I have a 1990 f250 with a 4 speed auto trans. Transmission normally runs 150 Degree to 175 range. I have a small uxillary cooler. Ocassionally, I haul 4k lbs of dead weight( 2yd of gravel) in the bed and the transmission will climb to 200 to 225 range. Does this drastically affect fluid life or is this ok. Transmissions been power flushed twice with reg ATF and has only 80k Miles on it.
Trans fluid life
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I posted a chart (or maybe it was a link to a chart) that listed fluid life vs temp. Search for the post.
If you are worried about high temps and fluid life go with synthetic ATF.
If you figure in the cost of ATF and a flush, the synthetic ATF in a flush is a better bang for the buck. Amsoil ATF for example is good for 50K in severe and 100K in normal service. You can check it with a used oil analysis at regular intervals.
If you are worried about high temps and fluid life go with synthetic ATF.
If you figure in the cost of ATF and a flush, the synthetic ATF in a flush is a better bang for the buck. Amsoil ATF for example is good for 50K in severe and 100K in normal service. You can check it with a used oil analysis at regular intervals.
Two flushes - Okay!
Auxiliary cooler - Okay!
How often is "occasionally" in terms of how many times during those 80k miles you've hauled two tons and what distance?
I'd say your "normal" transmission temps are great, your "hauling" temps far from great. 40k miles on regular ATF is a stretch to begin with.
The next time you flush, use Amsoil ATF.
Auxiliary cooler - Okay!
How often is "occasionally" in terms of how many times during those 80k miles you've hauled two tons and what distance?
I'd say your "normal" transmission temps are great, your "hauling" temps far from great. 40k miles on regular ATF is a stretch to begin with.
The next time you flush, use Amsoil ATF.
Regular ATF should be flushed every 30k.
Working that transmission reduces the interval.
Definitely consider a full synthetic if you don't want to shorten your intervals.
Mobil1, Redline, Torco, Royalpurple...also have excellent synthetic ATFs.
Working that transmission reduces the interval.
Definitely consider a full synthetic if you don't want to shorten your intervals.
Mobil1, Redline, Torco, Royalpurple...also have excellent synthetic ATFs.
I'm with unDummy on the interval. If you value your vehicle and its transmission, best to service the transmission with some sort of drain-and-refill procedure every 30,000 miles.
This service is cheap ($100+) compared to a pull, rebuild and reinstallation of an auto transmission that can easily top $1,500.
I don't have a favorite ATF ... but if pressed to use a brand, I'd probably pick Schaeffer:
http://www.schaefferoil.com/transmission_fluids.html
All their products seem at least 'good' if not 'superb' in my experience.
This service is cheap ($100+) compared to a pull, rebuild and reinstallation of an auto transmission that can easily top $1,500.
I don't have a favorite ATF ... but if pressed to use a brand, I'd probably pick Schaeffer:
http://www.schaefferoil.com/transmission_fluids.html
All their products seem at least 'good' if not 'superb' in my experience.
Yes towing is stressful and as noted it does expend heat energy in the ATF. While those temps are not extreme, synthetics simply hold up better to those temps (and other oxidative forces) and also transfer the heat better.
One great, proven, ATF left off the list: Amsoil ATF OR better you could Amsoil ATD which is a TES-295 clone rated for Mercon applications and has a slightly higher vis than the ATF.
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