Automatic Transmission 2-Speed thru 10-Speed GM Autos | Converters | Shift Kits
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

4L60E getting very hot

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 18, 2025 | 01:03 PM
  #1  
AttackOnTazer's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Jan 2025
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Exclamation 4L60E getting very hot

When I put load on the 4l60e, like driving up a mountain it gets dangerously hot, It'll go 230+ if I don't pull over and let it cool and everything I've read states it shouldn't be getting hotter than 220, this is a newly rebuilt transmission with a new torque converter alongside it.
I'm considering buying a new transmission cooler but I'm worried that wont help because while driving up that steep incline for 20 minutes the torque converter almost never is able to lockup, I really don't know where to go from here. Is there a way to keep the torque converter locked during high load situations like this, or will that damage the converter/trans? Would a transmission cooler help? During these mountain drives it usually stays in 2nd/3rd gear.

I'm not sure if it matters but the specific vehicle that I'm talking about is a 1997 Silverado, 5.7L 4X4.
Reply
Old Jan 18, 2025 | 02:02 PM
  #2  
FranksCustomTrans's Avatar
LS1Tech Sponsor
Shutterbug
Community Builder
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 1,821
Likes: 1,159
From: BERWICK PA
Default

Seeing intermittent temps that high or higher on a long steep incline can happen and not a serous issue, However if you do this alot you might consider a larger cooler of cooler with fan.
Higher that stock stalls compound this with stall (any energy not transferred to wheels "converter slip" is turned into heat.
As long as all else is ok i would not be overly worried
YES in tune you can change converter apply settings to hold lockup to a wide throttle opening at lower speeds and yes this can reduce heat. However bear in mind the stock and after market single disc converters were not designed for this and could result in premature converter failure depending on how much of an incline and how much throttle. Stock lockup converters were really only intended to lock at light throttle cruising speeds on a relatively flat surface.
__________________
Frank formerly of Performabuilt, Now just me, What can I build for you today? Call or message me. Click sig pic for my facebook



Reply
Old Jan 18, 2025 | 06:06 PM
  #3  
bbond105's Avatar
TECH Junkie
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 3,050
Likes: 716
From: Poplarville, MS
Default

If going up long steep incline in overdrive, try going up it in 3rd gear instead.
Reply
Old Jan 19, 2025 | 05:10 PM
  #4  
mrvedit's Avatar
Moderator
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 7,323
Likes: 529
From: Ann Arbor, MI
Default

I would also suggest starting with a bigger transmission cooler. Does your vehicle even have a dedicated cooler or is it running through the main radiator?
If running through the main radiator, it generally cannot cool down much more than the engine temperature. In contrast a dedicated cooler (and not in series with radiator cooler), will cool much better.
If that is still not enough, a "triple disk" converter combined with a tuning change can stay locked up at any throttle position. Of course the cost is likely $1400+ labor+ tuning.
Reply
Old Jan 19, 2025 | 08:06 PM
  #5  
Old Buzzard's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,063
Likes: 475
From: Bostwick, GA.
Default

Originally Posted by bbond105
If going up long steep incline in overdrive, try going up it in 3rd gear instead.
" During these mountain drives it usually stays in 2nd/3rd gear".
Reply
Old Jan 19, 2025 | 10:16 PM
  #6  
joecar's Avatar
TECH Senior Member
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 6,080
Likes: 17
From: So.Cal.
Default

Check line pressure, and otherwise check for internal slipping.
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:08 PM.

story-0
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-1
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-2
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-5
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE
story-6
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE
story-7
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

Slideshow: A heavily reworked 1972 K5 Blazer swaps its off-road roots for a low-slung street-focused build with modern V8 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-09 18:08:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There are thousands of used Camaros on the market but we think you should avoid these 10

By | 2026-02-17 17:09:30


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

Slideshows: Which one of these myths do you believe?

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-28 18:10:11


VIEW MORE