Diff overheating on track

[luc]

Nope, no codes -other than the diff temp exceeded code (as expected)

Ok, so there are only 2 possibilities, either the temperature was in fact too high or the sensor is defective
If the temperature was indeed too high, it can only be a few things: low fluid, pump, blocked lines or misaligned gears creating too much friction/Heat
Checking fluid is easy and you can power the pump to see if it’s run and that the fluid circulate
If I was you, I would check the fluid and if ok, take the car to the dealer

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[sakman84]

Good advise on thread, additional FYI if you haven't seen it already...

Also consider what the Mach 1 suplemental manual says about diff fluid changes when tracking.

page 47

"1 Change the fluid every 500 mi (800 km) or when a message appears in the information display stating that the axle fluid is over temperature."

https://www.fordservicecontent.com/...h-1-Supplement-version-1_su_EN-US_11_2020.pdf

 

[Quick]

Good advise on thread, additional FYI if you haven't seen it already...

Also consider what the Mach 1 suplemental manual says about diff fluid changes when tracking.

page 47

"1 Change the fluid every 500 mi (800 km) or when a message appears in the information display stating that the axle fluid is over temperature."

https://www.fordservicecontent.com/...h-1-Supplement-version-1_su_EN-US_11_2020.pdf

Thanks, but the car had <200 miles on it before the event. Shouldn't have needed to change it before that.

 

[Quick]

Ok, so there are only 2 possibilities, either the temperature was in fact too high or the sensor is defective
If the temperature was indeed too high, it can only be a few things: low fluid, pump, blocked lines or misaligned gears creating too much friction/Heat
Checking fluid is easy and you can power the pump to see if it’s run and that the fluid circulate
If I was you, I would check the fluid and if ok, take the car to the dealer

Watching the sensor throughout the day as my son drove the car, the sensor seems to be working. It was only when I took it out on track and started putting the spurs to it that the temp started to climb.

You mention powering the pump - any ideas how to actually do that? I've yet to see how to power the pump other than getting the car hot - which is MUCH harder than you'd think on the street. I read in the instructions for the FRPP diff cooler kit that they recommend jumping the harness for the temp sensor, but not sure if that will work on a factory installed setup.

 

[Grintch]

Well, this certainly reduces my desire for a Mach 1 significantly.

 

[luc]

Watching the sensor throughout the day as my son drove the car, the sensor seems to be working. It was only when I took it out on track and started putting the spurs to it that the temp started to climb.

You mention powering the pump - any ideas how to actually do that? I've yet to see how to power the pump other than getting the car hot - which is MUCH harder than you'd think on the street. I read in the instructions for the FRPP diff cooler kit that they recommend jumping the harness for the temp sensor, but not sure if that will work on a factory installed setup.

Couple of ways: you can remove the sensor and with ignition on, use a heat gun on the sensor, that should be plenty hot enough to turn the pump on
Or follow the pump wiring to the connector, disconnect it and provide power and ground to the pump

 

[luc]

Well, this certainly reduces my desire for a Mach 1 significantly.

Has to be a fluke

 

[Quick]

Checked diff fluid level - confirmed that the level is fine. I also attempted to jump the sensor. It threw an error on the dash, but never actually turned the pump on. My son is out driving it around right now to manually generate enough heat under normal operating conditions to ensure the pump comes on. Will check it the old fashioned way when he returns (i.e., grab the pump by hand and see if it's turning).

 

[Charlemagne]

Well, this certainly reduces my desire for a Mach 1 significantly.

Go for GT500 then, oh wait, this is a cooler from GT500. There must be some non-standard problem, plenty of people drove it literally hours on the track without overheating issues.

 

[Quick]

Follow up - my son drove the car and got it up to 210 on the street. Checked the pump (with the car running) and no activity. Put a heat gun on the diff cover until the temp read 275 - no activity from the pump as far as we could tell (no noise, no vibration). I think this exhausts my ability to troubleshoot. I'm not sure if it won't come on while it's stationary, but I am out of means to test it.

Going to drop it off at the dealer tomorrow for this issue as well as the exhaust valve shorting issue.

 

[767.mph]

Whoa!! No!! This is why I am selling my PP2 for an M1! Please keep us posted from FP. I hope this is an exception rather than overall design.

 

[luc]

Follow up - my son drove the car and got it up to 210 on the street. Checked the pump (with the car running) and no activity. Put a heat gun on the diff cover until the temp read 275 - no activity from the pump as far as we could tell (no noise, no vibration). I think this exhausts my ability to troubleshoot. I'm not sure if it won't come on while it's stationary, but I am out of means to test it.

Going to drop it off at the dealer tomorrow for this issue as well as the exhaust valve shorting issue.

Just thinking here, did you check the fuse ? The pump circuit has to be protected by a fuse

 

[Quick]

Just thinking here, did you check the fuse ? The pump circuit has to be protected by a fuse

Yup, I did. First thing I checked.

 

[767.mph]

Can you post a pic of the diff and cooling loop? I read the Ford specs above and it stated the diff only takes 2 quarts!? Seems like not enough for the diff plus a cooling loop.

 

[Quick]

Can you post a pic of the diff and cooling loop? I read the Ford specs above and it stated the diff only takes 2 quarts!? Seems like not enough for the diff plus a cooling loop.

Don't feel like climbing under the car for that, but trust me, it's enough. The cooler is tiny, the lines are short, and the diff doesn't hold much fluid at all.

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