I used my truck to tow a car today and it was in alot of stop and go traffic, does really well in stop and go traffic for like the first 10 minutes and then it feels like the truck looses power, it does this any time i tow in the city, is my tranny temp getting too hot a culprit to that or does my torque converter suck or would putting a tranny cooler in help the problem out. Any input on this would be greatly appreciated

Kyle

 

Kyle,

Our torque converters aren't all that great as is. If your temperatures are on the rise then by all means, yes, it will lose more efficiency. A 518 is not called a "Slush-o-matic" for nothing. Another trans cooler wouldn't hurt but your best bet would be to upgrade the TC.

Aloha,
Matt

 

Will a new TC correct this problem?

 

Kyle,

An after market converter that's tighter will lower your trans temps. The inefficiency of the stock converter's fluid coupling is what causes heat in the trans. Anyone who has done a converter swap will attest that their truck drives so much differently. When I have time, money and ambition, in that order, I will definitely do a converter swap. This is also the time to change the flexplate to a 2nd Gen. or SFI model and the rear main seal.

Aloha,
Matt

 

A shift kit and a good TC would lower temps quite a bit. I had a chevy 3500 6.5 that the PO had installed a B&M cooler with fan on a temp guage and mounted it about 4" off the bottom of the bed. I know the tranny shop that did the service charged me more for 3 quarts additional fluid. So another cooler will help aid in cooling. I thought the cooler was kinda neat. I know one thing, if your trans fluid has been hot, you're only killing it by still driving. Esspecially if it smells burn't.

 

The fluid doesnt smell burnt and the effects are not bad but you can deffinatly tell a small difference