Trans temp - Montana Owners Club

scattershot · 05-01-2019, 09:37 PM

My TV is a 2000 Ford Super Duty 4x4. I recently blew the transmission, and had a rebuilt one installed. Naturally, I’m a little gunshy now, so I installed a transmission temperature gauge. What temp should I be looking for, and what is an unacceptable temperature?

We live in Colorado, so mountain passes are a way of life. Monty is a 2006 2955RL.

THANKS.

**scottz** · 05-01-2019, 10:23 PM

I'm assuming you have the 7.3L diesel with a 4R100 transmission. I had two of them; the transmission is about the only weak spot in an otherwise great truck. I hope you had it rebuilt by someone that specializes in that transmission (such as John Wood http://jwtt.com/), and did not just install another of the weak factory units. Expensive (about $5k), but worth every penny.

I always tried to keep my temps below 200. After John built my transmission and did some other engine mods, I could pull any pass in Colorado and not worry about the temps. It was a mistake to sell that truck.

Temperature chart attached.

DanandBrenda · 05-02-2019, 04:40 AM

I would use Amsoil in the transmission it will help keep it cooler and add a better trans. cooler. keep the temp as low as possible.

GregN · 05-02-2019, 06:05 AM

On my 1997 Ford PSD the original transmission finally gave up the ghost. Had it rebuilt by a guy that builds transmissions for race trucks. He did a great job. He, also put synthetic oil in. After the rebuild, I did notice a drop in the temp, when towing. I also had a larger trans oil pan on it, with tubes that ran through the pan for air flow. I had a large transmission cooler too. It work like a radiator would. Drip from the top, down. Not run through a tube surrounded by fins. My temps ran below 200.

miton 5052 · 05-02-2019, 06:23 AM

I've used Amsoil in all gear boxes , added Magtec deep pan on the trans, and the rear end. This has kept my trans temp abt 165 -185. 07 ram 2500, with the six spd auto

scattershot · 05-02-2019, 07:26 AM

Thanks for the help. It is indeed a 7.3, with the 4R100. I was in Woodland Park, Co when it blew, so had no choice on the rebuild. It came from a national rebuilder , WIT, here in Denver, so far so good. Running empty in the mountains around here I get 165/170, but I haven’t towed the trailer since I installed the gauge, and was just wondering what to expect towing.

**scottz** · 05-02-2019, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scattershot

Thanks for the help. It is indeed a 7.3, with the 4R100. I was in Woodland Park, Co when it blew, so had no choice on the rebuild. It came from a national rebuilder , WIT, here in Denver, so far so good. Running empty in the mountains around here I get 165/170, but I haven’t towed the trailer since I installed the gauge, and was just wondering what to expect towing.

165-170 is a reasonable temperature. It will go up when you tow and hit the mountains. It it hits 200 and you are not near the top, give it a break.

scattershot · 05-02-2019, 11:57 AM

Thanks. I’ll do that. 200 seems to be the agreed upon number, although I have heard as high as 225. That seems a little high to me.

For future reference, does John have a shop in Colorado, or did you have to order the trans from California?

**scottz** · 05-02-2019, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scattershot

Thanks. I’ll do that. 200 seems to be the agreed upon number, although I have heard as high as 225. That seems a little high to me.

For future reference, does John have a shop in Colorado, or did you have to order the trans from California?

I drove to El Centro; limped in with a slipping transmission. He rebuilt my transmission and completed several engine mods in less than two days. He will also ship to you. There are other competent re-builders; I just have experience with John.

scattershot · 05-02-2019, 02:51 PM

Glad you could do that. Musta been a white knuckle trip. Mine just flat died.

Deplorable · 05-13-2019, 10:21 AM

For my dodge I fimd that about 100f over ambient temps is typical.
As far as high end temps 225 is max.
Fluid breakdown happens at about 300f sustained, but to get that hot there has to be a good bit of slipping going on.
I work hard to keep under 200f by driving technique.
Be sure to downshift before the grade, and if possible use a direct drive gear instead of overdrive as you won’t be working the clutch packs that way and is much safer for the trans.
Also, getting good tc lockup before getting into the throttle is very important.

Patience is key.
Anyone can floor it and go fast, but not everyone can arrive in one piece.

powerhaulic · 05-15-2019, 07:10 AM

towing in cooler weather (50-60deg) truck may get to 180.
towing 70 deg and above normally sits at 180deg mountains will get it to 190, never have seen over 200

mlh · 05-15-2019, 07:32 AM

Like some above said the new synthetic fluid is good for 300 degrees so 225, 235 is not going to hurt your transmission.
Lynwood

Montana Man · 05-15-2019, 08:52 AM

I had a similar truck. The trans ran hot also so I installed a B&M trans cooler with auto fan. Problem solved.

Whitewolf · 05-27-2019, 06:37 PM

I do not have any experience with Fords. But as Miton5052 mentioned, take a look at Mag-Hytec trans pans. On a Ram they add between 3 and 4 quarts of fluid and have cooling fins. I think the highest I've seen my trans temp after install was in the 175 range. 'Course, I haven't been to Colorado towing. Yet.

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