Turning It Up a Notch! - ATRA

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We performed these tests on a 2000 Ford F150 and a 1999 Lincoln Navigator; both vehicles with less then 50k miles. resistance at room temperature, and the pressure ranges are very similar, as you’ll see by the results. We performed these tests on a 2000 Ford F150 and a 1999 Lincoln Navigator; both vehicles with less then 50k miles. The first graph (figure 1) indicates an early (F8 part number) solenoid operating at the normal factory setting. Notice the pressures on the right and the current flow in amps at the top of the chart; these are going to be our indicators for comparison. The EPC pressure and amperage are inversely proportional; that is, the higher the current flow, the lower the pressure, and the lower the current flow, the higher the pressure. Because the solenoid is normally open, energizing the solenoid closes it. As the current varies, the pressure adjusts accordingly. When we turned the solenoid screw a quarter turn in (clockwise), we noticed a slight but effective change. Look at both of the graphs closely (figure 2). Both idle and SHARE THE ROYALTIES We are Lee Myles Area Developers… Former Independents who said… “Join a franchise…never, not me” After opening our minds to the possibilities, we were able to take our years of experience operating successful transmission centers… And turn them into money making opportunities by helping others to learn a business system designed to achieve their individual goals. We now earn up to 50% of the royalties on the centers we support…and we are building a network and a bright future for them and ourselves. Area Development Rights are AWARDED…NOT SOLD To qualifying applicants in select markets. There are several still available, but they are going fast… To learn more and for your free information package Call Mark Savel at 1-800-251-8250 …Is Muscle MT-10 “The Original” Metal Treatment Figure 1 Figure 2 The Key to Reducing Costly Come Backs… Muscle Products Corp. "The Strength in Lubrication TM " 112 Fennell Drive Butler, PA 16002 Phone: (800) 227-7049 or (724) 283-0567 Fax: (724) 283-8310 http://www.mpc-home.com GEARS November 2002 23
Turning It Up a Notch! EPC SOLENOID 1/2 Turn part-throttle pressures increase slightly from the factory setting. This is just enough to make those shifts feel right on the money, on a unit with normal wear. Next, we cranked the screw in another quarter turn, for a total of a half turn clockwise. This is where your neck starts to snap back, and the pressure climbs to where it’ll bark the tires if you have the horses to push it. As the graph shows (figure 3), the pressure is significantly higher and increases much faster than the two previous graphs. Comparing the pressures through the EPC is good, but comparing mainline response will really get your heart pounding. With the adjustment set at factory specs, mainline pressures were between 60 and 70 PSI at idle, with EPC pressure at minimum 0.0 PSI. As throttle and torque increased, the pressure rose to 170 PSI, and finally to about 200 PSI at WOT. When we turned the pressure up a TURN IT UP! 1/4 Turn Figure 3 quarter turn, idle pressure was at 90 PSI, with a WOT at 230 PSI. At half a turn in, idle pressure was at 105 PSI, and WOT at 240 PSI. As exciting as the pressure change was, what’s really exciting was how much faster the pressures increased, and the response of the clutch application. This is the touchdown throw, and the celebration in the endzone. So far we’ve been looking at only the early solenoid; the late model didn’t perform as well as the earlier solenoid. With a much faster response time and higher pressures to boot, the earlier EPC solenoid looks to be the solenoid of choice. As for the comparison (figures 4 and 5) the black line indicates the response at the factory setting; red is the response with the screw turned in a quarter turn; blue is the response at a half-turn in. The post-game stats show that turning up the EPC solenoid is okay, provided the rest of the unit is tight. But Figure 4 Figure 5 The black line indicates the response at the factory setting; red is the response with the screw turned in a quarter turn; blue is the response at a half-turn in. don’t get careless: Any excess wear in the valve bores or clutches are a sure way to fumble the ball. Not only will these conditions cost you time and money, but they may also cost you your customer. And, in general, you’ll want to stay with a quarter turn for your regular customers; half a turn for the customer who wants to chirp the tires. Anything more than that is just asking for a penalty on the play. So the next time you get a 4R70W in the shop, don’t be afraid to turn it up a notch. It’ll make those shifts a little bit better, and make your customers really stand up and cheer! And that’s the Game... 24 GEARS November 2002
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