Running Cold

[flexdog]

With the cold weather now here I was wondering the definiton of running cold on my '91. I can only get it up to the N of normal on the temp gauge.
Is It time for a Thermostat change? Would it be worth it?

Also The transmission does'nt seem to want to chage into 4 and overdrive gears untill it is completely warmed up. Would changing the therm affect transmission temp? Would a warmer engine lead to a warmer transmission?

Thanks

 

[walterd140]

Check the coolant level 1st. Is it mixed properly? Are you getting heat inside the truck? If you have heat inside, why worry.
Walter

 

[flexdog]

Got all the heat I want, just wondering if there was a need to change the therm, trying to get the transmission warmed up quicker.

 

[walterd140]

When was the last trans filther & fluid changed on your truck? I would say that old fluid / filther would cause more of a shifting issue then engine temp. The engine & trans are 2 seperate systems, just hooked together.

Clear as mud? Long day for me
Walter

 

[smtcapecod]

ice ice

I'm having the same issue, first winter with the truck though. Read elsewhere about tendency for some to overheat, wondering if prior owner yanked the thermostat. COolant appears to be new. Pulled the cap and looked for flow on initial start up, couldn't see any.

 

[suprcharg97]

Try switching to a synthetic blend of transmission fluid, this will help with the fluid viscus concern your having in the cold environment. I run full synthetic in my transmission on my 97 and this is a huge difference in shift quality and warm up time when its cold. I don't believe its recommended for those early years 92 and before MY, because of the material the clutches are made of.

 

[Willard]

i would change the thermostat, I have a similar issue and will replace mine. Your truck might run a little better, and get better mileage with a properly working thermostat, and it should help your tranny warm up quicker, too.

 

[smtcapecod]

now there's some good info

never thought of the tranny fluid.

Makes sense, synthetic has better cold flow characteristics, better heat transfer too...guess I will have to pony up for the filter kit now even after having just done the lines....and maybe the shift improvement kit too....

 

[Rosscup]

change your thermostat

 

[suprcharg97]

I have a 93 explorer with a 5 sp R1 manual trans. I replaced the shift rail plugs and changed the fliud to a synthetic blend. If the stock thermostat is 190 degrees I would just leave it. Unless you have cooling concerns present. The transmission fluid is cooled through the radiator. another option is to block off a portion of the radiator flow. I have installed the automatic radiator in my manual transmission vehicle because its twice the size of the manual radiator and the cylinder heads tend to crack if temp gets above normal.

 

[smtcapecod]

How can you tell whether its the coolant temp sensor?