What trans temps are you running?

[Dan_69GTX]

My in-laws are heading this way and he wants me to install a temp gauge in his truck (92 3/4 ton 2wd diesel, auto).



The transmission is a 518 non lock up.



My question - what is normal for this unit? I will be putting in 1 gauge with 2 sending units so he can monitor before and after the coolers. He has the 3 cooler system (radiator, side of block cooler, under bed).



So, my question for you non lockup guys - where is your sending unit - and what temps do you see (driving and max).



Thanks!

Dan

 

[cdrider]

My 92 did not have the dealer installed cooler, so I installed an aftermarket cooler and put in a trans temp gauge at the same time. The temp switch is in the line just ahead of the aux. cooler ---it is supposed to turn the fan on at about 170* . The temp sensor to the gauge is in the line between the cooler and the trans. Once its warmed up, I normally see 150* to 180* in all kinds of driving. If I'm pulling a trailer uphill it will sometimes go as high as 210*.

 

[CDegner]

I have my temp sensor mounted within 1 foot of where it comes out of the transmission. Normal operating temp is about 180 for me. If can take the truck as much as 20 minutes to get up to that temp. In my 12 minute drive to work, it hasn't even started to move yet.



If I am driving slow in really rugged terrain, temps can get up near 220. I know it is only a matter of time. :{



Carl

 

[DKasper]

On my '93 2wd with the stock transmission, I'm usually at 150-160 for normal interstate driving, and 190 for towing a couple of horses. Once I got it up to 200 when I was going up a long dirt road at a pretty good grade outside of Salina, UT. Only going about 15mph, so didn't have much wind to help



I've got the same 3 cooler setup as your father-in-law, plus an external filter.

Probe is in the line coming out.

 

[dan brooks]

Running only the stock cooler behind the grille, normal in town, stop-and-go traffic will bring it up to 180-190*, depending on abmient temps. Unloaded freeway driving will show around 160-170*. I used a "T" fitting to install the sending unit in the stock location.



On vacation a few months ago, temps only got up to 190* on the freeway with the camper, running 65 MPH. Even on long, steep hills it stayed around 190* but the ambient temps were pretty cool.



Towing the Jeep on a trailer a few weeks ago, trans temp hit 200*, running 60-65 MPH on a fairly level road. Ambient temps were 100* plus, though. Kicking it out of overdrive brought the temp back into an acceptable range.



An under bed cooler will be installed as soon as the $$$ allows.

 

[PMcMahon]

Just bought a 91-250-auto OD. Will be towing fifth wheel 11,000# or so. Would like info on the under bed transmission cooler. Thanks

-- email address removed --

 

[BushWakr - RIP]

I'd go along with pretty much all the above... the trans dipstick even says "... . check fluid at operating temperature (180*F)... "

The sender in the outlet line will normally run around 170*F average and the sender in the pan will usually run less than 140*F. On my aftermarket system the guage never leaves 140*F mark except on rare occasions, and that temp is confirmed by a thermal gun, which shows a pretty consistent 135*F.



The 518 has a high temp sensor in the cirucuit. This switch triggers at 275*F ... . well into the damage range of course but it kicks you out of OD, if you're in OD, and will prevent the upshift into OD until your temps drop.

Still, by the time you hit that kind of temp you are hurtin something big time... .



pb...

 

[dan brooks]

Originally posted by BushWakr

The 518 has a high temp sensor in the cirucuit. This switch triggers at 275*F ... . well into the damage range of course but it kicks you out of OD, if you're in OD, and will prevent the upshift into OD until your temps drop.

Still, by the time you hit that kind of temp you are hurtin something big time... .



pb...

That's putting it mildly. Wish I had pics of a few of the transmissions a friend has had in his shop - one even got so hot it melted a portion of the case.



I won't let mine get over 200*.

 

[Greenleaf]

Trany Temp

It will reach 170° when setting at a drive trough like a Burger King or Bank Window. Never moves when out on the road. The lowest numbers on the face are 140. Sensor is in the pan.



Scott