safe tranny temps???

[N-Smooth]

the temperature of my tranny seems to be going up a lot more often lately and i was wondering when i should be concerned. it used to get around 100-125 degrees, but if i do a lot of driving or towing it hits 165, but will not go higher.
the fluid level is fine, but i am going to drain it and change the filter soon anyway. what fluid do you guys recommend? just atf+3 like the book suggests?
what about flushing it? i know it is the only way to replace all the fluid, but i seriously hate mechanics, does anyone here work at a tranny shop?

i really need to get this tranny beefed soon

 

[Hickey]

I'm not a guru on slush boxes, but it seems like I heard that tranny fluid should be close to, but just below engine coolant temps. I wouldn't sweat 150*

 

[Caleb]

here's a good page on tranny temps...generally the cooler the better but running at 165* shouldn't concern you in the least bit...

http://www.tciauto.com/tech_info/trans_life_expectancy.htm

 

[TooeleBronco]

When I had an auto in my Bronco I asked some tranny guys. They said that as long as you are below 180 your fine. It would stay about 160 until I went off road. Then it would get toasty. Heat will take it's toll on an automatic. I had two tranny coolers (one with its own fan).

 

[N-Smooth]

well thats good to hear. its weird that i have just been noticing the higher temps lately. i always thought it stayed at about 100 degrees

i really should get the tranny flushed, but i think for now i will just drain and refill and change the filter. i want a new double-deep tranny pan with a drain plug, but they are spendy!

 

[XJEEPER]

Good info, I have a buddy who owns a 2nd Gen tranny business in Ogden (Creager's ATC) and his recommendation is to keep it between 180 and 200 degree operating temps for the longest life, extended runs that get temps over 240 should be followed with a fluid change asap.
He warns against power flushes, they tend to dislodge deposits that are then circulated through the tranny and block check balls and valves.....a great way to get folks back in your shop with tranny problems a few weeks after the flush job. He won't flush power tranny's for this very reason, cool temps and regular fluid changes are all that's really needed to give your tranny a long and happy life.

punk, are you still running an aw4? There's a DIY deep pan writeup on Marcus' website http://go.jeep-xj.info/

 

[kirk86CJ]

My truck (4L80) will get up around 210-220 in rush hour traffic, pulling nothing.

I change my fluid once a year, or whenever my temp gets above 230.

My jeep has a 700r. It usually runs 190-210. The hottest its ever got was on a highway (50-60 mph) in the summer climbing a long grade (empty)

Trans fluid is cheap. I changed the fluid in my truck 3 times last summer cause it got hot. I welded a plug in the bottom of my pan so I can do it often. I don't do the filter every time cause I don't think it gets really dirty with me changing it often.

Kirk

 

[N-Smooth]

XJEEPER, this is on my 99 cummins (tow rig/dd)
this trans is known to be problematic, especially with performance upgrades to the motor and a heavy right foot, and my right foot gets pretty heavy at times.
your buddy owns a 2nd gen cummins tranny shop? what does he charge to beef them up? let me know cause i am looking

 

[Caleb]

your buddy owns a 2nd gen cummins tranny shop? what does he charge to beef them up? let me know cause i am looking

I think he meant a 2nd generation owned and operated shop..meaning his father started it and now he runs it (2nd generation )...


I have always heard power flushing was a bad thing, but never heard a good reason. What XJEEPER said makes perfect sense...

 

[N-Smooth]

I think he meant a 2nd generation owned and operated shop..meaning his father started it and now he runs it (2nd generation )...

i am just used to people saying 2nd gen cummins