Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Fastest way to cool the AT?

[DSutton]

I recently had an experience that made me wonder. I was pulling an unfamiliar hill and it got much steeper than I anticipated. Pulling the trailer I weighed in @ 18. 5K, and the grade was 10%. After going down to 2nd the transmission started to warm up, and there was no good place to stop. By the time I stopped the gauge was reading around 210. As I sat the temp went on up. My instinct was to let the truck idle in park and let the fluid circulate and cool. This took forever. When the temp came back down a little I shut the truck off and restarted it every 5-7 minutes. This seemed more effective. Is this the best way to cool the transmission quickly?



BTW the hill was in NE Wyoming, on highway 14 alt (Chief joseph pass)

 

[98rammer]

that's one of the problems with these trannies (stock), they don't circulate fluid in park... but will in all the other gears.



Tom

 

[LSMITH]

Put it in NUETRAL and rev it up to 1500-2000 RPM and hold it there. The temps will come down the fastest this way. Putting it in Park with a stock VB essentially cuts off all cooler flow and lube circuit flow, it is not a good thing to do to a hot transmission. BTW, 210 really is not that hot unless your probe is in the pan.

 

[bmoeller]

An aftermarket VB w/2nd gear capability lock-up would help also.

 

[Bob Wagner]

where were you reading your temps? in the pan or in the line out?



Good call Howard

 

[DSutton]

In the pan.



How difficult is it to install in the line? I understand it is a lot more accurate and reacts quicker

 

[Bob Wagner]

you can get a replacement line from the dealer or from TDR transmission vendors



I also use amsoil universal atf and it really keeps things cool





(No I am not an amsoil dealer, just a user)

 

[LSMITH]

OK, 210 in the pan is pretty darn hot, time to get scared hot. Change the oil ASAP.



Probe in the line is the best way. The new line with the port in it as Bob suggested is the best way to get it done.

 

[wsmalley]

I agree. Get a new line with a port, and get a VB that will allow 2nd-lockup and install a lock-up switch. And definately check your fluid, 210 in the pan is kinda worrysome, possibly damaging. Down here in the South we call that "A BAD THING"

 

[illflem]

No need for a new line

On your '95 with the RH transmission the middle test port on the passenger side reads the same temp as the outlet line to the cooler. Not so with the RE trans used later. In fact your '95 already has the outlet line with a port for the stock probe which shouldn't be removed. Test port has the same thread as most temp probes.