Engine Cooling - high temps

[hammersley]

My 2001, when not towing mind you, but going up a long steep hill, will move the temp gauge, when outside air is 80-90, beyond the 190 degree mark a little bit. When I come to the top and back off, the guage will go back to normal. Do I need a transmission cooler? What gives here - I'm not towing anything yet and she starts to creep up. Maybe that's all it will go, but I've heard of manual guys not having the guage move. Comments?

 

[Chace TX]

For what its worth. I just pulled the first load with my new (3400 miles) 5 speed. About 93 degrees today. I noticed the gauge climbed slightly higher than normal, but only a few (10-20) degrees. Drove it hard and it did not go any higher.

 

[Texas Diesel]

when the outside air is mid 90's or higher my 2001 creeps to the 12 oclock position or sometimes a little higher. towing moves it more.

 

[hammersley]

Thanks for the data - I guess it's just normal to run up a bit. I'll watch it during my vacation in a couple of weeks.

 

[fmj]

So far this summer I've run empty in 115+ degree outside temps, and the engine temp bounces a needle width above when climbing to a needle width below the 190 mark when level. Pulling a car hauler at 95 to 100+, it does the same. My transmission temps run about 140 normally when empty at outside temps of 85 and below. When the outside temps get to the 115 mark, the trans temps go to the 150 range on level to 160 while pulling a stiff grade in OD. I just got the trans temps to 170 last weekend while pulling empty on a 20+ mile 6% grade on a curvey road that wouldn't let me get above 35 mph. I kept it out of OD. I tried to keep it in 3rd and let the trans shift, but the switchbacks were still causing me to break. I had to shift to 2nd and leave it there. I have pulled my 24 ft car hauler with car ( appox. 7500) in 90 to 100+ degree outside temps. I don't tow in OD. The trans temp runs 140 - 150 on the slight rolling hills. On a 6% grade of 15+ miles, I can get the trans up to the 170 mark but haven't seen it go any higher. Sorry for the length of this, but it will give you another mark to measure against. I think what your seeing sounds normal.