Transmission Thermal Bypass

[Fozzy]

My Expy tows a lot. Last trip to Mead was 100*-115* and on steep long grades both the motor and Trans got warm. No warning signs or limp mode but hot. Kept the pedal down to see what happens. Nothing, it recovered as soon as the grade lessened. The 10R80 and new EcoBoost are known to run a little hotter than previous Gens. I ran across this thermal bypass eliminator. Any of you run it? It’s cheap but not sure if it’s worth my time as I have temp swings from below freezing to 100*+ in Utah. It basically stops the Trans from heating up before it opens to the cooler. And does not restrict the flow through the smaller orifice of the stock bypass. Any thoughts?


https://revmaxconverters.com/product/10r80-transmission-cooler-thermostatic-bypass-upgrade/


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

My belief is that Ford engineers included the thermal bypass for a reason.

If you’re towing in very hot weather, it will open very quickly.

If you’re towing in sub-freezing weather, it will open as designed.

The bypass is designed to have the transmission fluid heat up to the desired temperature quicker in cold weather.

Elimination of the feature may void your power train warranty - if that is a concern.

 

[Fozzy]

Elimination of the feature may void your power train warranty - if that is a concern.

That is a good point on the warranty. From what I have read Ford uses this to help increase fuel mileage on cold starts. But the new design can overheat the motor or transmission. Once you have heat soaked both your done.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Greg Parker]

That is a good point on the warranty. From what I have read Ford uses this to help increase fuel mileage on cold starts. But the new design can overheat the motor or transmission. Once you have heat soaked both your done.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The other thing I noticed is that while that link's blurb speaks of "all 10R80" transmissions ...there is a very confusing line at the end of the Product Description that states...

"This product ONLY fits 2017-2021 Ford Raptors."

...but then in the "Additional information" section says it works with F150s & Mustangs. So...I'd definitely call that vendor before ordering to ensure that it'll bolt-up to the Expy platform (it should...but I'd wanna verify).

Back on the warranty thing. I am going to consider researching this a little more with my dealer. Here in AZ, my rigs only see sub-40F ...well, almost never. My Expy could see lows of 20-30F for a few days during hunting season, but that's about it. It sure would be nice to have an option for a cooler thermostat for those of us that are constantly driving and towing in triple-digit temps.

 

[AKentPhoto]

I'd personally rather enlarge cooling capacity than remove factory parts.... While under warranty...

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

The other thing I noticed is that while that link's blurb speaks of "all 10R80" transmissions ...there is a very confusing line at the end of the Product Description that states...

"This product ONLY fits 2017-2021 Ford Raptors."

...but then in the "Additional information" section says it works with F150s & Mustangs. So...I'd definitely call that vendor before ordering to ensure that it'll bolt-up to the Expy platform (it should...but I'd wanna verify).

Back on the warranty thing. I am going to consider researching this a little more with my dealer. Here in AZ, my rigs only see sub-40F ...well, almost never. My Expy could see lows of 20-30F for a few days during hunting season, but that's about it. It sure would be nice to have an option for a cooler thermostat for those of us that are constantly driving and towing in triple-digit temps.

A cooler (than stock) engine thermostat does not help an engine run cooler in hot ambient temperatures - it only opens slightly faster than a stock thermostat.

Once the engine thermostat opens as the engine reaches operating temperature, it remains open - as the engine runs hotter that the opening temperature of the thermostat (especially with triple-digit ambient air temperatures and towing).

The engine thermostat is designed to help the engine warm up quicker, which aids in emissions control, oil lubrication and helps to provide heat quicker for cold ambient temperatures.

 

[Greg Parker]

A cooler (than stock) engine thermostat does not help an engine run cooler in hot ambient temperatures - it only opens slightly faster than a stock thermostat.

Once the engine thermostat opens as the engine reaches operating temperature, it remains open - as the engine runs hotter that the opening temperature of the thermostat (especially with triple-digit ambient air temperatures and towing).

The engine thermostat is designed to help the engine warm up quicker, which aids in emissions control, oil lubrication and helps to provide heat quicker for cold ambient temperatures.

Yeah...I do understand the principles having a thermostatic block.....for the engine coolant; however, that is a much less viscous medium and takes longer to heat-up (longer than other engine temps), which can be very stressful to the materials of the engine (block/heads), if the temperature variance becomes to great.

I fail to see how this translates to fluid in a transmission (which has a very low freezing point compared to engine coolant). So, when I see these thermostatic blocks on a transmission ...and they being the first I've personally ever heard of ...it seems like there is some design-flaw in the 10R80 (that is too hard...or expensive to engineer out). Which makes this "thermostat" seem like a band-aid to a larger problem; but admittedly may be unavoidable with such an advanced tech gearbox.

In any event, I'll just be babying this bugger to death, but would love some solid way to keep the trans temps below 230F when towing (heck...in this AZ heat, I saw 219F the other day driving myself to run an errand).

 

[Fozzy]

The other thing I noticed is that while that link's blurb speaks of "all 10R80" transmissions ...there is a very confusing line at the end of the Product Description that states...

"This product ONLY fits 2017-2021 Ford Raptors."

...but then in the "Additional information" section says it works with F150s & Mustangs. So...I'd definitely call that vendor before ordering to ensure that it'll bolt-up to the Expy platform (it should...but I'd wanna verify).

Back on the warranty thing. I am going to consider researching this a little more with my dealer. Here in AZ, my rigs only see sub-40F ...well, almost never. My Expy could see lows of 20-30F for a few days during hunting season, but that's about it. It sure would be nice to have an option for a cooler thermostat for those of us that are constantly driving and towing in triple-digit temps.

Ford introduced the Gen14 F-150 in 2015. They did not get the 10R80 until 2018 The Gen2 Raptor was introduced in 2017 with the 10R80. The first truck to have it, one year earlier than the rest of the trucks. Raptor had a few years off the assembly line.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Fozzy]

In any event, I'll just be babying this bugger to death, but would love some solid way to keep the trans temps below 230F when towing (heck...in this AZ heat, I saw 219F the other day driving myself to run an errand).

For sure, I have had mine up to 240 Trans and engine temp. They seem to stay the same once heat soaked pulling the boat. According to the F-150 guys the water temp over temp is 250* then it goes into limp mode until it cools down. The Trans temp max temp is 255* before it reduces power. I am going to try and get ahold of them this week. Not sure where it actually goes.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Expedition Dave]

Where is the transmission-cooler mounted on our late model Exes? I am guessing ahead of the main radiator? Might it be easier to mount a small electric fan, or a higher capacity trans oil radiator, or open the grill/front valence a bit, etc (if it is buried)?

 

[duneslider]

Any concrete ways to keep the temps manageable in this transmission? We drove up to stake our camp spot and I was hitting 221 without a trailer on. There is a 7-8 miles section of steep paved road I have to drive up, speed limit is 25, temps will be 90ish. Last year it got hot, didn't know it had a digital temp read out so I don't know what it got to but the dummy gauge got to the yellow. Once I hit the gravel I put it in 4lo and the temps dropped to normal on the dummy gauge the rest of the pull up the mountain. I checked the grade on the paved section using the offroad gauge and it was showing between 6-8 degrees most of the way up, its fairly steep.

Last year I tried manual mode on the transmission to see if just hanging in a gear would help, didn't seem to make a difference. Nothing I could come up with made a difference until I put in in 4lo then the temps started dropping. Sounds like this is just the nature of the beast but I would sure love to figure out a way to keep the transmission temps down.

My buddy said he had the trans temp light come on in his f150 going to flaming gorge last year, seems like Ford needs some help with keeping the 10 speed cooler. This is the only thing that has bothered me with the expy. My jeep with the Hemi would get get pretty hot on the coolant side but the transmission always stayed good. Pulling the trailer up Parley's in the summer pushed the hemi pretty hard but transmission stayed reasonable.

 

[Fozzy]

Where is the transmission-cooler mounted on our late model Exes? I am guessing ahead of the main radiator? Might it be easier to mount a small electric fan, or a higher capacity trans oil radiator, or open the grill/front valence a bit, etc (if it is buried)?

There is not one on the 4 gen Expy’s. It has a heat exchanger that has a shared portion of the radiator. It’s pictures above. It’s bolted to the front bottom of the tranny.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Fozzy]

Any concrete ways to keep the temps manageable in this transmission?

This part may really help. I was to busy to call them today. If I can talk to them and get the info I need I want to put it on before my next trip to Mead in 2 weeks. Weather should be very similar to the last trip. So I can get a good idea if it works. If not, I’m only out my time and a little money. Unless it kills something. The part makes sense to me so I’m not to worried.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Greg Parker]

Where is the transmission-cooler mounted on our late model Exes? I am guessing ahead of the main radiator? Might it be easier to mount a small electric fan, or a higher capacity trans oil radiator, or open the grill/front valence a bit, etc (if it is buried)?

Dave...from what some have mentioned on here, it sounds like the cooling element is contained within the main coolant radiator. It's either a different element that is cooled by air; just like the coolant element, or some have mentioned some sort of heat exchanger. In any event, I think the element is within the main radiator structure.

Who knows...maybe there's some way to add a 2ndary, remote trans cooler.

 

[duneslider]

This part may really help. I was to busy to call them today. If I can talk to them and get the info I need I want to put it on before my next trip to Mead in 2 weeks. Weather should be very similar to the last trip. So I can get a good idea if it works. If not, I’m only out my time and a little money. Unless it kills something. The part makes sense to me so I’m not to worried.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Really curious to see if this help you out. I have never been a fan of trans coolers integrated into the radiator. Everything I have been taught about transmissions is keeping them cool makes them last longer. It sure seems like all the emissions crap has pushed us a few steps backwards in many regards.

 

[Bow512]

What kind of cooler are they running on the gasser super duty’s with the 10 speed?

The ZF 8 speed in our Grand Cherokee has a thermostat as well and it make for a pain when changing the fluids.

 

[Greg Parker]

What kind of cooler are they running on the gasser super duty’s with the 10 speed?

The ZF 8 speed in our Grand Cherokee has a thermostat as well and it make for a pain when changing the fluids.

If I'm not mistaken the 10-speed in a Super Duty isn't out yet?...or maybe is a brand new thing for 2020? I know I read an article that it wasn't going to be the "10R80" but was going to be a larger version coined the "10R160" (maybe "10R140" ...can't remember). Anyway, I gotta believe on a 3/4 -to- 1-ton they'd put a big, full-size transcooler in front of the radiator or somewhere in the cooling stack. I think the SD gassers are capable of some pretty huge towing capacities.

 

[Fozzy]

I talked to RevMax. The original link I found on eBay said it worked on all 10R80’s from the mustangs to F-150. The RevMax link says only the Raptor. They said it is only the Second Gen Raptor. The Gen 2 Raptor has both the heat exchanger to warm the transmission when it’s cold and cool it when it’s hot. It also has an oil cooler that is not used until the transmission gets to temp. He said the owner of the company has a tuned Gen 2 Raptor and has been working on keeping it cooler. He did not know if we can purchase the Raptor parts and adapt them or if there is a internal difference. He also said he has had a ton of calls to cool the 10R80. Their business is mainly diesel stuff. So it is a swing and miss. Now to look at how the Raptor cools the Trans and see if parts interchange.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[AKentPhoto]

Wish I was closer...
Anything you need pictures of? It will be interesting to see if our trucks differ or if they actually went full raptor on the Navi like all the sales guys always like to say...

 

[Fozzy]

Wish I was closer...
Anything you need pictures of? It will be interesting to see if our trucks differ or if they actually went full raptor on the Navi like all the sales guys always like to say...

I thought the same thing. If they did you would have an external oil cooler. If there in nothing inside the Trans that’s different we may have an option for a oil cooler on the Expy.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk