universal transmission cooler, anyone use them?

[B25urgandy]

While looking at your responses to my previous topic I have decided to go along and get a magnefine filter since mine is a non serviceable one.
While looking that up I found universal transmission (as well as oil) coolers online.
Would these be overkill since cars already have them? I would think they would offer little if any benefit.

 

[Jeffs2006EvoIX]

I used a universal for my 1999 Mitsubishi Montero Sport. Problem was afterwards the car would shift bad when cold, once the fluid got warm was fine.

I didn't have a thermostat for the transmission cooler. I guess that would help considerably. I didn't really like too how it was mounted, but the transmission shop installed it for me. With some nylon straps through my radiator. Didnt like that.

Most cars do not have a transmission oil cooler. What they do have is an oil warmer really. The bottom part of the radiator on auto equipped cars is usually used as an oil cooler/warmer. These generally are not very effective. Especially if your towing something.

Most HD vehicles or Sport Cars Do come with Oil Coolers though.

Jeff

 

[Ramblejam]

Originally Posted By: B25urgandy
Would these be overkill since cars already have them?


It depends entirely upon the application.

 

[JDW]

Just like Ramble says...... my mine is 4R75W Transmission with Stage II custom build to support 450-550 RWHP. Cooler is a DANA Tru-Cool MAX 45,000 BTU . Temps have never been over 185 even on a hot day at the track.

 

[Sierra048]

Due to the reputation of the Chrysler 42RLE transmission being on the weak side and over heating easily, mounting an aux. cooler and in-line Magnefine transmission filter were the first things I did to my Jeep. I feel more secure knowing my transmission should be staying cooler and cleaner.

 

[DutchBrad]

I have a trans cooler on my Astro for towing (tow a 25 foot travel trailer), but cover it up in the winter to help build a bit of heat in the trans. The van has the towing package, but GM did not include a trans cooler. I figured it was much cheaper to put in the cooler than to cook the trans. My Sienna does not currently have a cooler, have thought about putting one on, but I have not gotten around to it yet.

Glad I covered the Astro cooler with this cold weather in West Michigan. Ready for spring!! By the way

to BITOG

 

[MuzzleFlash40]

I've always use them in addition with the radiator cooler. Just install it in the return line that way you get the extra cooling, plus the added benefit of the radiator to warm the fluid as well in cold weather.

 

[Dr_No]

Had a customer come in once with transmission overheating issues, they were pulling some big horse trailers with a 7.3 Powerstroke which has the 4R100 transmission. Installed a big flex-a-lite rated for 20,000+ GVW. Problem solved. I plumbed it in along with factory rad cooler.

 

[B25urgandy]

ah, I see you all mainly have them for trucks/hauling equipment. This would be for a small car (saturn Astra) so I'm guessing I don't need one haha. Thanks everyone

 

[SuperDave456]

Actually, I've seen folks install coolers in cars that they know the transmission is potentially going out.
They do several drain and fills of the transmission with a good fluid, and install the cooler.
The idea being that the cooler/thicker fluid will squeeze more life out of the transmission.

Considering you can provide the labor yourself, and all the parts will run you $40-60 depending on how large the cooler and how much hose you need, you will be saving a bundle compared to a new transmission, or a new ride.

 

[Colt45ws]

I put a small one on the Pontiac Montana my grandparents used to have. Its was maybe 3x11 or something like that, not including the mounting brackets. But it was a stacked plate type, so efficient. I remember after I did the heads on it, I was beating it around and pulling the trans temp off of OBD and it wasnt going above 186. I plumbed it after the radiator cooler. It was only on there about 10k before it got traded in. I mainly put it on there for fun. I had bought the cooler way back in '06 for my old Cavalier and got tired of looking at it sitting around, so I put it on the van.

 

[Claud]

I use an aftermarket transmission cooler on my '87 Oldsmobile 88 and '89 Buick Le Sabre.
They are used for towing duties fairly frequently and give me a little more peace of mind.
I understand that transmission fluid should ideally run around 160f, and no more than 190 for long periods. I can easily understand how oil that is too hot will hurt a transmission, but what is the minimum temperature an automatic transmission should run?.

Claud

 

[Ken2]

Quote:
Most cars do not have a transmission oil cooler. What they do have is an oil warmer really. The bottom part of the radiator on auto equipped cars is usually used as an oil cooler/warmer. These generally are not very effective.
How hot do you think the cold tank on the radiator actually is? Check it. It must be significantly colder than the temperature of the coolant leaving the engine and entering the radiator. In cool weather it will be quite cool. And they are effective--modern transmission fluid is often good for 100,000 miles and the transmission good for 300,000...I know, many exceptions, but these get their job done. My turbo Volvo had the engine oil cooler in the radiator hot tank and the transmission cooler in the rad cold tank. When I sold it at 212,000 miles, the transmission was fine.

Add-on coolers are very good when hauling heavy loads. I put the Dana Long Tru-Cool stacked plate cooler on my Tundra with a valve so I could take it out of the circuit when I wasn't towing. the Tru-Cool has an internal bypass so the cold fluid isn't chilled too much. Transmission fluid needs to be normally warm, maybe 140-160F