Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) transmission cross over tube

[rweis]

When changing the transmission cross over tube to the cooler for one with a port in it and taking the one way check valve out I am getting the impression there are consequences for the T/C.



On a different forum I get the idea that the check valve helps hold fluid in the TC, and if it is not there that you MUST idle the transmission in NEUTRAL (not park for a stock transmission) for about 40 seconds BEFORE you do anything else (I think to get the fluid flow and quantity to the TC).



Could I put a guage on a transmission port (accumulator, etc etc) or on the cross over line port, see the pressure build, wait until the pressure is at a idle setting (approx 60 psi) and be SURE that the TC has fluid flow and has adequate fluid before gear engagement?



Thanks in advance.



Bob Weis

 

[sag2]

The check valve holds the fluid in the TC so you don't have delayed engagement after it sets for a day or two. If it is working I would leave it there unless you are going to let it run every morning. Failure to get fluid fill before trying to drive will cause unnecessary heat and wear.

 

[inarush76]

check valve

When installing the line with the port that also has the short rubber hose, you must remove the check ball, spring, and retainer from the fitting in the heat exchanger as the rubber hose has a check valve in it also. While the check valve does reduce drainback, it also serves as some restriction to cooler flow which as a reminder, not only serves to cool the fluid, but is also the fluid that provides the lubrication for the geartrain in the trans and OD section. Allowing a short time in neutral on cold start up allows not only the torque converter to charge fully, but also allows the lube system to charge up so that the geartrain in the trans is not making a dry start. I replace a good number of OD piston supports due to wear and most times the customer will admit to making quick cold take offs. Eliminating the check valve, and letting the truck run for a moment before driving away helps in several ways.

In answer to the question, yes putting a gauge in the cooler line would help to know if the converter was charged, however you would need to install the gauge in the return line at the trans(rear) so you could also see that the lube circuit was also charged.

Hope this helps.

James

DTT installer/builder

 

[rweis]

James, Thanks, I sent you a pm