Tranny Temp Question
09-01-2018, 10:44 PM
#1
Registered User
Thread Starter
Tranny Temp Question
While driving some mountain (read - gravel and dirt) backroads today I couldn't keep the TQ locked. Good bit of uphill in first and second gear. Tranny temp went as high as 248. When I got to a section (level and downhill) that the TQ would lock and stay locked, temps slowly came back down. When I got back to the highway, temps came down to normal (140-147) and it shifted fine. Got back to the RV and checked fluid - it's a nice clear pink and doesn't smell burnt. Should I have the pan dropped and change fluid/filters anyway? Will be leaving east central Idaho in about a month, headed to Yuma for the winter with a 15k fiver. I'm tuned with the RaceMe Ultra but just run stock power with the tranny tune for increased line pressure.
Thanks in advance,
Bob
Thanks in advance,
Bob
09-02-2018, 08:27 AM
#2
Top's Younger Twin
This reply isn’t intended to set off alarm bells. Is the fluid actually pink and not dark red? If it is pink, check your radiator level in the semi clear plastic reservoir up by the firewall on passenger side and look for any indication of creamy light brown foam.
The reason I am asking is because my transmission temps empty and mostly pulling always stayed in the 167-172 range. Once in awhile I noticed a slightly rough down shift from 5th to 4th coming out of overdrive. This is when I started seeing bigger temperature swings as well.
upon further checking is when I saw the cream/foam in the coolant reservoir by the firewall. It was first explained to me by a shop that it was a PH issue but they could not reach the coolant in there with a test strip to confirm.
Long story short it turned out to be a leak in the internal transmission cooler and it cross contaminated the coolant and transmission fluid...hence the pink fluid.
Had to do some major repairs after that.
I am hoping this is not your situation and just sharing what I encountered. PM me if you like, I’d be glad to answer any of your questions that way.
The reason I am asking is because my transmission temps empty and mostly pulling always stayed in the 167-172 range. Once in awhile I noticed a slightly rough down shift from 5th to 4th coming out of overdrive. This is when I started seeing bigger temperature swings as well.
upon further checking is when I saw the cream/foam in the coolant reservoir by the firewall. It was first explained to me by a shop that it was a PH issue but they could not reach the coolant in there with a test strip to confirm.
Long story short it turned out to be a leak in the internal transmission cooler and it cross contaminated the coolant and transmission fluid...hence the pink fluid.
Had to do some major repairs after that.
I am hoping this is not your situation and just sharing what I encountered. PM me if you like, I’d be glad to answer any of your questions that way.
09-02-2018, 08:43 AM
#3
Registered User
Thread Starter
Yes, fluid is pink. Coolant reservoir has nothing but coolant in it. I, too, see temps in the range you do both running empty and towing, except while in stop and go traffic when towing and I'll see 190+. The problem was I couldn't maintain enough speed to get to 4th gear so the TQ would lock - mostly 1st and 2nd gears. Just concerned that the excessive heat would degrade the fluid.
Thanks!
Bob
Thanks!
Bob
09-04-2018, 11:56 AM
#5
Top's Younger Twin
I guess my truck is special 123.
We replaced a radiator with the internal trans cooler/reservoir that was leaking. Pressure testing revealed the external cooler was fine and the leak was internal.
We replaced a radiator with the internal trans cooler/reservoir that was leaking. Pressure testing revealed the external cooler was fine and the leak was internal.
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