Temperatures running mountains

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by Semi Disturbed, May 22, 2022.

  1. Semi Disturbed

    Semi Disturbed Bobtail Member

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    Getting hotter out here just wondering what is considered normal for coolant & transmission temperatures?

    On the Grapevine in CA specifically I was seeing about 200-220° for my coolant and as high as 225° for my transmission. I think the outside temp was about 85 and was hauling about 42k.

    I know these temperatures are not horrible but when it does hit 90-110° outside what is considered normal?

    Does anybody run a aftermarket transmission cooler on their trucks?
     
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  3. bumper Jack

    bumper Jack Heavy Load Member

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    200-220. It shouldn’t run any hotter.
     
  4. bumper Jack

    bumper Jack Heavy Load Member

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    And I imagine you already have a trans cooler on the truck.
     
  5. Long FLD

    Long FLD Road Train Member

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    What do you have for a truck? If it’s newer you’ll be seeing higher temps, and the transmission sits right next to the DPF for the most part. If you’re concerned it’s running too warm you can downshift a gear and run about 1509 rpm and not work the components so hard in the heat.
     
  6. kranky1

    kranky1 Road Train Member

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    My train tractors all have oil-air coolers on them. The ones plumbed into the cooling system on the engines only make sense if you’re the guy selling transmissions. They can’t cool below the coolant temp of the engine for a start, and when they fail they fill the trans with coolant and it’s all bad fast. One $7000 18spd replacement over a $200 cooler was enough to cure me. With oil-airs on them the transmissions run about 15-20deg below engine coolant temp most of the time.
     
  7. bumper Jack

    bumper Jack Heavy Load Member

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    1509 is very specific
     
  8. Long FLD

    Long FLD Road Train Member

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    Hahaha. I didn’t even notice my fat thumbs did that.
     
  9. Magoo1968

    Magoo1968 Road Train Member

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    I always run engine fan on manual if I have the switch to do so .. I find you give up a tad of power at the bottom but have more near the top due to charge air staying cooler. I know it may burn a minimal amount of fuel extra but I pass guys steady who are leaking fluids on the shoulder near the top so it’s a good trade off IMO
     
  10. Ruthless

    Ruthless Road Train Member

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    #### here i was thinking 1527 was the correct r’s to run hills at
     
  11. Long FLD

    Long FLD Road Train Member

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    At 1527 I’m going to assume you’re not running extended life coolant. ELC is good at 1509 as per my earlier post.
     
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  12. Vampire

    Vampire Medium Load Member

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    I use a vacuum, a pressure washer at no more than 400 psi and coil cleaner. You can buy a battery pack one at Menards. It is able to suck up the coil cleaner and any other soap you want to use as well for other tasks.

    Vacuum the radiator, charge air cooler, AC condenser and trans cooler (if applicable). Let the coil cleaner sit 10 minutes (make sure it stays wet) and pressure wash it. You’d be amazed at the crap that comes out. That crap acts as an insulator and hampers cooling. Re-apply coil cleaner and re-wash if necessary.

    I wouldn’t recommend anything over 400 PSI as you can damage the fins.
     
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