Weekend maintenance on the '01

[JR]

I think I can get a 31 to fit in my gen 4. Comparing the Interstate 31 I have to my 27's, the 31 is roughly 5/8 longer. Its also a little taller but that won't be a factor. It's going to come down to wether my battery tray will accommodate the extra length, and I may have to change the cables up. The posts on my truck batteries are at the edge of the battery, and the factory cables terminals are essentially a 90 so that the cables run down along side the battery. Where as the 31 posts are closer to center. If it physically fits without having to modify the battery tray I'll rework the cables as needed. I think it would make a big difference during the cold winter months, not to mention would be taxing them substantially less compared to the 27's.

 

[NIsaacs]

Nick I just looked at your other picture, yes thats where they would be. Some batteries have access to the individual cells, like a round cap, others the cap is one piece.

Yes, they do have a small round lid under the sticker, at least this one does. It is right at the end of the pencil. I assume there are 5 more. Note the vent, there is one on each end. I probably won't mess with them, the sticker has the warrantee date. Note how clean the battery is, that is why I like this type over the big removeable tops. They vent all over the cables and make a mess.

 

[NIsaacs]

Michael, I think my '01 had group 65's as oem. I think they were a Mopar branded Delco, because they had the green eye view glass thing. I have a 4D in my Ford mounted under the flat bed with a door for access.

 

[Michaelsloft]

Michael, I think my '01 had group 65's as oem. I think they were a Mopar branded Delco, because they had the green eye view glass thing. I have a 4D in my Ford mounted under the flat bed with a door for access.

Nick, I've had good success with Delco batteries over the years and my 1999 had group 27s OEM with the green eye view glass thing.
The Ford is very well equipped indeed! Maybe fire it up in the morning for a Sunday drive. Get some exercise too....Enjoy! lol
Michael

 

[Michaelsloft]

Changed oil in the transmission today, 36k so it was due, 322k total. Refilled with 1 gallon of Napa 15/40. Rear axle is due too but my 85/140 bucket was too low to change it, gotta get some. Note how clean the oil is, no need to pull the PTO cover this time.
View attachment 108999 View attachment 109000

Nick, Sunday morning I drained the transmission fluid (Pennzoil Synchromesh) and filled with 15W40 oil (Rotella T4) and think I'm going to like using 15W40. Had been using Red Line since 2001 but made the change to Synchromesh earlier this year and what a mistake. Could not stand it any more after using it for about 5K miles. The 15W40 shifts as you described and it is better in every way. Will post more details after driving it for a while.
Also, the parking brake cable broke last night! Been parking on hills a lot lately and have been using it every time the truck has been driven since 1999! LoL

 

[NIsaacs]

Nick, Sunday morning I drained the transmission fluid (Pennzoil Synchromesh) and filled with 15W40 oil (Rotella T4) and think I'm going to like using 15W40. Had been using Red Line since 2001 but made the change to Synchromesh earlier this year and what a mistake. Could not stand it any more after using it for about 5K miles. The 15W40 shifts as you described and it is better in every way. Will post more details after driving it for a while.
Also, the parking brake cable broke last night! Been parking on hills a lot lately and have been using it every time the truck has been driven since 1999! LoL

Michael, I hope I didn't steer you wrong. I drove my empty '01 on a 70 mile round trip yesterday and the transmission never got above 150*. I have always worried about the E-brake ratchet releasing at the worst possible time. I never really thought about the cable. I use blocks under the tires and even low range sometimes if I have to park on a hill. Even 1st gear high range won't hold much if the brake gives out.

 

[Michaelsloft]

Michael, I hope I didn't steer you wrong. I drove my empty '01 on a 70 mile round trip yesterday and the transmission never got above 150*. I have always worried about the E-brake ratchet releasing at the worst possible time. I never really thought about the cable. I use blocks under the tires and even low range sometimes if I have to park on a hill. Even 1st gear high range won't hold much if the brake gives out.

Nick, you did not steer me wrong at all. Draining the Red Line and the Synchromesh fill was the mistake, my mistake.....not the 15W40. The 15W40 oil is great, much better and have only driven around 150 miles so far! I was wondering how long the E-brake cable (cables) was going to last. LOL Have kept it lubed over the years too. Just pushed it one click too far! LOL It appears to be the left rear cable and around $20.00 at NAPA. I too use blocks and low range sometimes on hills.
Your "weekend maintenance on the '01" has a lot of useful information and your experiences are most helpful.
Will post more about the 15W40 later.
Thanks again Nick.

Michael

 

[NIsaacs]

Good news Nick. Yes, the fluid is thin and it might be 0 weight, don't know but it works!
You PS might work even better after your second flush and fill. Mine did on the 1999 when I switched from factory fill fluid after the first two years and 39k miles. Original fill fluid looked bad at 39K and the Red Line has worked better and lasted longer since.

Michael

Hauled about 15 loads since the Red Line fluid change, there is no doubt about a better driving truck, I really like it. Even at idle the pump has plenty of power. I was wondering when I saw how thin it was and the age on my pump.

Hauled three loads yesterday and the transmission never got over 150* it was a cool day, 60* The first load was gravel (27k) on a mile long 5% grade, cruise set at 65 had to get in the fast lane, small car got in the way Second hill, 6% went to 5th for an easy 55 mph.

Second load was mortar sand (28k) short level haul, different pit. Third load was Cinders (26k) easy 25 mile haul. Have I ever said, I really like this '01!!

 

[Michaelsloft]

Hauled about 15 loads since the Red Line fluid change, there is no doubt about a better driving truck, I really like it. Even at idle the pump has plenty of power. I was wondering when I saw how thin it was and the age on my pump.

Hauled three loads yesterday and the transmission never got over 150* it was a cool day, 60* The first load was gravel (27k) on a mile long 5% grade, cruise set at 65 had to get in the fast lane, small car got in the way Second hill, 6% went to 5th for an easy 55 mph.
Second load was mortar sand (28k) short level haul, different pit. Third load was Cinders (26k) easy 25 mile haul. Have I ever said, I really like this '01!!

View attachment 109136

Good to hear the Red Line PS Fluid is working well and you really like it. Out of curiosity what is the oil level on the PS dipstick when Cold & Hot?

Nick, CAN'T REMEMBER you ever mentioning that you really like your '01?? LOL

 

[NIsaacs]

Out of curiosity what is the oil level on the PS dipstick when Cold & Hot?

Is that a trick question? lol I don't think I have checked it hot. It is on the cold mark, when cold.

 

[Michaelsloft]

Not a trick question at all Nick. Sincerely interested. When I switched to Red Line PS at approximately 39K in my 1999 I initially filled to the cold mark, when cold. During use of the original fluid for the first 39K I noticed the fluid would expand more when HOT and approach the HOT fill line mark! With the Red Line I have experienced the fluid does not expand as much when the system is HOT and this may be due to the fluid/PS system operating cooler? I'm running 245/16 and 235/16 tires and as you know my engine temps remain below 192. Best performance with Red Line PS in my truck is filling the PS reservoir to about 1/4" to 3/8" above the COLD fill line and have yet to see it get all the way to the HOT fill mark and typically it is 1/4" to 3/8" below the HOT fill mark when checked immediately after shutting the engine down. When towing/normal use etc. The steering works even better for me slightly over filled. Less effort yet and even more precise off center etc. Maybe worth giving it a try. Also, with your PS system cooler and filter you have added your PS system may be running cooler too?

Have I mentioned how much I like my 1999?

Michael

 

[NIsaacs]

I can't even see a 1/4", maybe I can see 3/8"
Thanks Michael, I will check it hot and see where it is. I need to get another filter and think about changing it again. I am sure I have a little old stuff still in the system.

 

[NIsaacs]

Also, with your PS system cooler and filter you have added your PS system may be running cooler too?

Have I mentioned that much I like my 1999?

Michael

Before the cooler:
I just went on a quick 3 mile round trip to load my dump trailer, slow 1st gear road and let it idle while I unloaded. I checked temps on the system. The pump was 135*, hydro boost 135, lines 105 and the gear box was 114....interesting.

After:
Just hauled 3 loads of cinders, 20 mile round trip, 14 miles of slow county road pavement and 6 miles of slower dirt, ambient temps from 70-90, truck ECT was an average of 185. On my middle load with AC on, truck idling, the pump was 109, hydro 109, box 106, lines 105 and cooler 88. I tested the lines where the rubber meets the metal, about 6-8" from the hydro, I didn't test the lines at the box. This is with 285/75x16 tires, stock aluminum wheels. This size has been on the truck since I bought it, in '03 with 34k miles, it now has 320k. The front end is all original, other than the brakes and shocks.

 

[Michaelsloft]

As I mentioned earlier my PS worked better after the second flush and fill with Red Line. And it has been the same (aside from the small fluid level adjustments) with original steering components since with 257K miles.
I'm intetererested to see how another flush and fill works for you Nick and then maybe consider making a change to the fill level? It does not take much fluid to change the level a 1/4". LOL I use a Veterinarian syringe to adjust the fluid level.

 

[Michaelsloft]

Before the cooler:
I just went on a quick 3 mile round trip to load my dump trailer, slow 1st gear road and let it idle while I unloaded. I checked temps on the system. The pump was 135*, hydro boost 135, lines 105 and the gear box was 114....interesting.

After:
Just hauled 3 loads of cinders, 20 mile round trip, 14 miles of slow county road pavement and 6 miles of slower dirt, ambient temps from 70-90, truck ECT was an average of 185. On my middle load with AC on, truck idling, the pump was 109, hydro 109, box 106, lines 105 and cooler 88. I tested the lines where the rubber meets the metal, about 6-8" from the hydro, I didn't test the lines at the box. This is with 285/75x16 tires, stock aluminum wheels. This size has been on the truck since I bought it, in '03 with 34k miles, it now has 320k. The front end is all original, other than the brakes and shocks.

Nick, thanks for posting the temp data.

 

[NIsaacs]

Weather was nice today and I hauled three loads of Cinders so since I had a warm rear axle, I changed it. Also changed out the engine oil 7500 miles, note the filter in the picture, it is an OMG one

 

[NIsaacs]

Replaced the junky Mastercraft tires today with Hercules Terra Trac AT II's in the same size, 285/75x16E. Only 22K miles on the old ones, rated for 50K. I did get some prorated tread wear out of them. They weren't quite to the wear bars but on the roads I travel, I didn't want to go any longer. Nothing I hate worse than a flat tire or dead battery.

 

[NIsaacs]

The holiday slowed things down a bit, so I finally unhooked my trailer (9 months), so I could wash my pickup...

 

[NIsaacs]

Hauled a load out of Phoenix Wednesday and my Hayden Fan Clutch kicked out on the way down and didn't ever lock up again. On the Rye Creek hill south of Payson my temps went to 219, so I had to slow down and down shift. Then all the way back to Showlow I had to baby it. Going to return it and try another one. It seems like when I don't need the cooling it is locked up and when I do need it, it is unlocked, isn't that just backwards

 

[GAmes]

.......... when I don't need the cooling it is locked up and when I do need it, it is unlocked, isn't that just backwards

Yes, I would say so.