Wife and I would like to start caravanning but have been told the car needs mods to tow (transmission over heating) any advice from members with similar issues..thanks
El Gringo said
10:26 AM Nov 18, 2018
From my experience mods are not required for an overheating issue, factory setup actually works pretty well. However it is a well known issue that the factory setup will fail at some point and you will "milkshake" your trans, resulting in a very expensive repair/replacement. So I would suggest that you get an aftermarket trans cooler fitted to avoid that issue. If your handy then a DIY kit may be your answer, like this one - www.ebay.com.au/itm/Drivetech-Transmission-Cooler-Kit-fits-Ford-Falcon-FG-FGX-ZF-Non-Turbo-fits-F/162740381234%3AFalcon%7CPlat_Gen%3AFG&hash=item25e4152632:g:mR4AAOSwvApaAKhi:rk:8:pf:0
You can get them at most part places as well. Otherwise go see a mechanic you can trust and get him/her to fit one for you.
Whoever fits it, make sure that you bypass the factory cooler completely, otherwise you have solved nothing. I would advise a transmission service at the same time, and a complete fluid flush.
Cheers,
-- Edited by El Gringo on Sunday 18th of November 2018 10:28:33 AM
Aus-Kiwi said
01:21 PM Nov 18, 2018
Yes the std cooler is actually a heat exchanger . It heats cold fluid on start up or short trips . More for economy. Same with oil visc in engine . The 6 speed is a pretty rugged auto .,
Tony Bev said
01:25 PM Nov 18, 2018
Welcome to the forum, Lindean
El Gringo above, has given good advice
I towed a lightweight 1,400 Kg, pop top caravan with an older 6 cylinder Ford Falcon, with the factory fitted transmission cooler
But, anything heavier, or taller, I would definitely go for an after market transmission cooler, and an after market higher capacity radiator,
Lindean said
06:35 PM Nov 18, 2018
Thanks so much for the advice will take it on board and talk to my mechanic..thanks again
Lindean said
07:20 PM Nov 18, 2018
Do we need to change suspension and what type of tow set up do I need to add I have a standard tow ball at the moment
Tony Bev said
08:33 PM Nov 18, 2018
I found that on my year car, the Ford tow bar assembly was only good for about 1,200 Kg
Perhaps look in the owners manual, or ask Ford, what your car can tow
I had a Reese Hitch fitted, which was good for 2,200 Kg, and 150 Kg ball weight.
I also used a set of el cheapo load levellers, which came with the old caravan
My car suspension was coil springs, but the load levellers, made the rear of the car, very firm
PeterD said
08:51 PM Nov 18, 2018
What is a Ford G6E? It is not a model number I have seen discussed on any forum.
El Gringo said
10:25 PM Nov 18, 2018
PeterD wrote:
What is a Ford G6E? It is not a model number I have seen discussed on any forum.
Basically a Fairmont Ghia in later model Ford speak.
Very nice cars IMHO.
As already mentioned, just get the right tow bar and weight distribution Hitch, Personally I would also fit an electric trailer brake controller.
Cheers,
Desert Dweller said
08:15 AM Nov 19, 2018
We had an XR6 Ford Falcon similar to your G6E, with the same rear suspension. It's actually a swing arm Jaguar design originally.
The rear end tends to be quite soft with a decent ball weight on it. We towed our 17ft fiberglass boat with lots of camping gear in it (around 1600kg). We bent the rear swing arms.
The engine already comes with a large oil cooling unit as standard. No worries with cooling.
-- Edited by Desert Dweller on Monday 19th of November 2018 08:19:21 AM
Aus-Kiwi said
09:23 PM Nov 19, 2018
Keep the tow bar weight right . You wont have issues . Weve had Falcons in the family since the 60s . Our sons XR6 tows a 1500 kg camper trailer with EASE ! If you want to upgrade suspension . Fit stronger bushes and Bilstein shocks . A good up grade on any vehicle !
From my experience mods are not required for an overheating issue, factory setup actually works pretty well.
However it is a well known issue that the factory setup will fail at some point and you will "milkshake" your trans, resulting in a very expensive repair/replacement.
So I would suggest that you get an aftermarket trans cooler fitted to avoid that issue.
If your handy then a DIY kit may be your answer, like this one - www.ebay.com.au/itm/Drivetech-Transmission-Cooler-Kit-fits-Ford-Falcon-FG-FGX-ZF-Non-Turbo-fits-F/162740381234%3AFalcon%7CPlat_Gen%3AFG&hash=item25e4152632:g:mR4AAOSwvApaAKhi:rk:8:pf:0
This one is an even better choice - www.ebay.com.au/itm/Ford-Falcon-BF-FG-FGX-6-Speed-ZF-Auto-Trans-Transmission-Oil-Cooler-Kit/132577569415%3AFalcon%7CPlat_Gen%3AFG&hash=item1ede3d2a87:g:NR8AAOSwhCJazcTB:rk:14:pf:0
You can get them at most part places as well.
Otherwise go see a mechanic you can trust and get him/her to fit one for you.
Whoever fits it, make sure that you bypass the factory cooler completely, otherwise you have solved nothing.
I would advise a transmission service at the same time, and a complete fluid flush.
Cheers,
-- Edited by El Gringo on Sunday 18th of November 2018 10:28:33 AM
El Gringo above, has given good advice
I towed a lightweight 1,400 Kg, pop top caravan with an older 6 cylinder Ford Falcon, with the factory fitted transmission cooler
But, anything heavier, or taller, I would definitely go for an after market transmission cooler, and an after market higher capacity radiator,
Perhaps look in the owners manual, or ask Ford, what your car can tow
I had a Reese Hitch fitted, which was good for 2,200 Kg, and 150 Kg ball weight.
I also used a set of el cheapo load levellers, which came with the old caravan
My car suspension was coil springs, but the load levellers, made the rear of the car, very firm
Basically a Fairmont Ghia in later model Ford speak.
Very nice cars IMHO.
As already mentioned, just get the right tow bar and weight distribution Hitch, Personally I would also fit an electric trailer brake controller.
Cheers,
We had an XR6 Ford Falcon similar to your G6E, with the same rear suspension. It's actually a swing arm Jaguar design originally.
The rear end tends to be quite soft with a decent ball weight on it. We towed our 17ft fiberglass boat with lots of camping gear in it (around 1600kg). We bent the rear swing arms.
The engine already comes with a large oil cooling unit as standard. No worries with cooling.
-- Edited by Desert Dweller on Monday 19th of November 2018 08:19:21 AM