Headed from Colorado to HWH going across I-80, ambient temperature 85 degrees, running at 1700 RPM, coolant temp 185 which is about normal.
Transmission temp is usually just a bit higher than the coolant temp, but all of a sudden it jumped up to 202 and as high as 210 averaging about 208.
2001 8.3 Cummins with the Allison 3000.
At idle it cools back to about 195 after a few minutes.
Any help on figuring this out is appreciated.
Check the obvious first,fluid level,with the dipstick not the shift pad,check coolant level.
Yes, I should have added that. Fluid is good.
Bad gauge? I don't trust any of my gauges, they are all off when checked against other sources. Are you using VMSPC
Yes, using VMS, gushes seem accurate
When using VMS, do you also have your retarder temperature enabled? I'd like to know the difference between the two. When I'm using the retarder, I usually try to limit it to 260, but my trans temps don't ever go above 200, even climbing up a pass. This is on a 4000 though, so things may be a bit different on a 3000.
Also
"Straight from Allison Website:
Q4: What is the "normal" 3000M transmission operating temperature?
Answer: Normal operating temperature for Non-Retarder transmissions should be between 60 deg. C and 120 deg. C. For Retarder transmissions maximum temperature can increase to 150 deg. C during Retarder operation."
So, 140-248F is considered normal but generally 100F above ambient.