Question Failing Water Pump Causing High Tranny Temps?

[JRJ04]

My water pump has been leaking a little around the seal for quite some time, and now with it getting pretty hot...im thinking it might be starting to go.

I don't have an engine coolant temp gauge other than the idiot light on the dash, but I do have a transmission temp gauge and noticed it about 10* higher today than usual. Granted, I know I was on the freeway doing 70 in 100* weather, but I usually run just a hair under 160, and today I was at 170. Knowing that coolant lines run through the tranny to help with warmup (which i clearly don't need), could this be a sign the pump is starting to let go?

I find it odd that I flushed the tranny 2wks ago with royal purple and dropped the pan and changed the filter.

Any thoughts?

 

[DaveBen]

If you get above 200° then you have a problem, or it is really hot. 100°+ outside air temp is considered normal. You are still good, especially with Royal Purple. Keep an eye on it.

Dave

 

[BJS]

No problem at all with 170°F on the trans temp gauge. The trans cooler lines run through the bottom of the radiator which is much cooler than the trans fluid even when the truck is at operating temp or running a touch warm.

The loop through the radiator does not serve to warm the transmission fluid contrary to popular internet belief. It serves as an oil to water cooler to provide cooling to the transmission when air flow is not present across an oil to air cooler. Take a minute to think about it... if the transmission is in need of being warmed up then how would the engine be hot, much less the bottom of the radiator be warm enough that it could contribute even a minuscule amount of heat to aid the transmission in warmup.

I would recommend getting to the water pump as soon as possible if you know it is leaking, it will only be a matter of time before a complete failure that could possibly be catastrophic.

 

[JRJ04]

what would be considered a "catastrophic" failure? i've got a coolant filter thats hopefully catching any particles floating around...

 

[DaveBen]

If water is coming out of the housing where the impeller shaft is, that is a catastrophic failure. The bearing and seal have failed.

Dave

 

[JRJ04]

well aside from that, i just thought my temps wouldnt fall under that 100* agree above ambient rule since ive installed the 6.0 cooler. true/false?

 

[DaveBen]

I have no idea of what you are asking. Could you re-state your question?

Dave

 

[BIG JOE]

The 170* Trans temp yer seeing is not any thing to worry about, @ 70 to 100 ambient air temp.

The leaking Water-pump IS, of concern.

Catastrophic Failure of It.. Would/Could be.. When (not If) the bushing and seal totally fails.. at higher engine RPMs.. the shaft begins to wobble, coolant starts to spray/shoot out, fan blades could come in contact with the shroud and start to come apart.. pieces'n parts taking out anything They come in contact with.

That's Catastrophic failure.

Change out the Water-pump JR.

Joe

 

[JRJ04]

I have no idea of what you are asking. Could you re-state your question?

Dave

Basically, im asking this...

Since I have installed the 6.0 tranny cooler, shouldnt I expected my temps to be no more than say 60-70* above ambient instead of 100*? Following that logic, if I do see them closer to 100* over ambient...it could signal signs of trouble?

 

[DaveBen]

All I can add is to watch your temps and don't get alarmed if it goes to 100° over ambient once in a while. If you are constantly running 100° over, then take it in to a tranny shop. The 6.0 cooler should do the trick.

Dave