4L60e running at 200-210F at operating temp.

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zetros

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Hi guys, just got a transmission temperature gauge installed on my '97 Express conversion van to..... monitor my transmission's temperature. (The probe itself is threaded into the pressure test port)

As far as I can tell 210F seems a tad hot although within range, but I do not know for sure, hence my posting. Apologies if this is a silly question.

I took it for a drive after getting the gauge working and took it for a 40 minute drive down the road going about 35-45 in the relatively hilly terrain of the Atlanta outskirts. I did push it a bit up hills just to give it a bit of a stress test, but it looks it only went as high as 210F and no higher. I'd say it spent most of the time in 3rd of 4th. Not towing anything either, just me and another person.

What do y'all think?

Thanks
 

red98

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Hi guys, just got a transmission temperature gauge installed on my '97 Express conversion van to..... monitor my transmission's temperature. (The probe itself is threaded into the pressure test port)

As far as I can tell 210F seems a tad hot although within range, but I do not know for sure, hence my posting. Apologies if this is a silly question.

I took it for a drive after getting the gauge working and took it for a 40 minute drive down the road going about 35-45 in the relatively hilly terrain of the Atlanta outskirts. I did push it a bit up hills just to give it a bit of a stress test, but it looks it only went as high as 210F and no higher. I'd say it spent most of the time in 3rd of 4th. Not towing anything either, just me and another person.

What do y'all think?

Thanks
Install a tranny cooler if it doesn't already have one, if you're worried. They say heat kills transmissions.

What does your trans fluid look/smell/taste like?

(don't actually taste it lmao)
 

R422b

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Install a tranny cooler if it doesn't already have one, if you're worried. They say heat kills transmissions.

What does your trans fluid look/smell/taste like?

(don't actually taste it lmao)
Tastes like a MCDONALD'S burger that got a bit over toasted. [emoji1787]

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R422b

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With the gauge in my 1500 pulling from that same location, mine runs about 160. It rarely sees 210, you must not have been keeping the converter locked up. Also, nice sig R422b. :D
I saw you post that and I just had to steal it. I have that as my signature on several forums now. [emoji16]

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zetros

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Install a tranny cooler if it doesn't already have one, if you're worried. They say heat kills transmissions.

What does your trans fluid look/smell/taste like?

(don't actually taste it lmao)
Roger that.

I have some service due on the daily next week so I plan on sticking a trans radiator on the van while the tools will be out. Hope to see some improvements there.

I had changed the fluid and filter not 1k miles ago, but even prior to that the color looked fine to me (between bright red and just “red”) but did smell a bit burny. The clutch material buildup on the magnets looked normal to me.

Only thing that confuses me is that it still smells a bit burny, but I was honestly thinking of flushing the fluid when I get around to adding a tranny cooler anyway. Wouldn’t be surprised if it’s because the damn thing runs at 210 F constantly, lol

Fluid tastes like red kool aid. Must have mixed them up again. Dangit.
 

stutaeng

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On my slightly newer trucks that came with the factory tranmission guage I think the temperature stays around the 150F mark around this time of the year, and both of those have the external cooler. I've only towed a small-ish trailer with them and I'm pretty sure they run slightly hotter, especially in the summer. But can't remember off the top of my head what the actual numbers are.

My K3500 also has an external trans cooler, but no temperature guage, so I have no idea on that one.

210F seems a bit hot if running empty, no? I think that's more or less what the temperature should be fully loaded towing?

Didn't you have a thread about adding an external cooler? Sounds like a good idea to add one. Seems the threads I read on before and after adding the cooler, guys usually report an "X" amount tranny fluid temperature hotter than ambient temperature...
 

thegawd

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I also want to add that if the rad/ac condensor/whatever else might be up in here have never been cleaned of the 25 years of road grime, leaves, bees and butterflies you might want to do that as it will absolutely stop air flow. you will be very suprised how much crap will accumulate up in here.

Al
 
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