Trans. Pan Oil Temp. changes ???

[warren]

Question,

Put in my trans. pan temp guage and at 191 degrees (outside temp was 95 deg.) the thermostatic bypass valve opens and the temp changes to
170 within 30sec. Then the next day it went from 172 to 155 (outside
temp was 70deg.)
Is this possible?
I am reading only the temp. in the trans. pan.
Does anyone know what temp. the thermostatic bypass valve in the trans. cooler is supposed to open and close ?


Also, I noticed when a truck splashed water from a puddle into my front
end the Trans. temp jumped down 15deg. for about 3 minutes - perhaps we
should add misters to spray water on the front of our Rad's. when needed.

Thanks,
WarrenB

[RF Overlord]

Warren:

The Workshop Manual doesn't give any specs for the temperature ratings of the cooler or its thermostatic bypass...possibly because the unit is not repairable. I do know that the pan is not the best place to read fluid temp...the fluid in the pan has already been returned from the cooler, so it doesn't give a true representation of the fluid's operating temperature inside the transmission. The best location is in the output line TO the cooler...AutoMeter makes a nifty, inexpensive manifold specifically for this purpose that's very easy to install (according to their instruction sheet...mine's on order).

[03SILVERSTREAK]

Warren:

The Workshop Manual doesn't give any specs for the temperature ratings of the cooler or its thermostatic bypass...possibly because the unit is not repairable. I do know that the pan is not the best place to read fluid temp...the fluid in the pan has already been returned from the cooler, so it doesn't give a true representation of the fluid's operating temperature inside the transmission. The best location is in the output line TO the cooler...AutoMeter makes a nifty, inexpensive manifold specifically for this purpose that's very easy to install (according to their instruction sheet...mine's on order).So which line from the Tranny is the output line that goe's to the cooler , the top or the bottom ???

[RF Overlord]

So which line from the Tranny is the output line that goe's to the cooler , the top or the bottom ???

'STREAK, you ask a very simple question...but the answer is somewhat elusive. The factory Workshop Manual doesn't actually point that out, there are just a few oblique references to the "shorter tube" (line) being the feed TO the cooler, and the "longer tube" being the return from the cooler. :rolleyes: This would suggest to me that the bottom one is the output to the cooler. There is also a drawing of the cooler, which appears to have been made with the cosmetic panel that goes over the radiator removed, and looking from the passenger side, showing the feed FROM the transmission being the bottom one where the lines wrap around the radiator on their way down to the cooler. When my gauge and manifold arrive, I'm going to crawl all around under there and try to nail this down for sure. Unless someone who already knows can tell us all...

[ahess77]

When my gauge and manifold arrive, I'm going to crawl all around under there and try to nail this down for sure. Unless someone who already knows can tell us all...

The fitting that is closest to the ground at the transmission is the line going TO the cooler (that is, it's the hottest fluid coming out of the tranmission). The manifold needed is the 5/16 if you use the existing transmission lines. I cut out a piece right where the hanger is on the trans lines just forward of the starter. I made a new hanger and attached the mainfold to it. When you install the manifold on the existing lines you must scrape off the powercoating on the trans lines or else the fittings won't go on (I tried a 3/8 fitting without scraping, it's way too big.) Don't worry about exposed metal, it's a stainless alloy. Also, make sure to mount the sensor so it's on the bottom, and make sure it's grounded. (BTW, the frame is NOT a good electrical ground, engine block and body are. Trans lines themselves should be adequate to ground the sensor.)
With this set-up I see a response within 5 - 10 seconds when under hard acceleration. It'll go up 5 degrees on a 0 - 60 at WOT. I even have a second trans cooler in front of the other radiators.

I'll put up a couple pics tomorrow.

[RF Overlord]

Thank you, ahess77!!! :D

That is exactly the info I wanted to confirm :beer:

[ahess77]

Attached picture shows my trans temp manifold installation.

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=35 90&stc=1

This is mounted next to the oil pan, just behind the suspension crossmember to protect it from objects from the front (not that I ever drive off the road or anything.) I fabricated a new trans line hanger bracket from a piece of alluminum strip, the long bolt sticking through the manifold attaches it to the alluminum bracket. The upper trans line is also attached to the bracket to keep it in place. This bracket replaces a stock hanger in that location.

[ahess77]

Just to let you know what trans temps I've seen,

From a cold engine in 70 deg ambient temp I drive about 2 miles to the interstate, trans temp just starts to get the needle off 100F. Drive about 10 miles on the interstate, temp stays about 120. Drive stop light to stop light for 12 miles, normal driving temp goes to about 170. If I stand on it from light to light I can easily get the temp up to 210. I haven't gotten the temp above 220 though even when running hard. This is with a second trans cooler installed.

Also, has anyone had better luck with the A-Pillar gauge pod. Note the wire ties and hot melt glue holding mine in place. The pod was warped at the bottom and doens't even align with the stock A-Pillar trim.
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=35 91&stc=1

[03SILVERSTREAK]

Just to let you know what trans temps I've seen,

From a cold engine in 70 deg ambient temp I drive about 2 miles to the interstate, trans temp just starts to get the needle off 100F. Drive about 10 miles on the interstate, temp stays about 120. Drive stop light to stop light for 12 miles, normal driving temp goes to about 170. If I stand on it from light to light I can easily get the temp up to 210. I haven't gotten the temp above 220 though even when running hard. This is with a second trans cooler installed.

Also, has anyone had better luck with the A-Pillar gauge pod. Note the wire ties and hot melt glue holding mine in place. The pod was warped at the bottom and doens't even align with the stock A-Pillar trim.
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=35 91&stc=1 Would you have a picture or part # on the trans cooler and if so , is it the same width as the radiator ? I like to install one in front of , just behind the grill for added cooling...:cowboy:

[Bill Maas]

Wouldn't it be easier to mount the manifold (ATM 2287) where the line transitions from metal to rubber, just behind the radiator? There's just a couple feet of tubing between there and the transmission and the fluid temp.
won't change much in that distance. I ask because I am considering the same mod and liked how much easier that location looked for mounting and wiring.
Bill Maas

[FordNut]

Wouldn't it be easier to mount the manifold (ATM 2287) where the line transitions from metal to rubber, just behind the radiator? There's just a couple feet of tubing between there and the transmission and the fluid temp.
won't change much in that distance. I ask because I am considering the same mod and liked how much easier that location looked for mounting and wiring.
Bill Maas
My thoughts exactly. That's where I plan to put mine.