HOW TO: Install B&M Transmission Temp Gauge Kit

[Titan1219]

There is one on the right side, right above the cooler lines, just where they turn to go forward. Looks a little big, but it might do it.

[greg w]

Originally Posted by Titan1219

There is one on the right side, right above the cooler lines, just where they turn to go forward. Looks a little big, but it might do it.

Thanks!That is the plug.

It was only in finger tight. I also found bolt on transmission mount 3/4 out and the transfer case is leaking around two bolts.

The gauge works well. It started climbing in less than a block to about 110.

The pillar pod I bought and spent so much time on I tossed. It just didn't look good. I made one of my own by cutting two inch PVC pipe on a band saw and then doing some fine tuning with a drum sander on a drill. Pics below.

[Titan1219]

looks good. I prefer the ultra light series of gauges from autometer. i dont have 4x4, so ill put mine where the 4x4 switch normally is. So that plug worked for sure? did u get any spillage when u pulled it?

[greg w]

Just a few drops.

The plug was the same size as the sending unit treads so I didn't need to use the adapters that came with it.

[greg w]

The spot for the 4x4 switch will make a nice clean install, but I have the 4x4 and there is just no room anywhere on the dash to mount it. I considered putting it in the overhead console but decided I wanted it in my line of site when towing.

Yes the plug worked well.

[dean_p]

Originally Posted by greg w

Just a few drops.

The plug was the same size as the sending unit treads so I didn't need to use the adapters that came with it.

Could you post a picture of where you installed that sending unit?
I'm doing this install very soon.

Thanks

[greg w]

Originally Posted by dean_p

Could you post a picture of where you installed that sending unit?
I'm doing this install very soon.

Thanks

On the right side, (passenger side), of the transmission you have two cooler lines that go down and then forward toward the front of the truck. Just forward and above of where they bend is the plug.

[Bear Hunter]

Hey good installs..nice and clean. I am also a fan of Autometer and currently running 4 ultra-lites.

If you really want some trick gauges look here. If they had more options for diesels I would be running them:
http://www.autometer.com/demos/nexus/

[mrmason]

Originally Posted by greg w

Just a few drops.

The plug was the same size as the sending unit treads so I didn't need to use the adapters that came with it.

Could anyone that has installed the sending unit in this location on the tranny post some temp readings after being fully warmed up? How about while towing? Thanks

[scr38]

The plug where you installed the sending unit is the pressure test port for the front brake in the transmission. The temp readings you are getting here will probably be lower than the actual fluid temp because there is no circulation of fluid at that port, like there is in a cooler line. It will still give you a reference to watch for rising temp, but the reading will be lower and slower reacting to temp changes compared to a sensor in the coolant lines.

[Titan1219]

No circulation, or do u mean "less" circulation.

Yeah, i forgot about the adapter fittings coming with it.

one suggestion, from looking at your pics., you have the wires kind of close to the cooler lines. Potential for chaffing or burning, those lines get hot. Put more of a loop in it or throw a small section of wire loom over it.

[scr38]

Originally Posted by Titan1219

No circulation, or do u mean "less" circulation.

Really no circulation. The only time pressure is applied to this port is when the transmission is in reverse or third gear. Even then there is no circulation, just pressure. So in reality with the sensor installed there you are reading transmission case temp, not fluid temp.

[Titan1219]

i wasnt aware that transmissions had areas of fluid that didnt circulate and stayed stagnant. Interesting.

[greg w]

OK I just got in from a weekend towing with the new gauge, 100 miles each way.

It seems to me the gauge is fairly sensitive with the sending unit mounted in the pressure test port. I could watch it climb as I would pull up hills and drop on the way down. It seemed to respond quickly as much as 10 to 20 degrees up or down in a mile or less. I really don't think that the case temp would vary that much and cool that quickly. After stopping for over an hour the temp only dropped 20 degrees so I don't think it cools that quickly without the fluid runnig through the cooler.

Without the trailer I ran around 170 to 190 degrees.

With the trailer it was 180 to as much as 220 on a long hill low speed second gear.

Interstate averaged around 190 depending on the grade. On long level runs in 4th gear I would be at 180-185. Up hill depended on how long,steep and what gear and speed I would try to maintain.

The only way you can tow in overdrive without creating increases in temp is on long down hill areas.

Temps were much higher at low speeds on secondary roads than on the highway at 65 to 70 mph.

I was pulling around 8500 lbs 32 ft Jayco Eagle with two adults and one large 80 lb puppy in the truck. Very up and down hilly area on I-64 from Lexington, KY to Ashland, KY. Average outside temp 75 with strong winds and we were runnig the air about half the time.

We will not discuss the GAS MILAGE

I would like to hear from some members with the BT package what temps they see pulling and not pulling.

[SOCALTITANKC4X4LE]

No ciculation ? Wrong ! I installed the sending unit at the test port and after driving on a test run, it started to leak at the sending unit even in Park. I had to put thread sealant, making sure I didn't over do it, so no sealant would enter the trans. BTW, the trans fliud cost me $ 9.86 including tax for one quart from Dealer. It took Half of a Quart to refill.