Recommendation for a trans temp gauge

I have a bung on the trans pan and plan on a temperature gauge to watch my 2004r. So, electric or mechanical? Not looking to spend a bunch but also no off brands. Likely Autometer? What have you guys used?

 

Not to derail you're thread but isn't the best placement for tranny temp sensor at either the inlet or outlet by the cooler?

 

It's the most convenient place, for sure.. but maybe not the best. The In line thinks your running too hot, the out line, too cool.. the reality is somewhere in the middle, and pan temp is closer than line temp, to the actual temp of the unit.

I like electric for this application, I have had both over the years. The sender cable routing for a mechanical gauge is tough, with the exhaust in such close proximity to the trans pan.. Front access to the pan is often blocked, so the only real choice is to go in the rear of the pan for a mechanical sender.

I like my AEM temp gauges. Not the cheapest, but they have features not found in a mechanical gauge.. such as overheat warnings that you can program, as well as recall of highest temps seen.

Plus the 2 1/16 size makes them more versatile to mount, they are really light, and offer the choice of black or white faces. The digital and graphic display makes them really easy to get information at just a glance.

JW

 

Interesting! That would give a quicker response but more complexity in routing and more joints to leak. Also a spike in temperature could be cause for alarm or just a normal reaction to a high load. I think the pan fluid temperature will react fast enough to indicate an issue. It will give more of an average temperature. But I'm no expert.

 

If you have a spike in trans temp, it is not to be taken lightly.
Back off what ever is causing it, avoid damage. That is
something all the 5 ton GMC owners must do when using a
switch pitch trans. A small, high stall racing converter
might have such problems. Bruce Roe

 

Transmission fluid is very low viscosity.

Heat is created by the pump, the torque converter, the friction of the clutches engaging and friction from all passages/servos and spools as the fluid flows and absorbs heat.

So, having "colder" temps is not a bad thing, since you are not dealing with a thick and heavy viscous fluid.

Hydraulics in a tranny is different than engine oil and the need for a supporting wedge, bearing surface in engine bearings.

So, cooler is better. Mine runs about 130-140, and might hit 160 in the heaviest of applications.

And, remember, trans fluid does not deal with combustion byproducts, moisture or other things that contaminate and break down the fluid.

Heat, and the breakdown of the lubrication/stiction/cooling that clutches need is what kills the transmission, and if the pump suffers, everything suffers, rapidly.

 

I used a T fitting in the return line right at the trans when I swapped in the TH2004R. Installation of an electric gauge from Autometer quickly confirmed that I needed a cooler. Then it told me how the cooler I installed after a lot of research was not quite large enough. So I upgraded and now, thanks to the gauge, I am sure that I've got it right. In addition, the whole exercise taught me that the heat from the trans was also impacting my overall coolant temp as well. Bottom line, at least in my experience, is that a big trans cooler is a good thing on multiple levels!

 

I used something like this. https://www.summitracing.com/parts/tnk-670343

 

New 2004r, new TSP lock up converter, "new" 455, new TV cable set up, new radiator. I want a "feel good" indication that everything is working as it should. Also, heat is the death of a 2004r. Plus, I ordered the pan with the port so why not use it!

 

Heat is the enemy of any transmission.
Like Larry said, if you have a lock up converter, trans temps will be low.
The 2004R in my 87 GN barely reaches 130 on a 95 degree day

 

First hand experience is that just puttering around town with a healthy stall on a 90deg day is that the 200-4R will get to 200F. pretty darn quick without sufficient cooling.

Get an electric temp gauge from the mfg of your choice and see what's going on!

 

I’m a fan of glo shift. I get them off Amazon fair price for full sweep gauges that have custom colors and good sensors.

 

I’ve used Autometer electric trans temp gauges, put the sender in the pan. It works well, gives a good indication of how the cooler and torque converter affect the temps, once the operating pattern was observed, I only looked at it after a drag pass or extreme use. We’re not towing huge loads over mountains, so it doesn’t have to be super accurate or watched all the time, you’ll know pretty quickly with that setup what’s going on.