Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) 96 With Auto Runs Hot

[RAndrae]

I have a friend with a 96 that has a ATS transmission #10 fuel plate guages ect. They pull alot and the engine temp climbs when pulling. They replaced the fan clutch , flushed the radiator ect but still gets hot. The truck has done this since new. Any ideas?? whats the new thermostat part ## and what about putting another transmission cooler b4 the radiator?? Thanks alot

 

[Lsfarm]

Should not be the trans

If he has an ATS or other upgraded transmission then he should be towing with the TC locked. With the TC locked there is very little heat created by the trans, and therefore adding an additional or larger trans cooler will have no effect on the engine temps.



If by chance he is pulling with the TC unlocked, then tell him to lock it!! That is how the upgraded trans' are meant to be used. Also is this overheating when on the freeway, or when negotiating slow twisting roads where he might not be using Lock on the TC??



The most probable cause of heating is the radiator pluged with dead bugs, leaves, and dirt. Make sure the outside of the radiator and A/C condernser are clean, this often the problem.



Other wise, make sure the fan clutch is engaging when the temp guage gets to about 200* there is no mistaking the fan engaging, it sounds like a jet ariplane just passed over the truck.



Hope this helps, Greg L

 

[bmoeller]

A 180* thermostat should help, I have one. I don't have to p/n handy, it's in the truck at the farm. Maybe his is sticking. Have heard that the rubber seal on the t-stat itself can come loose and cause the t-stat to stick.

 

[Joe G.]

On my recent trip to Oregon I noticed that the temp guage did not cycle like it normally does and it was running a little warmer than usual. I pulled the t-stat. The rubber cover had jammed it open and was interferring with it opening all the way. I got a new one at NAPA. It's back to normal again. I really can't complain since I got 230K miles on the truck before the t-stat caused a problem.