Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Six-speed Trans Temp Gauge

[MARSHMELLOWS]

GAUGE INSTALL SOON in near future [boost, EGT, fuel, and ?]



Mostly a daily driver, about 24 miles (daily) to/from work. Will take 6,000(+) LB. trailer on a 1,000+ mile trip at least once a year. Other trailer trips 100 miles or less.



Do I need a trans temp gauge for my 6 SPEED ? I'm such a "OVERKILL TYPE" that I've considered "FAST COOLERS" too !?! Any comments or opinions? What range of temps are obtained in a 6 speed ?







Would appreciate some advise from the "SPA GAUGE TYPES" Dreaming towards a 2 gauge SPA setup w/tweeter on the post. What combination would you recommend ? (if the 4th option if not a trans temp gauge ?)



I recently saw a BD "X-MONITOR" on a 01' W/tweeter on post. The tweeter resulted in the unit being a 'bit higher' cosmetically than I appreciated. Any comments/opinions THANKS, JIM

 

[Wheaties]

Jim,



I did what I think you intend to do. I bought two SPA gauges, the boost/egt and a fuel/oil temp gauge. I also have a six speed, but don't do much towing.



After asking lots of folk, I generally got the opinion that I probably didn't need a temp gauge on my six speed, and that getting the engine oil temp might be more useful. This is very easily done as there's a conveinient plug for the probe on the top of the filter housing. Should I change my mind, the probe can always be moved over to the transmission.



I also got the pillar mount for the two gauges. SPA's look faint if you look at them from below eye level, something to do with the design of the LCD's. The pillar mount does not have the gauges in parallel, the upper gauge is tipped up quite a bit more than the bottom. Consequently, the upper gauge is a bit harder to read at night, though still legible.



In spite of these minor flaws, I really love my SPA gauges!



Matt

 

[dresslered]

I monitor my engine oil temp and rear end oil temp. But as far as I can tell, the six-speed needs nothing at all!

 

[Diesel Gunner]

I used a triple pillar setup with Westach gauges. The top gauge is a boost/egt, then the middle unit is a dual temp monitoring the trans and rear diff. My bottom gauge is the fuel pressure switched pre and post filter. The EGT is also switched pre and post turbo.



The temp gauges on the rear diff and trans usually stay within 10 to 20 degrees of each other. Temperatures depend on ouside temp and load. Running empty in the winter may at times only allow temps to get to 125 degrees. Pulling 11,000 pound trailer up a long grade I have seen temps in the 210 degree range.



I have also thought that monitoring engine oil temp might be more important than transmission. However, it may be better to install a switch and be able to monitor all three. It really boils down to how muh time and money you want to invest.

 

[Kirwin]

4 way switch

I used a 4 way switch with my Cyberdyne oil temp gauge. Works great. Less than $5 from Grainger. It senses rear differential, transmission, transfer case, and front differential. Rear differential is always the hottest when everything steadies out while towing. About 200 F. Transmission runs very close to engine coolant temperature. Mines a 5 speed though.