Transmission cooler upgrade
#11
Senior Member
For the people that say until you get over 2XX degrees don't worry about it. Well what the hell is he supposed to do when he does see this 2XX degree temps, pull over?
As its been said these trannys have thermostats. I can't confirm nor deny if this is true, but if it is true then adding a larger cooler wouldn't affect the daily driving temps but it would prevent the the temps from getting to this 2XX degree mark.
As for replacing the factory cooler with a larger factory cooler, it's not going to happen. Reason for that is that Ford doesn't make a larger one. It doesn't matter if you have a 2WD Single Cab, Raptor, HD F-150 with Max Tow there all the same size cooler.
From my research I have found a picture of a truck with a larger OEM cooler but unfortunately the image I have is a prototype diesel F-150 from years ago. Not sure why Ford has the tabs for installing a larger one.
On a side note why would Ford put a thermostat in the tranny and require it to run high 190s? That just doesn't make since to me, I know the fluid should be warm but 196 (what mine runs at) just seams to high to me.
https://www.f150forum.com/f38/bigger...cooler-266856/
Wayne
As its been said these trannys have thermostats. I can't confirm nor deny if this is true, but if it is true then adding a larger cooler wouldn't affect the daily driving temps but it would prevent the the temps from getting to this 2XX degree mark.
As for replacing the factory cooler with a larger factory cooler, it's not going to happen. Reason for that is that Ford doesn't make a larger one. It doesn't matter if you have a 2WD Single Cab, Raptor, HD F-150 with Max Tow there all the same size cooler.
From my research I have found a picture of a truck with a larger OEM cooler but unfortunately the image I have is a prototype diesel F-150 from years ago. Not sure why Ford has the tabs for installing a larger one.
On a side note why would Ford put a thermostat in the tranny and require it to run high 190s? That just doesn't make since to me, I know the fluid should be warm but 196 (what mine runs at) just seams to high to me.
https://www.f150forum.com/f38/bigger...cooler-266856/
Wayne
Last edited by Z7What; 03-13-2016 at 02:47 PM.
#12
Having worked on some complicated hydraulic systems in my career, it's been my experience that high temps are the number one cause of failure.
In running 70mph for 75 miles in the same trip, the trans temp showed 205* at one point. I slowed to 65 and it dropped to 197* and eventually 195* at 60.
I have no idea what the specs and properties of the synthetic transmission fluid in mine are, but it'd take some convincing for me to accept 195* wouldn't translate to 210*+ pulling a 6% grade to 10,000 ft. in 90* heat, and it toasting the fluid in a short time.
In running 70mph for 75 miles in the same trip, the trans temp showed 205* at one point. I slowed to 65 and it dropped to 197* and eventually 195* at 60.
I have no idea what the specs and properties of the synthetic transmission fluid in mine are, but it'd take some convincing for me to accept 195* wouldn't translate to 210*+ pulling a 6% grade to 10,000 ft. in 90* heat, and it toasting the fluid in a short time.
#13
Senior Member
The thermostat causes the trans temp to get to the proper level fast then keeps it there. This makes the trans last longer and makes the truck get better gas mileage. It does make it a little harder to judge when the trans will overheat. When pulling a heavy load especially at low speed with the torque converter unlocked, you will have to monitor the trans temp closely. If it starts to rise from normal, that is a sign that it is generating more heat than the cooling system can deal with and you should slow down or take other action to reduce the cooling required. If the trans temp continues to rise, you should stop completely at the first safe opportunity and let it idle in park to cool.
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08drenalin (04-08-2017)
#14
Senior Member
The reason behind the higher temps is to keep the fluid "dry", keeping moisture/condensation out of the transmission. I see a similar problem in aircraft engines (Lycoming ). Inadequate oil temps cause condensation to build up in the top of the case and the cam will corrode. Modern transmission fluid can go to 240°f without degradation.
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#16
Senior Member
That makes sense. Thinner oil pumps easier.
#17
Lovin' every minute of it
Thread Starter
The reason behind the higher temps is to keep the fluid "dry", keeping moisture/condensation out of the transmission. I see a similar problem in aircraft engines (Lycoming ). Inadequate oil temps cause condensation to build up in the top of the case and the cam will corrode. Modern transmission fluid can go to 240°f without degradation.
So, in the new world of synthetic grade lubricants, the old rules are now invalid, Got it.
A thermostat to get it to operating temperature makes sense. Especially for the reason above.
This is reassuring, I guess I'l just run it like it is for now.
More later.
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Geronimo John (01-02-2020)
#18
Senior Member
Thanks for all the replies folks.
So, in the new world of synthetic grade lubricants, the old rules are now invalid, Got it.
A thermostat to get it to operating temperature makes sense. Especially for the reason above.
This is reassuring, I guess I'l just run it like it is for now.
More later.
So, in the new world of synthetic grade lubricants, the old rules are now invalid, Got it.
A thermostat to get it to operating temperature makes sense. Especially for the reason above.
This is reassuring, I guess I'l just run it like it is for now.
More later.
Last edited by redneck wrencher; 03-19-2016 at 11:54 PM.
The following 6 users liked this post by redneck wrencher:
08drenalin (04-08-2017),
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Apples (07-16-2017),
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#20
Senior Member
Through some research, I have found there is a larger, optional Ford trans cooler (7L1Z7A095B). It was used on the 2007-8 and 2015-16 Expeditions and Navigators. It is a 6 row versus the standard 4 row on the F150's. It looks to be a direct replacement for the F150 and fits the stock mounting bracket; with only having to shorten the upper side hose slightly and trimming off a couple of plastic tabs. There is about 1'' difference in height, but is a 50% increase in capacity for its size.
Last edited by redneck wrencher; 02-14-2017 at 09:43 AM.