Trans Cooler in Radiator
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Trans Cooler in Radiator
Posted: July 07 2008 11:32 AM
 
Mark Roby (aka robymarks) [ View ] [ mroby@coatesfieldservice.com ] [ Car Ads ] [ Blogs ]
Houston, Texas
(281) 728-1824
 
Do most of you run a trans cooler in the radiator or an external or both? What does anybody think? Thanks!
 
 
Comments
 
Posted by 31tudor  -  07/07/2008 11:52 AM
I've asked this question before and was barraged with comments of just how bad of an idea running an internal radiator mounted trans cooler. The collective idea is "why would you want to pre-heat your trans fluid to 200 degrees?"


I still have the burning question, "if it's such a bad idea why have the manufacturers done it for so many years?"


Not that the manufacturers do everything right!
Eric Hibbs [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] St. George, Utah Charter Member since January 2002
 
Posted by ol bear  -  07/07/2008 11:55 AM
INTERNAL ,,,,,,, OL BEAR ,,,,,,,,JUST CAUSE IT WORKS FOR ME
OL BEAR [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] crown point, Indiana
 
Posted by 29robert  -  07/07/2008 12:12 PM
I bought a Walker radiator with a trans cooler built into the bottom, but as the build progressed, I decided to install a finned external cooler closer to the transmission rather than run the lines all the way to the front of the car. We'll see how it work when the car gets on the road.
29robert [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] La Verne, California Charter Member since November 2004
 
Posted by Starfire  -  07/07/2008 12:39 PM
Ah the age old question. The real question is why is it even a question as 31tudor points out. A little common sense might just come into play here. Before transmissions became sealed units, as they are today, the recommendation for checking the fluid level was to check it "hot". Just maybe the internal components are designed to operate properly at that horrid 200 degrees it may become from going through the internal radiator cooler. External transmission coolers are a must if one is using a vehicle for towing. Now just when was it that anyone last used a Street Rod to tow a boat or travel trailer? Think about it!

Of course it probably never hurts to have more transmission fluid cooling, but in the case of most street rods the biggest benefit is probably to the folks that sell external transmission coolers.
Starfire [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Weimar, Texas
 
Posted by blksheep  -  07/07/2008 12:49 PM
Eric, the manufactures use the radiator as a trans cooler/heater as a method of temp control. Colder climates require a way to help the trans fluid come up to temp faster and then maintain the proper operating temp. In warmer climates, even with 100+ degree days, the radiator trans cooler will help maintain trans temps close to normal engine operating conditions. Severe duty, racing, high stall convertors, towing, ect., require an external cooler. Some applications run both. The fluid outet side of the trans runs first to the radiator and back out, to an external cooler and then back to the trans intake side. This helps warm the fluid faster, but maintains a cooler trans operating temp. I personnaly have used both and have not found a significant advantage in an external cooler. For me, a radiator trans cooler has always worked fine. I did weld a bung in the side of my truck (deeper) oil pan for my 700r4 trans and installed a regular oil temp gauge from Summit. The 700r4 on a 100+degree day here in Charlotte, never ran over 190 degrees. IMO, any temp under 225 is not excessive. Again, just my opinion...............

blksheep...cold blooded...in Charlotte
blksheep [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Charlotte, North Carolina
 
Posted by Crazyhorse Rod Shop  -  07/07/2008 01:25 PM
not me, nope uh huh aint gonna happen. im busting my butt to get rid of heat in the rad. i aint about to plumb more in. that trans is going to be engine temp period. it is an aluminum case bolted to the block , it will wick heat faster than a three legged dog in a cat chasing contest.
dont poke the porchdog........he bites [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] BLUFF DALE, Texas Charter Member since March 2003
 
Posted by aosborn  -  07/07/2008 03:39 PM
I'm all for anything that can lower underhood temps. I have run stand alone external trans coolers next to the trans for years and have had no problems. It helps keep heat out from the engine compartment, reduces the clutter of cooler lines up to the front, and with a little creative shielding around the cooler thay get good airflow and survive just fine down there.
aosborn [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Olympia, Washington
 
Posted by jimmothershead  -  07/07/2008 06:15 PM
Why would you want to put more heat into a radiator that already has a "HOT" probability ? Go with the finned, round aluminum that Yogi sells on this site.
Jim [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Huntingtown, Maryland
 
Posted by Willys33  -  07/07/2008 08:38 PM
Did a little research. Inside the modern automatic transmission are both aluminum and steel parts. As you know they expand at different rates. The design operating temp of a transmission is 150 degrees. Under that the parts don't mesh right, over that the parts don't mesh right. Interesting to note that some newer cars have an external cooler with a thermostat. Wonder when the after market people will offer one?
Get off the trailer and drive [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Alamogordo, New Mexico
 
Posted by JAWS  -  07/07/2008 09:35 PM
Willys' you read my mind...
An electrical headache can make a great car a pain [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Boise, Idaho Charter Member since August 2004
 
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