New to the register

[WHardy]

I use my stock 96, auto, 3:55, to pull a 36 ft KIT Patio Hauler, including the 93 Soft Tail and the wife’s shoes I figure I`m pulling 13k+ lbs. In the costal plains around the gulf coast have not experienced any problems and have been pretty pleased with my purchase. (used with 48k mile). On a recent trip through Tx and NM I experienced a high temp situation as I pulled north out of Santa Fe up a long stretch to Taos. My temp was peaking as I reached the top of the pass. Anyway, need input on cause and potential solutions. I noted one post where the owner had his radiator cleaned out and changed his thermostat as a solution??. I`m definitely interested in more HP but want to start out with a solid base. One other issue that I have noticed is that after the truck sits up a few days I have to idle for a minute or so prior to the auto engaging?? Is this an indicator of a pending transmission problem. Thanks in advance for any replies.

 

[samb]

Whardy welcome to the post. On the transmission problem the cause is the tc is leaking back and has to fill back up before it will start pulling. My 97 dose the same thing. Nothing to worry about. The cooling problem I can't give you any advice except to flush it out and replace the thermostate.



Sam B.

 

[Joe G.]

WHardy, welcome to this mess! Sam is right about the TC drain back. It's just an extra added (no extra cost) attraction that you get with a TorqueFlite transmission. My Dad's '63 Plymouth factory hot rod did the same thing. It's especially bad if you park all night with the nose up hill. Just let it idle in N for a few seconds and you're good for the rest of the day.

 

[Big John]

WHardy... Welcome aboard. The overheating you discussed could be as simple as flushing out the system and putting in new coolant. The thermo may be a second thing to look at. I have pulled that same road with my '96, but I am running @ 3K less than you are. That makes quite a bit of difference. I have never had even a scare at high temps. Even in the dead of summer here in Texas I run around 170 or so pulling or not.



Big John