Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Snow plow + CTD + Auto trans = Problems

[RChalmers7]

About a week ago, after about foot of snow fell in Northwest Ohio, I was out plowing a friend's 1/4 mile long runway (in high range) in my 96' 4x4 auto w/3. 54s. Five or six passes left me wanting to put the truck into low. Before I could make it to the next pass, my trans to exchanger line blew off of the exchanger, causing me to dump my fluid.



I towed it home and found that the plastic quick connect got hot enough to completely melt away. So, now, after repait to the fitting and a refill of the trans, I've got some issues.



In the morning (or otherwise when cold) the trans acts like it has no or low fluid. It starts by not moving at all for 10-20 seconds and as the truck warms up it "slips" and shifts sluggishly until finally going away when warm. Usually it doesn't act right until after 3-4 miles of driving.



The truck has a 3000 old rebuild on it with a new convertor. The trans was perfect (or as perfect as it could get) before the line blew off. Has this ever happened to anyone else? Does anyone know what I damaged when this happened?



Thanks

Ryan

 

[tp0d]

When you replaced the hose that blew, did the old one have a check valve in it? Sounds like the new hose is draining the system due to the lack of a check, and it takes a bit to refill everything in the morning. Try idling in neutral for 30sec-1min before moving the truck, as the transmission doesnt circ fluid in park, only neutral or a gear.



and for pushing that amount of snow, low should always be used. much less strain on the transmission and transfer case. might be a good idea to idle in neutral to cool the transmission every couple passes. reverse heats it up the worst.



good luck



Ohya. . welcome to the TDR!!



-jerry

 

[RChalmers7]

Thanks for the welcome.



The check ball is in the line. Ive been told by a few people to remove this due to it causing a restriction. But, like you said, if it is removed let the truck warm up for a min. or two before moving it. Also, my valve body was modified during the rebuild to allow cooler flow in park.



I have heard that a lip seal in the front of the transmission may have been damaged by the heat. Has anyone heard of this or had this problem?

 

[len70]

take the ball out

i've plowed for 5 years with both my ctds. when i removed the check ball i have yet to see my trans past 150 degrees. we just had 18 to 22 inches of snow ,plowed 35 hours straight , never got past 150 degrees in either truck. the 94 ctd with 3. 55 has an ats trans and the 98 has 4. 10 with a suncoast trans. both trucks do have the dd transmission pans though.