Author Topic: Transmission Temp. while Towing  (Read 8668 times)

Jerry Emert

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Transmission Temp. while Towing
« on: March 30, 2015, 11:20:21 PM »
How much would you expect the the transmission temp to go up towing a 6000 pound truck?  Usually ran around 205-207 Florida driving.  Thanks
Jerry
Jerry, Chief USN Retired
2003 Patriot Thunder Lexington 40' 3 Slides
C-12 Ser#  2KS89983
4000MH

Bill Sprague

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Re: Transmission Temp. while Towing
« Reply #1 on: March 30, 2015, 11:33:44 PM »
I used to tow a Subaru.  A few years ago, a friend had a Dodge Ram diesel and we wanted to go fishing in Montana.  BJ wanted to keep the car at home.  So, we took his truck.  It slowed me down less than 5 mph going over the Cascades and Rockies, but I don't recall any changes in engine or transmission temperatures. 

Bill
USNR Naval Aviator (for a little while)
Monterey with a Cummins

Gerald Farris

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Re: Transmission Temp. while Towing
« Reply #2 on: March 30, 2015, 11:59:57 PM »
Jerry,
You will probably not notice any change in the transmission temperature from towing the heavier truck. Stop and go driving, especially setting in traffic, is the main reason for higher transmission fluid operating temperatures on your coach.

Gerald

Jerry Emert

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Re: Transmission Temp. while Towing
« Reply #3 on: March 31, 2015, 12:47:20 AM »
Thank you.  As Gerald knows the shop where I had all my fluids changed is also where I store the coach.  They changed  the transynd out and replaced with Amsoil ATF.  Next trip my temps went from normal 205ish to 213-225.  95% driving was I75 and I10.   Only difference was the Amsoil.  I'm trying to decide whether to put my foot down and have them change it out.  It will not be pretty if I do and may result in having to move coach to a very inconvenient location.  So I guess that's my problem, trying to figure out if it's the Amsoil or something different.  Thanks again I guess Ill chew on it a little more. 
Jerry
Jerry, Chief USN Retired
2003 Patriot Thunder Lexington 40' 3 Slides
C-12 Ser#  2KS89983
4000MH

Gerald Farris

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Re: Transmission Temp. while Towing
« Reply #4 on: March 31, 2015, 06:58:11 AM »
Jerry,
The first question is what kind of transmission cooler do you have? If you have a leaking transmission cooler, that could account for the higher transmission fluid temperature by letting engine coolant into the transmission fluid. The 225 degree temperature is too high for freeway driving if you have an adequate transmission cooler.

If the engine is running at normal temperature, the transmission fluid is not contaminated, there are no air restrictions at an air to air cooler, and the transmission fluid change coincided with the increased operating temperature, I would go back to TranSynd. However, you need to verify the other issues first.

Gerald
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Jerry Emert

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Re: Transmission Temp. while Towing
« Reply #5 on: March 31, 2015, 11:39:17 PM »
Drove 25 miles or so to Eagle's Pride RV today.  Trans temp went as high as 205 when doing 60.  When I slowed down trans temp went down.  At constant 45 it was around 188-190.  If that sparks any ideas please let me know.  I will have the radiator/CAC checked.  What would the tranny fluid look like if it had coolant in it?  Engine still at 188.
Thanks
Jerry, Chief USN Retired
2003 Patriot Thunder Lexington 40' 3 Slides
C-12 Ser#  2KS89983
4000MH

Gerald Farris

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Re: Transmission Temp. while Towing
« Reply #6 on: April 01, 2015, 01:51:42 AM »
Jerry,
The transmission fluid will get lighter in color to the extent of a reddish milky color if it gets a lot of coolant in it, but if you get that much coolant in it, the transmission is ruined. However, you did not answer my previous question, "what type of transmission cooler do you have, if any?". If you have a liquid to air cooler or no cooler at all, there is no danger of getting coolant in the transmission fluid.

Gerald     

Jerry Emert

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Re: Transmission Temp. while Towing
« Reply #7 on: April 01, 2015, 03:24:11 AM »
Gerald, I didn't answer because I don't have a clue!  I don't know how to tell which is which.  Remember I'm the former Navy Electronics Tech and I've been a Cop since retiring from the Navy in 93.  I can tell you that my tag is current, the tires have tread and all lights work just fine.  My wife was threatening to give me a ticket the other day because I refuse to stay behind trucks now and the Thunder was kicking up it's heals and hit 80 before I got scared.  I think I actually saw the fuel gauge needle move (kidding).  I will find out about the cooling though.  May take awhile but I'll check fluid color tomorrow.
Jerry, Chief USN Retired
2003 Patriot Thunder Lexington 40' 3 Slides
C-12 Ser#  2KS89983
4000MH

Jerry Emert

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Re: Transmission Temp. while Towing
« Reply #8 on: April 02, 2015, 02:34:33 AM »
Update.  Still not sure how to tell what kind of cooling system I have.  Checked the fluids tonight.  Transmission fluid is red and clear.  No discoloration whatsoever.  About 500 miles since fluid change and oil is also looking brand new.  Surge tank is about half full of green coolant.  Is this the extended life?  Thanks in advance.
Jerry
Jerry, Chief USN Retired
2003 Patriot Thunder Lexington 40' 3 Slides
C-12 Ser#  2KS89983
4000MH

Steve Huber Co-Admin

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Re: Transmission Temp. while Towing
« Reply #9 on: April 02, 2015, 03:00:57 AM »
Jerry,
Green coolant is standard ethylene glycol. Both ELC and SCA added coolants are red in color.
Steve
Steve
2015-          07 Contessa Bayshore C9,  400 hp
2013-2015: 00 Marquis Tourmaline, C12, 425 hp
2005-2013: 01 Contessa Naples, 3126B, 330 hp
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