Deep transmission pan questions - Diesel Forum

adamrmathis · 07-31-2006, 07:44 PM

I made a long haul up some steep hills this last weekend, and at times, the tranny oil temp reached 215*. Once back on level ground, it would settle back near 205*. I'm a little concerned about reaching 215* so I am going to replace the tranny oil and thought that while I was in there, I would get a deep pan with a plug and some fins for extra cooling.

Can I just buy a deep pan such as this one or should I consider another source?

Do I need a filter extension, or am I covered since my truck is 4X4?

During my usual "search before post", I noticed the suggestions to clean the fins on the AC condenser and the tranny cooler, so I'll try that too.

Thanks in advance,
Adam

Mr_Roboto · 07-31-2006, 07:56 PM

Have you replaced the factory cooler with a larger one yet? You will get more from that than a finned pan. There really isn't a lot of flow over the trans pan, at least compared to through the grill of the truck.

adamrmathis · 07-31-2006, 08:59 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Have you replaced the factory cooler with a larger one yet? You will get more from that than a finned pan. There really isn't a lot of flow over the trans pan, at least compared to through the grill of the truck.

[/ QUOTE ]

I think the previous owner did, although, I am going to look again tonight. Even if it already has an aftermarket cooler, I am thinking of adding another. Is there a specific unit that is offered that is best suited for my truck?

Thanks - Adam

Mr_Roboto · 07-31-2006, 09:27 PM

You don't want to add ANOTHER cooler. That could cause flow problems. Replace the one you have with a larger one.

Also make sure your air-to-fluid cooler is plumbed after your in-radiator cooler, otherwise the radiator will just heat the fluid back up.

Gandalf · 08-01-2006, 12:11 PM

I've just been through this process. I replaced the transmission pan, filter, fluid, gasket, and changed out the transmission cooler. I did this because on a recent run, at 90°--95°F ambient outside temps, over to Santa Cruz, my transmission temp hit 220°.

I bought a Ford pan, slightly deeper than the original, with a drain plug, a Ford filter and gasket, for $78.35, after tax. Part numbers, for those interested: Pan= F81Z-7A194-BA, Filter= FT-114, Gasket= F6TZ-7A191-A.

I bought a True-Cool Max transmission cooler from Bob Riley, for $120+.
Bob Riley's Dieselsite

I got the Ford pan more for the drain plug than the additional capacity. The filter needed changing since I was in there anyway changing the fluid. The new gasket is 'rubber' and reusable.

I haven't actually tested the new cooler yet, but will report results when I do. Might have to wait for another hot day for a true test.

adamrmathis · 08-02-2006, 12:15 AM

[ QUOTE ]
I bought a Ford pan, slightly deeper than the original, with a drain plug, a Ford filter and gasket, for $78.35, after tax. Part numbers, for those interested: Pan= F81Z-7A194-BA, Filter= FT-114, Gasket= F6TZ-7A191-A.

[/ QUOTE ]

Outstanding. Much better than the $200 for the summit pan.

[ QUOTE ]
I bought a True-Cool Max transmission cooler from Bob Riley, for $120+. Bob Riley's Dieselsite

[/ QUOTE ]

I may have to do that too depending on what I find this weekend.

Thanks - Adam

adamrmathis · 08-03-2006, 01:20 PM

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Have you replaced the factory cooler with a larger one yet? You will get more from that than a finned pan. There really isn't a lot of flow over the trans pan, at least compared to through the grill of the truck.

[/ QUOTE ]

I think the previous owner did, although, I am going to look again tonight. Even if it already has an aftermarket cooler, I am thinking of adding another. Is there a specific unit that is offered that is best suited for my truck?

Thanks - Adam

[/ QUOTE ]

So I looked, and it appears that the factory cooler (in the bottom of the radiator) has been bypassed, and there is now a small cooler in front of the AC condensor that is about 6X12X3/4.

Since the factory cooler is not being used, can I install a 2nd auxillary transmission cooler, or should I purchase a larger transmission cooler with fan to replace the existing non-oem cooler?

thanks in advance,
Adam

josierose · 08-03-2006, 02:20 PM

Adam.

I would hook the factory cooler back up and install a new larger auxilary cooler.
These coolers were not intended to replace the stock cooler but, to enhance them.
The stock cooler in the radiator actually does a great job of cooling the tranny fluid.

Sam

Mr_Roboto · 08-03-2006, 02:44 PM

I'm just going to back Sam up here. The cooler in the radiator does the bulk of the cooling, particularly at low speeds. It's job is to knock the temperature down fast, then the cooler in front of the radiator is there to drop the temperature down a little more.

Make sure you flush out the in-radiator cooler (I use kerosene and a electric fuel pump and a cheap fuel filter) and install a Magnefine filter in the return line from the coolers to the rear of the trans.

Birken Vogt · 08-03-2006, 03:42 PM

Yep, all of what has been said these last two posts is correct. Make sure that currently disconnected cooler is clear of junk and flows well. Adding the filter is necessary because you don't know why that stock cooler had been disconnected, or what junk made its way in there.

Birken

adamrmathis · 08-03-2006, 04:36 PM

Thanks for all of the info...

I've ordered a new tru-cool unit and a magnefine filter. The radiator portion is capped off, so hopefully it isn't too gummed up. I'll have to go find a cheap fuel pump, but I am sure that napa or autozone can handle that for me.

I'll also head down to the Ford dealer and get the tranny pan, gasket & filter.

Last question...

Which tranny fluid is the best?

- Thanks again,
Adam

Birken Vogt · 08-03-2006, 07:13 PM

I just run Chevron ATF, and change (drain and refill, I do not do the filter every time) every 30k or every year or so.

Birken