Transmission Temps

[CigarBasser]

I recently purchased a 2008 Chevy C1500 Silverado extra cab with the V6 in it. Also has the trailer package which I believe has a transmission cooler. On a recent road trip pulling my Nitro NX750 (2500lbs) the temp gauge read 220-230 the entire time. Would cool down to 220 once in awhile. During normal driving around town it will read 190 usually.. From what I read on the internet the 220-230 may or may not be within normal oprating ranges.

IS this OK and what are some of your Chevy's running?

Dave

[jimfc3]

First verify if you do have a trans cooler and if you don't I would add one... If you do have one I would add an aftermarket fan on the cooler. The lower you keep the temp the longer the trans will last. Also it all depends on the outside temp and if your towing in hills, you say it's at 220 now but what was the outside temp 85deg? 220 is not bad at all but once it gets neer 260 I would pull over and idle till it drops down.

[jimfc3]

BTW whats the tow capacity say on your door? I bet with the V6 and the xcab your at the max or close to it with the 2500LB boat so your engine is busting its butt

[TRCM]

3.23 gear - 4300 lb trailer max weight

3.73 gear - 4800 lb trailer max weight

I don't like it when mine gets over 200 deg........normal heavy towing (6000 lb trailer) it stays around 185-190 deg

[CigarBasser]

I looked on the doors and could not find a max towing figure.. all the info I've read indicated max towing capacity to be around 4900 lbs..

With the 3.23 gearing I'm pulling about 50% or less of the max trailer capacity..

I am going to change the fluids and have it looked over good by my local shop.. just shouldn't run so hot..

Dave

[Mobybassdog]

change the filter, it may help.

[csurp]

[quote=jimfc3] I would add one... If you do have one I would add an aftermarket fan on the cooler. [/quote

Not to hijack, but I have never seen one of these for sale, sounds like a great idea...could you post a link?

[billius]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by csurp &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">[quote=jimfc3] I would add one... If you do have one I would add an aftermarket fan on the cooler. [/quote

Not to hijack, but I have never seen one of these for sale, sounds like a great idea...could you post a link?</td></tr></table>

Just go to any auto parts store...you can buy them. I've not had to buy one for a long time, as mylast several trucks always have come with a towing package, which includes the cooler. I don't even remember what they cost now. But it's not much, well worth the investment if you don't have one. (don't ask me how I know that. )

As far as transmission temps is concerned, the highest I've ever seen mine was coming back from Eufaula about three weeks ago, it was at 196 degrees. I was in some slow traffic, it was hot (about 90 degrees outside and it was hilly) I was worried about that! I'd say anything above 200 could be a problem. Mine normally runs around 175-185 towing when it's hot outside and in hills. No hills, it's of course down in the lower end of that range.

[azwaterdude]

At temps between 220-240 i would replace oil every year. I have the biggest tranny cooler i could find and have never seen my temp over 200, In Arizona..... It is a Tru-cool MAX and rated for 40,000 GVW rating. I tow the same boat with the 4.8l v8

[CigarBasser]

Well, had the fluid and filter changed out.. learned at that time there is no cooler on the transmission other then the one that runs through the radiator I guess. The tech at the locationI get my work done said the transmission showed nothing ususual when changing out the fluid.. magnet had normal particles you would expect from at 50K.. So I am off to buy a cooler and have it installed..

Still cannot figure out why it runs 190 on normal rides and 120 - 130 pulling trailer.. Could the readings be wrong?

[CigarBasser]

Any other thoughts as to why the tranny might be running outside of normal temps (at least what I can find that represents normal)? If not, guess I got to go pay the dealer to figure it out..

Thanks
Dave

[azwaterdude]

This chart will give you an idea on what temps do to your fluid.

http://www.pdrdiesel.com/oldsite/TempChart.htm

[CigarBasser]

Thanks... Guess I will change about every 1.5 years or earlier.. Unless i can get the cooler.. Today, temps outside at 90 degrees the tranny ran 205 pulling boat.. So the fluid change must have helped some.

Thanks
Dave