Ptu temp gauge?

[tgambob]

I am preparing for my tune by changing all my fluids again and my 3 week old ptu fluid looks like it might have dissolved some of the sludge. So now for my question has anyone put a temperature probe into one of these cases? I found where someone did the drain plug so why not slip a sensor in there? Or am I missing something?

[BiGMaC]

I am preparing for my tune by changing all my fluids again and my 3 week old ptu fluid looks like it might have dissolved some of the sludge. So now for my question has anyone put a temperature probe into one of these cases? I found where someone did the drain plug so why not slip a sensor in there? Or am I missing something?

No reason not to do it as long as the sensor doesn't stick into the PTU gearing... Follow the diagrams for drilling the PTU that are posted here. Just FYI, the pics and measurements posted are the PTU from an Edge even if it's the same part number... and I am unaware of any long term F/U... So installing an auxiliary cooler might make more sense if you're going to drill the casing.

[tgambob]

The cooler is what I am thinking about long term. I'm starting to think about trying to find a 13 pp ptu and use the plug for a temp gauge and the factory cooler nipples to a auxiliary transmission cooler with a pump. I was really surprised how nasty my fluid was I kind of want to drop it and clean it out. Any writeups on this?

[SHOdded]

The only writeup, as BiGMaC has mentioned, has been for the Edge, where the_natrix has documented the "state of the PTU".

[tgambob]

So there are no rebuild kits for these? Or does my Google fu just fail me?

[BiGMaC]

So there are no rebuild kits for these? Or does my Google fu just fail me?

Unaware of any consumer rebuild kits, and no beef up at all. Tranny has been the same way... Some valves can be bought, but no one wants to build a kit for either that improves strength that I have been able to find or solicit.

[SHOdded]

Ask Sonnax, see what they have to say.  All these folks need a batch of orders to ramp up production, and then you need to stay on their case to make it happen.  Just ask SHOsource, they have tales to tell.

[setaonivek]

there should be no reason to have to change PTU fluid unless a bearing breaks or the unit is damaged or defective causing extreme heat to burn off the fluids creating that  sludge then ultimately failure. 

why are so many of you having to replace this fluid? 

@tgambob there are are no consumer rebuild kits for these. once they go, they need to be replaced ..

[ZSHO]

I changed my PTU,RDU,Trans fluids,coolant at roughly 30k on her,next step will be the brake fluid and all this was done for a peace of mind especially it being my DD.  Z

[polskifacet]

[polskifacet]

there should be no reason to have to change PTU fluid unless a bearing breaks or the unit is damaged or defective causing extreme heat to burn off the fluids creating that  sludge then ultimately failure. 

why are so many of you having to replace this fluid? 

@tgambob there are are no consumer rebuild kits for these. once they go, they need to be replaced ..

You have no idea what your talking about, ptu fluid should be changed every 20k.

[ecoboostsho]

there should be no reason to have to change PTU fluid unless a bearing breaks or the unit is damaged or defective causing extreme heat to burn off the fluids creating that  sludge then ultimately failure. 

why are so many of you having to replace this fluid? 

@tgambob there are are no consumer rebuild kits for these. once they go, they need to be replaced ..

My 2013 has the PP version with a temp gauge and even with the cooler I can hit temps of 200-220 in the PTU in the summer.  The cooler is supposed to drop the temp by 70 - 80 degrees if memory serves correctly.  So there are probably a whole bunch of PTU's that could hit close to 300 degrees when driven aggressively or even for longer periods at high speeds (80+).  That is going to do a number on the fluid over time.  They also have a habit of puking it out a vent on the earlier cars which can run it dry over time - also not good.  That is why you should play it safe and change your PTU fluid.

[BiGMaC]

there should be no reason to have to change PTU fluid

why are so many of you having to replace this fluid? 

Well... There's a lot of picture and stories showing either burned up PTUs or PTUs full of black semi-liquid that is the consistency of near frozen chocolate syrup at 20-30K miles.... Many don't have an extended warranty. Ford has a MTBF of 100K miles which will be past any warranty for most.... At 300 degrees in a non-PP how long can a couple of ounces of gear lube last? ...or in a PP that's driven in a spirited fashion.

I agree with replacing the unit entirely if it fails.... But why not PM it to prolong the life? My dealer won't do it because Ford won't warrant the part if they do...

Here's some pics of the PTU... First 2 are what a lot of folks find, third is where the PTU has been drilled for a drain or guage, last pic is what the first 2 should have looked like...

[ZSHO]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qoo0auuT6h8&nohtml5=False

[setaonivek]

there should be no reason to have to change PTU fluid unless a bearing breaks or the unit is damaged or defective causing extreme heat to burn off the fluids creating that  sludge then ultimately failure. 

why are so many of you having to replace this fluid? 

@tgambob there are are no consumer rebuild kits for these. once they go, they need to be replaced ..

You have no idea what your talking about, ptu fluid should be changed every 20k.

Who are you to tell me i don't know what i am talking about?  there is ZERO documentation that supports this .. if there is official documentation from Ford, then show me and i will take it to my dealer and have mine checked.  I don't drive my car like aggresively and i don't race so perhaps some of you are creating the problem on your own based on the load you induce ..

i understand fluids, in fact i understand more than i let on but this is MY educated opinion .. instead of telling people they don't know what they are talking about, how about do some actual thing research before hand ..