Electric has always been my choice. With mechanical you have hot fluid plumbed into your cab. The electric one you posted wouldn't be my choice as
it doesn't have enough detail in the readout. Ideally you want 180 to 270 degree sweep with 160-200 degrees F. being the range you need to monitor.
Money well spent on any rig that tows or has a tender transmission.
KenOsprey - 4-13-2011 at 01:45 PM
I think you've got a lot of nerve asking us for advice. You, who spent most of your adult life playing ping pong and reading dirty books in the
firehouse. You know all about fire engine trannies and how to maintain them and I bet you wasted millions doing just that-- total overkill on every
known expensive fluid and sensing system. Now when it's your dime.......rts551 - 4-13-2011 at 02:13 PM
There are lots of different style. choose the on you want
First I would install transmission cooler, next change fluid, then electric meter any of them.Hook - 4-13-2011 at 02:27 PM
This is a great site for gauges. Lots of detail. Replies to email questions.
Here's the gauge I use on my Ford Tranny. It doesnt read to 270 but, unless you are running synthetic tranny fluid (which is highly recommended in any hot,
towing situation), you probably ought to pull over when you hit abut 210-220. If running synthetic, you're probably safe up to around 240-250. I would
pull over at 240 and leave it running at idle speed but I havent ever hit 240, even when pulling a 10k trailer in 95 degrees at 5000 foot elevation. I
use synthetic.
[Edited on 4-13-2011 by Hook]Osprey - 4-13-2011 at 02:47 PM
Bombero, just a good thing you're not going to Alabama. If you break down in Alabama, you have moved to Alabama.scouter - 4-13-2011 at 03:56 PM
Want the Trans to run cooler drop the thermostat on the main by a few and the main will run cooler hence sending less heat to the Translandyacht318 - 4-13-2011 at 06:13 PM
The Cooler in the radiator for the A Tranny also helps to warm the fluid to operating temps after the T stat has opened. This can be very relevant in
cold environs.
Some people swear by a product called Lubegard in the red bottle.
Definitely use synthetic fluid if you are towing.
Transmission places like to use a bulk universal fluid and add fluid friction modifiers to bring it to the vehicles spec. IMO, this is a poor
substitute for using the specified fluid in the first place. Especially if it is a Chrysler. Lubegard is one of the products used to bring a
universal fluid to meet a specific specification.
I'll be installing a tranny temp gauge too but am leaning toward a mechanical gauge. I have installed a mechanical OP gauge, and the OEM electrical
gauge is a joke in comparison. Not sure the mechanical temp gauge will be as quick reacting/accurate as the mechanical pressure gauge is.
If You do not have a drain plug in your transmission pan, add one.
Look into Magnafine inline transmission filters.woody with a view - 4-13-2011 at 07:09 PM
"Look into Magnafine inline transmission filters."
yes!
scangauge II, is what i run. kinda pricey but it helps pass the miles watching all of the display info. it also really shows how a lead foot kills
your mileage. and i found codes online to add my ATF temp so that it displays right from the ECU.
[Edited on 4-14-2011 by woody with a view]Curt63 - 4-13-2011 at 07:16 PM
Did you have your overdrive OFF when it overheated? It runs significantly cooler in this mode.805gregg - 4-14-2011 at 07:14 PM
I've got a 2003 Dodge 3500, and pull a 10,500 lb boat, I have a stock Dodge trans, with 100,000 miles, I did add a MagHitec extra capasity trans pan,
but the top my trans temp hits is about 178 degrees. I asked an old time trans shop owner Ken Brown in Ventura, how hot is ok, he said no higher than
you engine temp.woody with a view - 4-14-2011 at 08:13 PM
good to know Greg.
i've seen mine climb to around 220 a couple of times dragging the popup trailer and the kitchen sink in the central desert, during summer. but only
for 5-10 minutes at a time, and only 2-3 times, ever.
run synthetics and every oil change drain your tranny pan and add an equal amount of new ATF juice to keep it clean......
and drive a toyota!tripledigitken - 4-15-2011 at 04:08 AM
Quote:
Originally posted by Hook
It doesnt read to 270 but, unless you are running synthetic tranny fluid (which is highly recommended in any hot, towing situation), you probably
ought to pull over when you hit abut 210-220.
[Edited on 4-13-2011 by Hook]
Completely agree about pulling over if you get to 220 degrees.
My point about 180 to 270 degrees, was referring to the sweep of the needle. A "full sweep" gauge is preferable to a "short sweep" gauge. With the
full sweep, or 270 degree, you get a more detailed reading.
