Caulk04 - Transmission Cooler Upgrade!! This S--T Is Real!

[BossHogg]

I'm not sure why any of you are wanting to change the operating temperature of your engine or transmission. The operating temperatures are set for reasons, for example, emission systems and the maximum lubricity of lubrication oils in the powertrain are operating temperature dependent.

I have two RAMs, both tow, and I've never seen temperatures that would worry me. I'm curious as to why you want to lower any operating temperatures. I'm not trying to be a wise guy, I'm just curious.

 

[Daniel Ortiz]

@BossHogg, in my case I believe the thermostat in my transmission heat exchanger was sticking open, letting transmission fluid run through it and heating it up, when it should have been closed off, or at least more restricted. I used to run transmission temperatures of 185 F solidly, rain/shine, hot/cold, and I would have been fine with that. But one day on a long unloaded run from Houston to Georgetown (70 mph steady) I saw it spike up to 230 F (it was still climbing when I pulled off the highway). For the next year it regularly started to overheat any time I would go above 60-70 mph. It got to where I couldn't drive it long distances anymore, or if I did, I had to limp it along back country roads the whole time so I could pull over and let it cool down.

I know that's not why most people installed this plug, but that was my reason, and it's never had a problem since. True, it's slow to heat up now, and the upper limit temperature depends on the ambient air, but it basically never gets above 170 F now. So I'm happy with it.

 

[danielmid]

I'm not sure why any of you are wanting to change the operating temperature of your engine or transmission. The operating temperatures are set for reasons, for example, emission systems and the maximum lubricity of lubrication oils in the powertrain are operating temperature dependent.

I have two RAMs, both tow, and I've never seen temperatures that would worry me. I'm curious as to why you want to lower any operating temperatures. I'm not trying to be a wise guy, I'm just curious.

What temperatures you are comfortable with for your vehicle are not the same as what others are comfortable with for their own vehicles.

 

[Wild one]

I'm not sure why any of you are wanting to change the operating temperature of your engine or transmission. The operating temperatures are set for reasons, for example, emission systems and the maximum lubricity of lubrication oils in the powertrain are operating temperature dependent.

I have two RAMs, both tow, and I've never seen temperatures that would worry me. I'm curious as to why you want to lower any operating temperatures. I'm not trying to be a wise guy, I'm just curious.

You have a totally differant transmission behind your Cummins,and i don't think they use a transmission thermostat on your set-up,i might be wrong,but i've never seen a transmission thermostat on the earlier HD's ,so yes you'll see lower temps then the 1500's with the transmission thermostat,and yes you probably don't need to worry about your transmission temps as much as somebody with a 8 speed 1500 that's running 190+ transmission temps. The 1500's thermostat also restricts flow to the cooler,even when it's in full flow mode. Hopefully now you see why guys are messing with the transmission thermostat on the 1500's

 

[BossHogg]

you probably don't need to worry about your transmission temps as much as somebody with a 8 speed 1500 that's running 190+ transmission temps. The 1500's thermostat also restricts flow to the cooler,even when it's in full flow mode. Hopefully now you see why guys are messing with the transmission thermostat on the 1500's

I do have a 1500 I use to tow my boat, about a 5K tow load.

Your answer, and thank you for that, leads me to another question. What is the operating temperature range of the ZF 8-speed? I'm considering what the transmission's fluid operating range is, what temperature range does the transmission fluid offer the best lubricity?

Searching around I've read that an acceptable operating temperature range for the ZF is 175 to 220 degrees. The highest temperature I recall seeing on my 1500 is 205 degrees F.

It is very possible running the transmission at a temperature lower than 175 degrees could be causing premature wear because the lubricity of the transmission oil isn't at its operating temperature.

 

[BossHogg]

What temperatures you are comfortable with for your vehicle are not the same as what others are comfortable with for their own vehicles.

It isn't what I'm comfortable with, it is about what temperature the transmission fluid should be at to offer maximum lubricity. I guess you can run your vehicle's tranny at whatever temperature you can achieve but are you possibly causing premature transmission wear because your transmission fluid is running out of its lubricity range?

 

[Wild one]

I do have a 1500 I use to tow my boat, about a 5K tow load.

Your answer, and thank you for that, leads me to another question. What is the operating temperature range of the ZF 8-speed? I'm considering what the transmission's fluid operating range is, what temperature range does the transmission fluid offer the best lubricity?

Searching around I've read that an acceptable operating temperature range for the ZF is 175 to 220 degrees. The highest temperature I recall seeing on my 1500 is 205 degrees F.

It is very possible running the transmission at a temperature lower than 175 degrees could be causing premature wear because the lubricity of the transmission oil isn't at its operating temperature.

The HD's with the 8 speed run in the range of 160/165 while towing upwards of 7,000 lbs,so i'm guessing 160/165 is probably closer to the optium temperature range,then the 185+ the 8 speed in the 1500's runs at.

 

[Wild one]

It isn't what I'm comfortable with, it is about what temperature the transmission fluid should be at to offer maximum lubricity. I guess you can run your vehicle's tranny at whatever temperature you can achieve but are you possibly causing premature transmission wear because your transmission fluid is running out of its lubricity range?

I'm guessing you've never rubbed the ZF fluid between your fingers,water is damn near thicker then it is,lol.So it's lubricity range is probably lower then you think,especially considering you check the fluid level between 86F and 122F. I'd almost think 122F is probably when it's starting to be with-in it's lubricity range

 

[CanuckRam1313]

It isn't what I'm comfortable with, it is about what temperature the transmission fluid should be at to offer maximum lubricity. I guess you can run your vehicle's tranny at whatever temperature you can achieve but are you possibly causing premature transmission wear because your transmission fluid is running out of its lubricity range?

As many have commented herein, the 8spd transmission in the 1500's gets hot, and it's also a known issue that the thermostat valve can stick and cause catastrophic damage to the transmission, and for one of a better term, wipe it out.

Regardless, as we all know, heat is the #1 killer of any transmission.

So, being a car guy and very in tune with my vehicle and being able to feel how it runs in all terms of the sense, I knew that my transmission oil was getting worn. With the help of the brain trust on this forum I was fortunate enough to be directed to the designer of this mod/upgrade, and I actioned its installation combined with a coolant flush and fill and new thermostat (done in conjunction with my major 100K service).

Everything to do with our vehicles is a tad more unique than other OEM's in terms of our engines and transmissions run a bit hotter than most, and we have to contend with a lot more proprietary nonsense too when tuning and upgrading audio and lights, etc.

That said, you're correct that fluids do have an optimal operating temperature range. But being able to reduce the operating range by say 25 to 30 deg/cel at full operating temperature in this transmission specifically is a huge bonus and it is immediate in its deliverable of extending the 8spd transmission life cycle and overall operating efficiency, too.

The reduction is transmission temperature with this mod has been proven to be of significant and quantifiable benefit by those who have installed in in their daily's and high HP vehicles, and it has had no detrimental short or long term effects either.

I live in Ontario, Canada and with this mod installed I have gone from +40 to -40 deg/cel outside temps and my transmission is very happy and works flawlessly. However, no matter the outside conditions, I always allow my vehicle to reach its prime operating temperatures (oil, coolant, transmission) before I go and drive it in any type of spirited manner, because flogging a vehicle from stone cold could cause stresses that could have negative impacts. In my opinion only, it's always best to let your vehicle get to prime operating temps first.

 

[Wild one]

As many have commented herein, the 8spd transmission in the 1500's gets hot, and it's also a known issue that the thermostat valve can stick and cause catastrophic damage to the transmission, and for one of a better term, wipe it out.

Regardless, as we all know, heat is the #1 killer of any transmission.

So, being a car guy and very in tune with my vehicle and being able to feel how it runs in all terms of the sense, I knew that my transmission oil was getting worn. With the help of the brain trust on this forum I was fortunate enough to be directed to the designer of this mod/upgrade, and I actioned its installation combined with a coolant flush and fill and new thermostat (done in conjunction with my major 100K service).

Everything to do with our vehicles is a tad more unique than other OEM's in terms of our engines and transmissions run a bit hotter than most, and we have to contend with a lot more proprietary nonsense too when tuning and upgrading audio and lights, etc.

That said, you're correct that fluids do have an optimal operating temperature range. But being able to reduce the operating range by say 25 to 30 deg/cel at full operating temperature in this transmission specifically is a huge bonus and it is immediate in its deliverable of extending the 8spd transmission life cycle and overall operating efficiency, too.

The reduction is transmission temperature with this mod has been proven to be of significant and quantifiable benefit by those who have installed in in their daily's and high HP vehicles, and it has had no detrimental short or long term effects either. Trucks in the patch have more "air time" then they do "drive time"

I live in Ontario, Canada and with this mod installed I have gone from +40 to -40 deg/cel outside temps and my transmission is very happy and works flawlessly. However, no matter the outside conditions, I always allow my vehicle to reach its prime operating temperatures (oil, coolant, transmission) before I go and drive it in any type of spirited manner, because flogging a vehicle from stone cold could cause stresses that could have negative impacts. In my opinion only, it's always best to let your vehicle get to prime operating temps first.

You've never been around the oil patch then,lol. Company trucks in the patch are probably about the worst abused trucks you'll find. -40 and the young guys get in them,and as soon as they drop them in gear,it's foot to the floor,and if it's making noise,turn the radio up louder,lol

 

[CanuckRam1313]

I've known several that literally start up their vehicles and before it even settles down in RPM they have it floored, especially in the winter. "Start/Gear/Go!"

The best are the ones that try and rock their ice cold vehicles being stuck in the snow; she's Full Send/Full Throttle until they get it out, and little to no brakes between switching from FWD and REV..lol

 

[RamBayou]

@caulk04, DM sent

 

[sullivan]

Where do I order the parts for my 2016 Ram 5.7 with the 8 speed?

 

[ramffml]

Where do I order the parts for my 2016 Ram 5.7 with the 8 speed?

Send caulk04 a private message. I just ordered one last week and it showed up here in Canada a week later.

 

[DtheBC]

I think his device is a life or Transmission saver! My trucks tranny had always ran around 186 deg towing then all of a sudden it was getting in the high 190’s would stay there then drop to 179 and stay there for a good while the back up. It was a YoYo effect. I figured the thermostat was sticking. When I installed Caulk04’s device it runs much cooler and is steady. The brass washer on the factory thermostat showed scars that it was engaging the black cap on an angle which reinforces my belief it was sticking. I am very happy and a big thanks to Caulk04!

 

[Bryanm80018]

So, to start. I am an experienced vehicle owner in performance, predictive and proactive maintenance, and no damn snake oil BS!!!

I've a 2019 Ram Sport Express with the HEMI and 8spd trans. While I'm new to our present community, I am no n00b to MOPAR or the culture!

That said, I was fortunate enough to be connected to Jesse (Caulko4) on our Forum here, and he was kind enough to assist in providing me with his custom designed transmission cooler upgrade.

I have recently had it installed by an experienced MOPAR tech that specializes in the 8spd trans and HEMI's. My tech was blown away that the trans temps immediately dropped 35+deg/cel - yes, I'm a Canadian.. under full operating temps, under load, and on the highway where he could vary the throttle input.

I have immediately felt the benefits of this upgrade in terms of a happier transmission with smoother and tighter shifting.

The other thing I have noticed is that my overall engine operating temp has dropped by a few deg/cel as well under load on the HWY. I say this as I pay attention to my temp readings continually on my EVIC display and have noticed it there and on the dash temp gauge as well as it is a notch lower on the temp scale now vs. before the upgrade.

Anyhoo - this is all to say that I give respect to Jesse (Caull04) on his fantastic design, and for helping me have a better ownership experience. It's people like you Sir that make the culture great!

To any who read this and consider it; HIGHLY recommend this upgrade to you 8spd owners for a happier trans - we all know that high heat is the #1 destroyer of transmissions!

 

[Bryanm80018]

So, to start. I am an experienced vehicle owner in performance, predictive and proactive maintenance, and no damn snake oil BS!!!

I've a 2019 Ram Sport Express with the HEMI and 8spd trans. While I'm new to our present community, I am no n00b to MOPAR or the culture!

That said, I was fortunate enough to be connected to Jesse (Caulko4) on our Forum here, and he was kind enough to assist in providing me with his custom designed transmission cooler upgrade.

I have recently had it installed by an experienced MOPAR tech that specializes in the 8spd trans and HEMI's. My tech was blown away that the trans temps immediately dropped 35+deg/cel - yes, I'm a Canadian.. under full operating temps, under load, and on the highway where he could vary the throttle input.

I have immediately felt the benefits of this upgrade in terms of a happier transmission with smoother and tighter shifting.

The other thing I have noticed is that my overall engine operating temp has dropped by a few deg/cel as well under load on the HWY. I say this as I pay attention to my temp readings continually on my EVIC display and have noticed it there and on the dash temp gauge as well as it is a notch lower on the temp scale now vs. before the upgrade.

Anyhoo - this is all to say that I give respect to Jesse (Caull04) on his fantastic design, and for helping me have a better ownership experience. It's people like you Sir that make the culture great!

To any who read this and consider it; HIGHLY recommend this upgrade to you 8spd owners for a happier trans - we all know that high heat is the #1 destroyer of transmissions!

Where do i buy this?

 

[CanuckRam1313]

Where do i buy this?

@caulk04 is aligned with this business that distributes his designed parts.

Store | Your Auto Huckleberry

yourautohuckleberry.com

I have worked with this distributor several times and he is amazing!
You will not have any issues whatsoever!

I recommend that you get the thermal bypass valve and the aluminum replacement plug.

 

[ramffml]

@caulk04 is aligned with this business that distributes his designed parts.

Store | Your Auto Huckleberry

yourautohuckleberry.com

I have worked with this distributor several times and he is amazing!
You will not have any issues whatsoever!

I recommend that you get the thermal bypass valve and the aluminum replacement plug.

What does the alum plug do?

 

[CanuckRam1313]

What does the alum plug do?

It takes the place of the factory plastic plug that has to come out and go back in after the valve re & re