Trans Cooler Issues???
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Freshman User
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Trans Cooler Issues???
I put the 6.0 trans cooler on my 99 PSD and it heats up to about the 175 range for normal driving and 200-210 towing. Put the TRU Cool without bypass on and towing got up to 225 before I pulled over to let it cool and disconnect the TRU Cool.
Could the tranny be having problems pumping thru this series setup for some reason? Or am I not reading the dipstick correctly and don't have enough tranny oil in it?
Thanks
Could the tranny be having problems pumping thru this series setup for some reason? Or am I not reading the dipstick correctly and don't have enough tranny oil in it?
Thanks
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: N. Georgia
Sounds like you have a restriction in the lines or in the coolers. I would start by looking for a kink or too tight of a turn in the hoses and metal lines. If you can't find one, you might want to do a flow test to make sure you are getting circulation. What were your temps before you started with the coolers?
Joe
Joe
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Freshman User
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No kinks or sharp turns. Had the stock cooler and some cheap aftermarket coolers before and didn't notice a temp problem when I purchased the truck in Nov. but it was cold out and only drove short distances. Noticed a couple of months ago that temop would get up to 220 with normal driving and I changed to the 6.0 cooler with the cheap aftermarket one. Still getting 220 so I took the cheap cooler off and would run 175. I still needed to be cooler for towing because I hit 200-210 towing my 5th wheel around the mountains so I added the TRU Cool and temps went back up to 220-230.
The oil returning to the tranny is cool but I was thinking it may not be flowing fast enough??
James
The oil returning to the tranny is cool but I was thinking it may not be flowing fast enough??
James
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2005
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From: AZ
Have you considered dropping the pan and checking the "filter" inside the tranny? Also, I'd check the flow rate...it should be about 32 ounces in 15 seconds. I run the stock cooler with a Trans-Kool added inline and never see 175 degrees pulling my fifth wheel unless it is over 100 degrees and I am pulling a mountain pass slowly. As long as I can move (40-70 mph) I never see 175, let alone 200 
.
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Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Utah County, UT
I agree with nlemerise, I don't see much of anything above 180 with the trucool on mine when I am towing. Where did you put your temperature probe at? Most everyone is using the pressure port.
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2005
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From: British Columbia
Check valve in bypass line stuck wide or partially open. With 6.0 cooler, mine never gets above 120 unloaded or over 160 with 12K lb. 5th wheel behind. This is through mountains with 5 to 8 % grade for 25 miles at 80 degree outside temp.
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The guages were in it when I bought it but, the sensor is on the drivers side of the tranny just above the pan line about even with the drain bolt. I will be changing filter, fluid, and upgrading to BTS VB this weekend. I will verify flow rate at that time as well although it does seem to flow pretty well.
The bypass valve is in the 3/8" line that connects the front and back of the tranny on the passenger side correct? And do I remove it and see if I can push air thru it to check it? Also, I have the Trucool mounted to the air cond cooler within an 1/8-1/4" is this a good spot?
James
The bypass valve is in the 3/8" line that connects the front and back of the tranny on the passenger side correct? And do I remove it and see if I can push air thru it to check it? Also, I have the Trucool mounted to the air cond cooler within an 1/8-1/4" is this a good spot?
James
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Junior User
Joined: Feb 2005
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From: British Columbia
Yes, it has a valve in it that requires certain pressure for it to open. When fluid is too cold, pressure is up and valve opens so oil bypasses cooler and circulates through trans to warm up. When warm, pressure drops and valve closes sending fluid through cooler. Stick with the 6.0 cooler, largest one available and best flow with its 1/2" lines.
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Freshman User
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fsheare,
Are you saying that I should replace the 3/8" lines from tranny to cooler with 1/2"? I simply used couplers to put the 6.0 cooler on to the 3/8" lines. Also, I have 35" tires on the beast, how much will this affect the tranny?
Are you saying that I should replace the 3/8" lines from tranny to cooler with 1/2"? I simply used couplers to put the 6.0 cooler on to the 3/8" lines. Also, I have 35" tires on the beast, how much will this affect the tranny?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 4,243
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From: AZ
I wouldn't change line size...the problem isn't in the line size. I'd do the flow rate check after the truck is warmed up at along the route from the tranny to the coolers and from the coolers back to the tranny. I'd do the flow rate BEFORE I pulled the pan...that way if you find low flow rates you can check the lines/coolers for internal obstructions. Once you know there are no internal obstructions in lines and coolers, then you'll know the problem lies inside the tranny. I can't speak to tire size effect on the cooling issue with experience, but given proper flow rates with the cooling setup you have I cannot imagine it to be significant...otherwise everyone here with larger tires would be having tranny cooling problems...and that isn't happening as far as I know.
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Well I checked the flow today and seems fine thru both coolers, changed fluid and filter (replacement filter sump/intake opening shorter than the stock one though??) while I installed the BTS VB. No change in temps but the return line is very cool to the touch compared to the intake.
As for the BTS VB, WOW, WOW, WOW! What a difference, can't wait to tow with it.
Back to the heat issue, I talked to the previous owner and he said that is where it has always ran. How do I check the bypass valve though?
James
As for the BTS VB, WOW, WOW, WOW! What a difference, can't wait to tow with it.
Back to the heat issue, I talked to the previous owner and he said that is where it has always ran. How do I check the bypass valve though?
James
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Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Elroy, Wisconsin
Check the ground wire for your transmission temp guage. I had cool trans fluid also but guage read 230. Finally it was suggesed I check the guage ground and found I had not installed a ground wire to guage. It made a 100 degree difference when I added the ground wire. Now my guage reads around 125 without a loadl. Haven't had the trailer on it yet but that suggestion really helped me. It just might be the problem.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 4,243
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From: AZ
You know, Rat2 brings up a good point...perhaps the temperature is fine but your gauge is wacko? There is some evidence that this might be the case...the fluid is cool returning from the cooler, the tranny runs fine, the previous owner says that is the temp it has always run...How about running the truck to get the fluid temp up, pulling a sample, and taking the temp with a known good thermometer?
