Lets talk 3 way valve what exactly is it suppose to do?

[Bigskyroadglide]

So I spent 12 hours in the truck today driving from Minneapolis Minnesota to Glendive Montana coming from visiting my daughter.

Started out at 630 it was 3 degrees, ended up in Montana at 30 degrees, lots of snow but clear roads and low traffic.

My opportunity was to observe the gauges on my 24 Ram 1500 Classic. As the temp was below 10 degrees the oil and coolant temp consistently displayed 199 to 201, never over 201, while the transmission temp displayed 147 to 149
( I have the @caulk04 trans device installed) Heat in the cab on auto was a constant 72, but if you flipped on the defrost it felt like it soared to 78 or 80 and became almost unbearable, but when this happened the trans temp dropped to 145.

When the outside temp went above 10 to about 20, the coolant temp went up to 203 and settled (thermostat operating temp) and the engine oil temp went up to 210, while the trans temp dropped to 138.

Over 20 to 30, coolant temp 203, engine oil temp 215, transmission temp dropped to 131, and rose only slightly as the truck on cruise control downshifting to climb moderate hills on the freeway.

I was amazed that the truck and I can only assume the 3 way valve was smart enough to isolate various engine systems and heat the components that required heat when needed.

I know several members here have removed the 3 way valve and used the older 6 speed hoses, I think, that's allowed the coolant to flow differently.

I'm not certain I understand exactly how this works but it was fascinating to watch and learn how this system works. If that truly what caused the change in temperature that I noticed.

Thoughts on this?

is this the way the valve works, or was I bored out of my head and just noticed random data points and should find a hobby,, like chewing gum or singing along with the radio.

 

[HEMIMANN]

Way too complicated. Glad I have the RFE, actually. If I had more time and money I would have upgraded it, but generally baby it anyway.

Best of luck deciphering that kluge!

 

[Wild one]

So I spent 12 hours in the truck today driving from Minneapolis Minnesota to Glendive Montana coming from visiting my daughter.

Started out at 630 it was 3 degrees, ended up in Montana at 30 degrees, lots of snow but clear roads and low traffic.

My opportunity was to observe the gauges on my 24 Ram 1500 Classic. As the temp was below 10 degrees the oil and coolant temp consistently displayed 199 to 201, never over 201, while the transmission temp displayed 147 to 149
( I have the @caulk04 trans device installed) Heat in the cab on auto was a constant 72, but if you flipped on the defrost it felt like it soared to 78 or 80 and became almost unbearable, but when this happened the trans temp dropped to 145.

When the outside temp went above 10 to about 20, the coolant temp went up to 203 and settled (thermostat operating temp) and the engine oil temp went up to 210, while the trans temp dropped to 138.

Over 20 to 30, coolant temp 203, engine oil temp 215, transmission temp dropped to 131, and rose only slightly as the truck on cruise control downshifting to climb moderate hills on the freeway.

I was amazed that the truck and I can only assume the 3 way valve was smart enough to isolate various engine systems and heat the components that required heat when needed.

I know several members here have removed the 3 way valve and used the older 6 speed hoses, I think, that's allowed the coolant to flow differently.

I'm not certain I understand exactly how this works but it was fascinating to watch and learn how this system works. If that truly what caused the change in temperature that I noticed.

Thoughts on this?

is this the way the valve works, or was I bored out of my head and just noticed random data points and should find a hobby,, like chewing gum or singing along with the radio.

A 24 shouldn't have the 3 way valve Big,they only used them on the early 13 to 15 trucks,after that they did away with it.You should have a hose off the thermostat housing that feeds coolant to the heat exchanger above the oil filter,and then if i remember right should go back and feed coolant to the transmissions heat exchanger. But i'm not exactly sure on the newer hose routing,as it's been several years since i looked my neighbours 16 over,and every once inawhile alzhiemers kicks in,so don't quote me on the hose routing,

 

[Bigskyroadglide]

Good to know, I will verify tomorrow. My 16 had one,i know, thought this one did as well, since it's a classic.

 

[Wild one]

Good to know, I will verify tomorrow. My 16 had one,i know, thought this one did as well, since it's a classic.

Is your 16 an early 16 build,as i was under the impression they started fazing the valve out between 15 and 16.I know my neighbours old 16 didn't have the valve

 

[Bigskyroadglide]

I don't know, I've sold it already about 6 months ago, I remember the truck was red, that's about it.

Sorry out of sight out of mind.

I'll look at the 24 tomorrow. Thanks

 

[Ecobuilder]

Your '24 doesn't have one but you're correct in assuming
how the trucks that do have a 3 way operate.

I have mine unplugged in my '14 due to some wonky wiring, I believe, in the connector that causes the engine to run spazzy with a slew of codes and makes it undrivable. Probably a short somewhere. It runs just fine unplugged and I have heat everywhere that's needed.

Will dive into it when time permits. I don't think it's the valve itself, thankfully. They're over $500 here in Canukistan.

 

[EdGs]

A 24 shouldn't have the 3 way valve Big,they only used them on the early 13 to 15 trucks,after that they did away with it.You should have a hose off the thermostat housing that feeds coolant to the heat exchanger above the oil filter,and then if i remember right should go back and feed coolant to the transmissions heat exchanger. But i'm not exactly sure on the newer hose routing,as it's been several years since i looked my neighbours 16 over,and every once inawhile alzhiemers kicks in,so don't quote me on the hose routing,

3-way valve hose routing:
1. Top w/p nipple to end of top metal tee line for trans heat exchanger
2. Metal tee line "tee" to heater core bottom line
3. Metal w/p line to front of 3-way valve
4. Rear of 3-way valve to top heater core line
5. Side of 3-way valve to bottom metal line for trans heat exchanger

New OE heater hose set w/o 3-way valve.
Part # 55056906AH

New heater hose routing:
1. Top w/p nipple to bottom heater core line
2. Metal w/p line to top heater core line

 

[Wild one]

Just to add to @EdGs post,these are the 3 way valve hoses removed. With the transmission in place,you have to cut them to remove them

 

[62Blazer]

Honestly, I think you are WAY over thinking the situation. I doubt there is really anything going on that is telling a certain component to change by a few degrees here and there. My opinion is that you are just seeing normal fluctuation in the systems that are simply caused by the changes in ambient temperature and the single thermostat opening and closing.