Hot trans

[Bart]

Now that the weather is warming up and I finally have the trans gauge connected I find I may have a problem. Running in heavy stop and go traffic the trans temps pegs the 250 degree mark. On the open road (trip to Portland Oregon) it worked great (125 degrees). I'm going to put a cooling fan in front of the trans cooler. Has any one done this and if so what size, brand etc. fits between the cooler and the grill?

 

[BushWakr - RIP]

Bart, the A518 auto runs hotter than the newer trans. do.

Normal around town should be about 160* - 185*F

The transmission has a 'thermal switch' which will kick it out of OD and into 3rd as well as prevent another upshift into OD when the temp hits 276*F (I think)

I have seen 230*F pulling a long steep hill loaded with camper, utility trailer and goods for 2 weeks in the bush.

250*F around town is high, even for stop and go city driving. I NEVER see those temps.

If I'm in real heavy traffic, crawling/stopping, AC on I can hit 200*F but then I grab "N" to let it cool.



This is just my opinion but, those temps suggest excessive slippage, low oil, plugged cooler/lines, or something.

Before you spend cash on auxilary cooling you might want to look for the root cause of the high temps. Remember, those (high temps) are symptoms of something else and extra cooling will only mask the problem until they possibly become fatal.

Thats just my own personal approach and you can tell me to buzz off,, no harm, no foul.

By the way, line flushing can cause more problems than it helps too.



Regards, Bush'

 

[hdm48]

Bart, Bushwakr has a very good point. Find the problem first. Make sure your idle speed isn't too high. Remember, 99 % of auto transmission heat is produced by the torque converter. And have your cooler pulse cleaned. Most transmission shops will do this and prices will vary.

Another thing to do is have the transmission serviced by someone who KNOWS torqueflites. And put some lube guard friction modifier in it. Our trannys love that stuff.



good luck --dave--

 

[Bart]

Thanks, guys. I think I better contact Bill K and find his recommended service repre in my area. Kudos to all of the TDR people out there.