Diesel cooling options and ideas

[CrazyCooter]

I just had the transmission fluid changed in my 2015 and 2020 Ram EcoDiesel yesterday. Here's what the PPE magnetic drain plug looked like. That's a fair amount of metal sludge.

How many miles since last magnet clean up? Doesn't look horrible considering the size of the magnet in comparison to other pans I've had off.

I'm at 54K and thinking about fluid/filter change since I do tow a fair amount and operate in hotter climates. Just going back with an OEM pan/filter since I don't need them blaming an upgraded pan for a future possible failure?

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[biodiesel]

Your waiting to long. I would say change sooner and keep a nice color on the fluid.

Do you follow your own advice? That interval was 36,657 miles.

 

[biodiesel]

How many miles since last magnet clean up?

36,657 miles

Doesn't look horrible considering the size of the magnet in comparison to other pans I've had off.

You're correct. This is normal wear.

I'm at 54K and thinking about fluid/filter change since I do tow a fair amount and operate in hotter climates. Just going back with an OEM pan/filter since I don't need them blaming an upgraded pan for a future possible failure?

I've got three ZF transmissions to service. I've decided to stick with 45,000-mile drain intervals. I like the PPE pan because I can do a quick drain and fill without having to drop the pan each time. This means that I'm replacing the filter at 90,000-mile intervals.

Even at 44,933 miles on the factory transmission fluid, I noticed the transmission shifts were smoother after a simple drain and fill using Amsoil Signature Series. You don't get all the old fluid out, but the difference can be felt. I sent both samples off to the lab today.

 

[Ericshere03]

Hey guys, check this out ... I am not a fan of poorly designed performance parts, so why not a high performance OEM part, made by ZF...

BMW GA8HP75 GAHP76 Auto Trans Oil Pan and Filter Kit - ZF 24119503407 | FCP Euro

This is on my list when i perform my first tranny fluid dump.

Just need someone to make a good oil pan for us jeep guys.

 

[GladiatorPilot23]

Do you follow your own advice? That interval was 36,657 miles.

Yes Absolutely, I would not wait that long personally based on the color of the oil droplet on your rag.

Majority of WWF wrestlers died young, so use case plays a role which is how mileage will be calculated.

How many drain and fills have you done with how many total miles?

 

[JTdiRtyD]

Question, sorry if its been covered.

It's clear towing in hot climates can and probably will cause derating issues, but what about off-roading with RTT and camp gear weight? Far less weight than what most people are towing, but much slower speeds when on trails so not much airflow to begin with.

 

[CrazyCooter]

Question, sorry if its been covered.

It's clear towing in hot climates can and probably will cause derating issues, but what about off-roading with RTT and camp gear weight? Far less weight than what most people are towing, but much slower speeds when on trails so not much airflow to begin with.

You are good to go!

The problem really only shows up with high cruise speeds at high ambient temps and gets worse with hill climbs and or weight. I've never had an issue at speeds less than 35mph no matter what the temp was.

 

[biodiesel]

Yes Absolutely, I would not wait that long personally based on the color of the oil droplet on your rag.

You can't judge the quality of fluid based on color, especially when the factory fluid is dark green.

 

[biodiesel]

It's clear towing in hot climates can and probably will cause derating issues, but what about off-roading with RTT and camp gear weight?

Low speed operation is much easier on the temps.

 

[GladiatorPilot23]

You can't judge the quality of fluid based on color, especially when the factory fluid is dark green.

I would not say dark green more light to medium green based on the picture. The black oil is 50k miles.

I am not referring to the quality of the oil but the condition as it relates to these factors that it may be a sign that the fluid hasn’t been changed in a long time, it can become heavily contaminated with dirt, dust, high heat and friction and other pollutants. This can cause the fluid to darken and lose its effectiveness. Over time, the fluid becomes less effective at lubricating and cooling the transmission components, even if it doesn't show immediate problems. Smelling it can also help show if it has been burnt.

 

[CrazyCooter]

I would not say dark green more light to medium green based on the picture. The black oil is 50k miles.

I am not referring to the quality of the oil but the condition as it relates to these factors that it may be a sign that the fluid hasn’t been changed in a long time, it can become heavily contaminated with dirt, dust, high heat and friction and other pollutants. This can cause the fluid to darken and lose its effectiveness. Over time, the fluid becomes less effective at lubricating and cooling the transmission components, even if it doesn't show immediate problems. Smelling it can also help show if it has been burnt.

This reminds me of the little book that Big O tire brings out to show you how bad your fluids are just by the color on white paper.

 

[GladiatorPilot23]

This reminds me of the little book that Big O tire brings out to show you how bad your fluids are just by the color on white paper.

Go to Americas Tire and that won't happen.

 

[CrazyCooter]

Go to Americas Tire and that won't happen.

Now that's funny......Americas never checks fluids!

I honestly don't go to either of them. I bought my own tire equipment because I got tired of my wheels getting damaged, wrong wheel weight installed, and nonstop tire balance problems.

 

[GladiatorPilot23]

Now that's funny......Americas never checks fluids!

I honestly don't go to either of them. I bought my own tire equipment because I got tired of my wheels getting damaged, wrong wheel weight installed, and nonstop tire balance problems.

Hehe yea out of site out of mind.

Me too. I have bead locks Im going to install which I can do with out a machine using ABC silicon ceramic balancing beads but also bought this little China unit for $450 shipped.

I also bought a polymer duck head and and vinyl sheath for the for the bead breaker for the scratching. What I like is that it can collapse into a little cube. Works with air only. Can do about a 39" tire. It also has no clamps to gouge the rim when clamping.

 

[rubicon4wheeler]

Please pardon my ignorance, but as someone who's never had his EcoDiesel derate, I'm curious what exactly happens. And yes, I've searched. Besides simply derating power output, is there anything else that happens? Any Check Engine lights or instrument cluster notifications? Or do you just notice that you're losing power as temps continue to rise?

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