What's the black square in the pan?

[pushpole]

Greetings,
I can't believe I started the top sticky! Hope everyone is getting the info they need.
I noticed my trans temps were creeping up to 200 degrees so I changed the fluid and filter. No real improvement, so I thought I'd drop the pan and look at the internal screen. No significant residue in the pan but this black square attached to the pan has me curious. I thought it might be a magnet. If it is it, is very weak, a screwdriver won't stick to it. I've checked the cooler by removing the grill and it was clean. I did spend 30 minutes washing the A/C condenser/inter-cooler/radiator. I'm out to inspect the internal screen.
Thanx for the responses!

[jbplock]

black square attached to the pan has me curious. I thought it might be a magnet...

Yes, it's a magnet .. it will usualy have a light coating of grey sludge ... to clean remove, brush with solvent and blow off with compressed air .. The Allison's also have a round ceramic magnet on top of the external spin on filter.

:)

[a5150nut]

I've checked the cooler by removing the grill and it was clean. I did spend 30 minutes washing the A/C condenser/inter-cooler/radiator.
Thanx for the responses!

To get this area really clean you need to remove the radiator. You wouldn't believe the amount of dirt and bugs and other assorted trash that can hide between all of these cooling devises. I like to use Simple Green in a weed sprayer and a good nozzle on my garden hose. Be careful not to bend the fins. If you do they can be straightened with a wire brush or screw driver.

[pushpole]

I figured it was a magnet. No obvious stuff in the internal filter. Everything is back together. I'm going for a 100 mile drive. I'll let you know if the last fluid change made a difference.

[pushpole]

I went to Florida yesterday to help a relative move some furniture. I towed my 7X14 double axle Pace down and back. Total distance about 700 miles with one loaded segment of about 150 miles. Temps tracked with outside air temps and were independent of load in the trailer. Max outside air temperature was 95 degress with tranny temps at 195.

Based on the trick transmission longevity chart posted by JohnC I'm thinking I'm OK. But I'll ask if anybody has info on a higher heat removal capcity cooler?

Thanx for the replies

[jbplock]

... I'm thinking I'm OK. But I'll ask if anybody has info on a higher heat removal capcity cooler?

See post#10 by Ranch55 in the following thread ...

http://www.thedieselpageforums.com/tdpforum/showthread.php?t=9601

:)