545RFE Drainback or something else? Fix?

[sparkybg]

it s 2009 5.7 GC with 545RFE. Sometimes (once every 5-10 starts) on start after 1+ hour stay, for 10-20 seconds there is almost no output from the transmission. Replaced both filters with WIX, the bottom filter seal is also replaced. The problem persists.

• 65RFE torque converter replaced recently (from rockauto), maybe 4000km back
• Sonnax valve body with Standart Motor Products solenioid block, 40k km back
• Replaced oil pump 60k km back with rebuilt one (Sonnax valves etc.)
• All clutch packs upgraded - single sided UD and OD form 68RFE, 4C Raybestos, 2C Red eagle+Colene, the rest Raybestos standard, 40k km back
• All pistons replaced, 40k km back
• No shavings in the pan, perfect trans fluid and level, no burnt smell.
• No DTCs, no limp mode, the transmissions works and shifts fine after these 10-20 seconds.
• On hot idle (608RPM) requested pressure of 8.6bar (125psi), actual is around 6.4bar (93 PSI) - 6.8 bar (100PSI) - is this normal?
• On cold idle or 800+ RPM actual = desired

Where to look next?

I'll try to start with live data logger and make a movie, but since last time yesterday when it made it,it refuses to do it again. It will, I am sure, but it is hard to tell when.

 

[Burla]

Did you do a quick learn after the recent stuff? What gears have the issue? park to D and R?

also..

Standard Motor Products (SMP) solenoid blocks typically last between 50,000 to 100,000 miles (or 3 to 7 years). However, their actual lifespan largely depends on transmission maintenance, driving conditions, and whether you purchase an OEM-tier SMP part or their budget economy line

compared to OEM..

An OEM RFE (45RFE, 545RFE, or 68RFE) transmission solenoid block typically lasts between 100,000 to 150,000 miles (or 10 to 15 years). However, its lifespan heavily depends on fluid maintenance, driving conditions, and whether it’s used in demanding heavy-duty towing application

 

[caulk04]

I recall way back in the day that OE filters were the #1 solution for drainback issues. Just the spin-on filter would be the culprit.

I've been out of the RFE game for a long while now so things could've changed.

 

[Burla]

I have not heard of the OEM spin on being an issue, not saying it isn't, but the plastic thread sure can be. Usually such a bad deal it can and does kill transmissions. Maybe a small leak there "could" be it. These should be on every RFE, that exact one too. Eventhough ship is nine bucks, it still is cheaper then almost every other option, this guy just gives these away. This one fits tight, some others don't.

 

[06 Dodge]

I have not heard of the OEM spin on being an issue, not saying it isn't, but the plastic thread sure can be. Usually such a bad deal it can and does kill transmissions. Maybe a small leak there "could" be it. These should be on every RFE, that exact one too. Eventhough ship is nine bucks, it still is cheaper then almost every other option, this guy just gives these away. This one fits tight, some others don't.

I bought one just after I purchased my 2022, next week it goes finally in to be serviced at 31K, I will instruct them to install the new metal one and hand back to me the plastic one that comes pre-installed in the filter, not that I don't trust people but ya never know when stupid will show up

 

[Burla]

I don't trust anyone, if it were me and I didn't dyi, I'd watch them put it on.