transmission theory of operation question...please clarify this for me

[BobCarter]

I just read some old thread where someone was quoted as saying..."don't let your torque pull you up a hill...just give it gas..." they said this in reference to building up heat and saving your tranny. I've always tried to drive my 5.0 lightly and let the torque converter lock up in 3rd and 4th as much as possible. Isn't this better than just gassing it and letting the clutch slip up the rpms? Seems like much less heat and stress is caused by allowing my converter to lock up. Please clarify this for me. Thanks!!!

 

[RiverRat]

I usually just go as fast as I can (WOT) up hills. If I'm just cruisin' I'll just try to keep the tranny from hunting between gears. I'll turn o/d off or select 2nd.

With an automatic I don't worry about lugging the engine as with a manual. I let the computer worry about it

It is true that the converter when not locked up does produce a lot of heat but the a tranny cooler can do a good job of keeping the fluid to a safe temp.

 

[BobCarter]

I guess basicially what the question boils down to is what causes more heat and stress?

driving when the converter is not locked up ( when having a heavy foot, or in 1st and 2nd gear )

or driving when the converter is locked up ( usually in 3rd and 4th )

 

[Ranger Digger]

You will generate more heat when the converter is unlocked. Also when it is unlocked, it will be generating more torque, so to answer you question, yes there will be more stress on the parts.

Remember that the cooler can usually deal with the extra heat produced by the torque converter in most situations, but that heat is wasted energy and you're paying for that energy at the pump.

 

[RiverRat]

Paying someone to work on your truck is like paying someone to sleep with your girlfriend.

That's the best quote ever

 

[Ranger Digger]

You have to pratice what you preach.

 

[wpurple]

...but years ago transmissions didn't have lock-up converters and they lasted. I think it is more a fuel milage issue.