How hot do differentials/ pumpkins get?

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by 77fib77, Jun 7, 2024.

  1. 77fib77

    77fib77 Road Train Member

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    My differential was at 168'F via laser temp gun. Im at 72k lbs and 33.4k on the drives. Is that too hot? My tires were 140 to 150'F. It's 95'F in Mississippi.
     
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  3. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    I wouldn't worry about that at all. If you were up over 200-210°F I'd start to take notice. Once oil approaches 250°F you're getting into territory that starts to damage parts and cook the oil.
     
  4. Arctic_fox

    Arctic_fox Experienced mx13 execrator

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    Mine usually hover around 160-170f when im pulling a full 80K and it is not unusual to see it spike as high as 200 on a long mountain pull at 80k either. Like cat said unless it stays around 200 dont worry about it.
     
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  5. 77fib77

    77fib77 Road Train Member

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    The pumpkin temp doesn't get me and much as the tire temp. I have recaps on the drives. They have Goodyear caps and Goodyear or Michelin casings. I know I need to buy virgin at some point. But they are expensive.
     
  6. Cat sdp

    Cat sdp . .

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    Just curious…. Were both diffs the same temp…?

    asking for a friend
     
  7. 77fib77

    77fib77 Road Train Member

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    Nope front was hot and rear was cooler.
     
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  8. Animosus

    Animosus Heavy Load Member

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    Front will always run hotter.
     
  9. Long FLD

    Long FLD Road Train Member

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    I wouldn’t worry about 170. We used to peg both rear ends into the red dropping down Whitebird at 105k in the summer.
     
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  10. Magoo1968

    Magoo1968 Road Train Member

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    We change diff oil every 500 k and they last well over 1.5 million running 35% mountains 65% prairies.. Boss rarely sells a truck he maintains them extremely well instead so some have major miles on them. PS because we run mountains a lot he makes sure every truck has a manual fan switch which helps tremendously on tough pulls .
     
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  11. bad-luck

    bad-luck Road Train Member

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    The hotter it is outside, the hotter your rears will run. The front will always run hotter than the rear. Weight and terrain will also effect the temperature. 168° is normal.
     
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