Chevy & GMC Vans

Got my tranny temp gauge installed this weekend. What an ordeal that was! I decided to to my gauge first so I can do a before and after comparison when I do the tranny cooler this coming weekend. I took a bunch of pics so I'll get some uploaded once I've had a chance to go through all of them and edit and resize. I used the autometer 2 gauge pod and an el cheapo gauge to monitor for now until I can justify buying a better gauge. The one I bought only shows 100, 150, 180, and 210 and I'd like something a tad more accurate to show a better representation of the actual temps. I'll update later.

(UPDATE) Installed my cooler this weekend. (tru-cool 4590. Just wanted to report back the findings. Normal driving conditions on the freeway (70mph with some slow and go) last week averaged anywhere between 205 deg. in the morning to 215 deg. in the afternoon. Average ambient temps were around 110 deg. in the afternoon last week. Got the cooler installed yesterday and took the van for the virgin run, ambient around 110 deg. I noticed a 30 deg drop in temps as the trans never got above 180 deg on a 20 mile stint. I noticed the biggest improvement this morning, where my temps would normally be about 205, it never went above 165 - 170. Worthwhile to install for those that have not done it yet.


Jay

Yep,prolly easiest best improvment one can do for your van.
Nice report on the differences.

I agree...one of the first mods that should be done to extend the life of your tranny! Now lets see those pics.

Ditto. Move it gurl! Pics!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I certainly agree--adding a transmission fluid cooler is the first mod that should be made on our automatic transmission equipped vans. Actually, if a person really wants to justify adding a cooler, adding a transmission temp gauge would be the first mod. Once those transmission temperatures are seen and the shock sets in, a cooler won't be far behind.

Jay, you mention that you installed a gauge that reads 100, 150, 180, and 210 F. That's all my Autometer gauge reads, too, and like yourself I'd like something with a more expanded scale on it, but not a digital readout.
If you find the perfect gauge, let me know. I doubt that it'll be made by Autometer, though. I've installed 4 of their gauges now into 2 different vehicles and have lens fogging issues with all of them. The tach has become erratic after a year of use. I won't be buying anymore Autometer products, but I worry that any brand I decide to go with will actually be made in China and they are just labeled differently for all the manufacturers.

I installed a cooler this past summer, but never a temp gauge. After reading your report, I'm sure glad I added the cooler and only wish I had done it 100,000 miles ago. I'm blown away by the difference in temps you reported.

Hmmm, should I add one to my 1963 Ford Falcon? I guess so.

Did you keep using the original rad cooler or is this 100% off the new external cooler?

LaGrasta, I've had my transmission cooler plumbed in both ways; just the cooler by itself and presently with the external cooler after the radiator tank one.
I wish I could give a definitive report on the difference between the two, but when I tried using the external cooler by itself I was using the original transmission. That transmission was in bad shape and pushed the cooling ability of the external cooler to its limit. I then plumbed in the radiator tank cooler ahead of the external one. That kept the temperature down so the temperature gauge wasn't a scary sight, but it wasn't right. I had the transmission rebuilt a bit later and found that the temperature now never exceeded 170F even during the hottest days, usually the temp stays around 125F, and that's with both coolers in line. During the winter, the temperature barely breaks 100F. Note that I've yet to pull a trailer with my van, so the above temps are just it going down the road.

Just a little something to add in case anyone else wants to add a tranny cooler at a cheaper price than most tranny temp gauges. Sunpro, from what I can find out, doesn't make a tranny temp. gauge but their water temp gauge can be used according to one of their techs. I talked to. The water temp gauge just has TEMP. unlike others that have WATER TEMP. printed on face. Sells for around 20.00 bucks I think.

Temp is temp.
I used a simple temp gauge I haven't seen it get pass 110* this winter even plowing.
Course I haven't seen 50* ambient temp, since I hooked it up either :-k

dunedog wrote:Temp is temp.
I used a simple temp gauge I haven't seen it get pass 110* this winter even plowing.
Course I haven't seen 50* ambient temp, since I hooked it up either :-k

I haven't seen mine go above 109* yet this winter either and I saw the 109* while flying down the 401 at a buck 50 the other day.