would say under 180 would be excellent. Wouldnt let it go over 210 or something like that.
I had to let off on a couple long uphill pulls last year on the way to the Adirondacks for vacation (towing about 8000lbs) - and that really sucks! On a roll - haulin right along with EGT's at like 1100* - but having to get out of it because of tranny temps!!
I hope to have solved the problem with my new TruCool, and other tranny mods! 
Last edited by CAT_man_963; Apr 22, 2006 at 02:04 PM.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Hartford, WI
Originally Posted by CAT_man_963
This is a thing where some have a lot higher #'s for max temps... but I'd agree with Aklim - I wouldn't let my rig get over 210*... Keep an eye on your temps and if you have trouble - I'd suggest looking into an aftermarket tranny cooler!!
I had to let off on a couple long uphill pulls last year on the way to the Adirondacks for vacation (towing about 8000lbs) - and that really sucks! On a roll - haulin right along with EGT's at like 1100* - but having to get out of it because of tranny temps!! I hope to have solved the problem with my new TruCool, and other tranny mods!
I had to let off on a couple long uphill pulls last year on the way to the Adirondacks for vacation (towing about 8000lbs) - and that really sucks! On a roll - haulin right along with EGT's at like 1100* - but having to get out of it because of tranny temps!!
I hope to have solved the problem with my new TruCool, and other tranny mods! 
New User
Joined: Apr 2006
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Unless you’re running synthetic fluid, 210 is a good number to stay under. The 10k-11k I pull (live in NV, but pull steep grades in So Cal, UT, around Laughlin, etc.) used to get the tranny hot, but I switched to synthetic fluid and added the deeper (stronger) pan too – now rarely climbs above 200 pulling even in the summer heat. I do plan to add another cooler (with its own fan) – if I keep my 2000 7.3 extended cab as the kids are growing and I may need to go to the crew cab.
Posting Guru
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From: Elkhorn, WI
this info is from www.dieselsite.com
Millions of automatic transmissions fail every year from overheating.
If you tow a boat, trailer, camper or drive in Stop & Go traffic you risk overheating your transmission fluid.
Millions of automatic transmissions fail every year from overheating.
If you tow a boat, trailer, camper or drive in Stop & Go traffic you risk overheating your transmission fluid.
- Transmission coolers help extend the life of your transmission fluid and can prevent transmission failure from overheating.
- When your transmission fluid reaches 200? it starts breaking down.
- At 240 � varnishes form and transmission life expectancy is cut in half.
- At 260 � the transmissions internal seals and rubber parts harden and major damage starts.
- Above 295 � you transmission start slipping, clutches burn out and carbon forms.
- With each 20 � drop in operating temperature, your fluid and equipment life doubles.
- Installing a cooler before damage starts and by reducing the transmission fluid temperature by as much as 60 � can greatly extend the life of your transmission.
- Installing a transmission cooler can prevent transmission burnout.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Hartford, WI
Originally Posted by Muktown
this info is from www.dieselsite.com
Millions of automatic transmissions fail every year from overheating.
If you tow a boat, trailer, camper or drive in Stop & Go traffic you risk overheating your transmission fluid.
Millions of automatic transmissions fail every year from overheating.
If you tow a boat, trailer, camper or drive in Stop & Go traffic you risk overheating your transmission fluid.
- Transmission coolers help extend the life of your transmission fluid and can prevent transmission failure from overheating.
- When your transmission fluid reaches 200? it starts breaking down.
- At 240 � varnishes form and transmission life expectancy is cut in half.
How is the fluid affected at those temps if it is say synthetic?
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Postmaster
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From: New Hampshire
Originally Posted by aklim
How is the fluid affected at those temps if it is say synthetic?
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Hartford, WI
Originally Posted by johnny8
as far as i know... syn has 2 main advantages... it flows better when cold and it can withstand more heat before it starts to break down... i think it also helps these transmisions work better, but that is pure speculation on my part, i have no proof to offer to back that up... i still think an addtional cooler is a MUST on these mules... the only proven way to help your tranny last longer is to keep the temps down... fortunately for me, i know my truck only did light duty before i put the tranny cooler on it, so i have high hopes this tranny will last... i just passed 100k and it's doing great so far...
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Rio Rico, AZ.
What I'm reading from that description is the clutches and seals are the parts that fail when really hot. The fluid breaks down as well but with fried seals, you won't be able to generate any hydraulic pressure to move the truck. Get that cooler installed BEFORE you go and then no worries.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,308
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From: Hartford, WI
I guess that synthetic fluid will hold up better. So, the question is at what temp will the trans start to lose mileage. I beileve a lot of the charts start with above a certain number but are they taking the advantages of syn into account?
I didn't want to play with the larger cooler so I went gonzo and installed the 6.0 cooler.
I didn't want to play with the larger cooler so I went gonzo and installed the 6.0 cooler.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: New Hampshire
i would say... imo... with syn fluid... i would keep the temps below 250 to be reasonably safe... with the cooler i have, i have not seen any temps above 190... if i saw the tranny getting over 200 i would back off and let her cool down, but that's just me... i almost NEVER see temps above 180... i would say with the 6.0 cooler you have, just watch close when towing and you should be fine... you'll be glad you put that cooler on if you are ever towing something big on a hot day...
Lead Driver
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From: Hartford, WI
Reason I ask is dad is hauling a trailer that is for ATVs and is about 30 feet long. Also he has a camper on the back and has synthetic fluid (Amsoil). He has a 99 F350 PSD. While he has 80K on the clock and the tranny is ok, he has no temp gauge and won't know where the temp is. He feels that if the tranny hasn't broken, it is ok.All he has is the deep pan.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: CA Bay Area
Somebody is giving lot of BS here.
Standard ATF is safe up to 250 F on pulling and up to 325 F on braking.
In my motorhome I see 250 F most of the time and few seconds on retarder gets it quickly above 300 F.
You might say it will not last for long this way? My motorhome with 8V71 Detroit is 33 years old. Try again.
Standard ATF is safe up to 250 F on pulling and up to 325 F on braking.
In my motorhome I see 250 F most of the time and few seconds on retarder gets it quickly above 300 F.
You might say it will not last for long this way? My motorhome with 8V71 Detroit is 33 years old. Try again.