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Trans temp rises fast

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Old May 21, 2009 | 10:00 AM
  #1  
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Trans temp rises fast

I've read through hours of posts to try to resolve my issue. Hope someone can guide me in the right direction.
My trans would get hot this winter. Temp would just keep climbing until I pull over. Then, next day, it was fine. So I replaced the bypass and everything seemed better but the trans still warms up fast. Up to 130/140 no matter what the outside temp is and then pretty much stays stable there unless I tow my 12,000 lb fifth wheel. Then temps get to about 170/180 with easy driving. I checked the fluid rate per the instructions at dieselsite.com. All appears to be good on fluid flow rate. I changed trans filter and fluid.
Now for the issue. If I jump on the go pedal I can watch the trans temp go up fast. It'll go from 130 to 160, 180, 190,,, in seconds. Got to 190 yesterday (new DP tuner installed) and I decided to let her cool down at home. When I'm playing hard I also smell trans fluid. Not coming out anywhere, just smell it in the cab and outside the truck. I know the temps are acceptable but it just seems to me that they are climbing way too fast??? is this normal? I don't want to fix what isn't broke but I don't want to be stranded while towing either.
 
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Old May 21, 2009 | 10:05 AM
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Have you checked to see if your cooler is plugged up?
 
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Old May 21, 2009 | 10:13 AM
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I plan to flush it very soon and also try bypassing the tru-cool.
The fluid flow test would indicate it is flowing ok?
Yesterday when I got home I let the truck cool down at idle then shut her down for about 30 minutes. Started back up and put my hand on the tru-cool. Thinking the fluid in the trans would be warmer than the fluid in the cooler. I could feel the cooler warm up within seconds.
Also, shifting feels fine and firm.
 
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Old May 21, 2009 | 10:40 AM
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Are you sure you temp sender is working correctly. What kind of guages do you have? Some Isspro guages have problems with the box dont remember what that box is called. Can you get one of those hand held infared temp checkers and check the line temp at the tranny and see if it really is that hot or if there is a problem w/the guage. Your oil temp cannot raise 60 degrees within seconds which make me think its a guage problem.
 
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Old May 21, 2009 | 10:52 AM
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good point Costa. I'll see if I can find some way to accurately measure temp. I did replace the sender for the trans temp because it was DOA.
 
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Old May 21, 2009 | 11:14 AM
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Good point Costa... worth looking into for sure.
 
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Old May 21, 2009 | 11:28 AM
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X2 on the infared temp gun. I think you guys are on to something here.
 
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Old May 21, 2009 | 11:46 AM
  #8  
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Hey, this could come in handy. How cold is my beer?
From the Cabela's web site...
"With a simple press of the button you can instantly determine the temperature of virtually anything you point the laser at – even from a distance. This unique digital thermometer can be used for canvassing a stream or lake for likely fishing spots, and it's perfect for determining hatches, spawning times and feeding periods. Instantly locate cold or warm spots to quickly eliminate unproductive waters, without disturbing the surface and alerting fish to your presence. When not fishing, this handy device can be used for detecting a clogged catalytic converter, misfiring spark plug, sticking brake shoes and countless other uses. With so many practical applications, as well as a phenomenal fishing tool, it's a perfect gift for any outdoorsman, mechanic, horticulturist or hobbyist.
# Availible Models: MT-100: -27° to 230°F
# MT-PRO: -76° to 932°F
 
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Old May 21, 2009 | 11:53 AM
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Nice find Mike!
 
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Old May 21, 2009 | 01:55 PM
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Thats it!! Best of all the price is right too. I think you can fint them at Northern Tools also.
 
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