Transmission+grilleblock=overheating ? - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

Cd · 01-19-2009, 05:09 PM

My '93 Honda Civic is an automatic.
Is there a danger of the transmission overheating with a grilleblock and bellypan ?
I ask because I am an idiot when it comes to knowing anything about cars, and I notice that there appears to be some tubing coming from the radiator going to the transmission. ( Please correct me if I am wrong. )
I did not know that an automatic transmission needed coolant from the radiator.
I'm worried that an automatic transmission might be more susceptible to heat than a manual transmission.

Thanks !

TestDrive · 01-19-2009, 05:45 PM

The lines running from the transmission to the radiator contain transmission fluid (oil) which runs through a heat exchanger sealed inside a side tank of the radiator. When you start out with a cold car the radiator warms up much faster than the transmission and the heat exchanger help bring the automatic transmission up to operating temperature sooner. On a long trip in the summer, the transmission runs hotter and the heat exchanger in the radiator helps keep the transmission cooler. As long as the grille block and belly pan don't cause the engine to overheat, you should be fine. About the only time you'd ever need worry is long trips (100+ miles oneway) with a heavily loaded vehicle in the heat of summer.

Cd · 01-19-2009, 09:05 PM

( Thanks !! )

CobraBall · 01-20-2009, 06:26 PM

"ATF manufacturers suggest that for every 20˚F increase in operating temperature above 175˚F, the life of the fluid is cut in half. Hence at 195˚F, oil life will be about 50,000 miles. Above 240˚F., it becomes nil."

If you want to monitor the temperature of your transmission fluid, suggest you go to Installing a Transmission Temperature Gauge

Cd · 01-21-2009, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CobraBall

"ATF manufacturers suggest that for every 20˚F increase in operating temperature above 175˚F, the life of the fluid is cut in half. Hence at 195˚F, oil life will be about 50,000 miles. Above 240˚F., it becomes nil."

If you want to monitor the temperature of your transmission fluid, suggest you go to Installing a Transmission Temperature Gauge

So would the transmission fluid have sort of a 'burt' smell to it if it was overheating ?

( dumb question ? )

Thanks for the link to the transmission sensor.