so what is the absolute best spot for a trans oil temp sensor? I know it cant be a test port so I was thinking a welded bung on the pan??

 

the test port

 

wouldn't the fluid introduced to the sensor at the test port be a "stagnant" reading as its not the actual fluid supply being circulated thru the trans????

 

Nope, but since you know it can't be the right place for it put it in the pan. Drain your fluid just to change a sensor. Hope yours never goes out because it will be a PITA

 

Hey calm down lady... I'm trying to get a discussion going because I hear both ways from 3 differant diesel mechanics that have been doing it for over 15 years so thats one point they made is the fluid not circulating and giving a delayed reading as the tranny burns up...

 

Most aftermarket trans pans have a bung already welded if steel, or machined if aluminum, on one of the sides, so it must be ok to install there. I know there is a concern about "delayed true reading", but really, has it been an issue?? You can always tee into one of your trans lines (the hotter one) for a more "accurate reading."

 

If its a discussion why come on here saying it can't be the test port? Thousands of people do it that way and are just fine. If you want to go make it a pain in the *** and reinvent the wheel go right ahead

 

big red I like that idea I didn't even think about that that is exactly what im gonna do I thank you for at least entertaining my concern about the test ports. I mean its not completely out of reason to think that the test port would give even a small accuracy error. I mean if good enough will do than why not just rely on the factory gauge on the cluster????? because its not ideal and ideal is what im after. so again thanks for taking the time and not taking my saying that " it cant" be the test port as the word of god!! man the tranny line how obvious how I didn't think of that is embarrassing!!!

 

Outbound (hot, naturally) trans line. way-back-when, mine was done by cutting a short piece out of the line, and putting the sensor between the splice connectors. It always had drippage. I guess the combination of heat, pressure, and a reluctance (paranoia?) of overtorquing the aluminum tubing and brass fittings was the cause on that. HOWEVER, hindsight being what it is, it seems like a better approach would have been to replace the fitting right at the housing with a nice "tee", and then adjust the tubing's geometry to fit. This was on my Dodge, and there was a nice amount of empty-space clearance. I don't know if you've got that amount of space under your truck.