How many run a transmission cooler?

[y-knot]

I would like to hear from the crowd that run an automatic transmission cooler? Where do you mount it? What brand and style of cooler do you run? Is it also cooled by a electric fan? Where did you break into the lines to feed the cooler? Did you use the return from the factory cooler, or the feed line? What would you do over knowing what you know now? Thanks very much, obviously I am considering the installation of a transmission cooler, I have never had a trany temp issue, just looking for some facts. The cooler I would install would be thermostatted to only come on if the return line was to high. Your input is appreciated.

 

[kess]

y-knot,

I have just installed a 2nd cooler for my transmission. It is a Derale cooler that I actually purchased through Scheid. As instructed by Kent at Scheid, I installed it prior to the cooler up by the radiator. The cooler fan is controlled by a T-stat, and it is mounted to the first cross-member in the front of the truck. My fluid now goes to the heat exchanger then to the cooler I added, then to the factory cooler, before returning to the transmission. I took the inlet line off the factory cooler and ran it straight to the additional cooler, then cut a new hose to run from the outlet of the new cooler to the inlet of the factory cooler. In essence, all the lines that I have added totals to be about a foot of hose. Yes, I am sure some will not like that it is mounted in the front of the truck because it may catch rocks, but with the black plastic "air dam" attached under the bumper it looks pretty protected from normal road debri. Just make sure the cooler you add has 1/2 inch inlet and outlet connections and you should be fine. I hope this is not too confusing. When I picked the kit up from Scheid, another truck there had the same set up on, and the owner indicated that really no problems had occurred since installation. Temperatures had never been over 180, and I guarantee this truck was not babied (had twins and was used on a daily basis). Hope this supplies some information. If I had to do it again, I would go right back to Scheid for the same kit.

Kess

 

[rweis]

BK recommends a H7B. Got it from DTT. I ran mine from hot line to aux cooler to water heat exchanger input. Put 1k cfm fan on it, switch in cab. Mounted under passenger side bed up in the pocket.



LOVE it! Use it mainly backing 5er, or stop and go with 5er. I never let my transmission fluid go over 200*.



I had a LONG 5er backing last week and took it easy and temps stayed under 200*.



I find that the aux cooler keeps the pan at 150*. The transmission not locked up I have seen add 50* (hot line temp of 200*) to pan temps. Aux keeps pan at 150* regardless of what the transmission adds to the pan temp.



Bob Weis

 

[Hohn]

I like the design of the B&M supercoolers. The stacked-fin design is, imho, stronger and better in the long haul, even if not quite as efficient. They also flow very well.



I've used transmission coolers on every auto transmission I've owned. Never needed any rebuild an a single one yet.



I'd agree to plumb it in BEFORE the stock cooler. You want to dump that heat before it hits that rad and bakes the engine coolant.



Justin

 

[rweis]

Agree, the H7B is a stacked fin, and flows very well, 1/2" ports etc.



Bob Weis

 

[y-knot]

I like the B&M 'Super Coolers" they come with an electric fan that is thermostatted to come on at 160 degrees, they seem to be very well built. I also like the Earl's coolers, And consider them to be the best cooler in the industry.

Few questions: Did anyone consider putting a thermostatic fluid valve into the system, to allow faster warm ups?

What type line did you use, the black rubber line included in most kits or SS braided performance type line?

Did anyone consider installing a external filter while installing the cooler?



The Super cooler kits with the 9 1/2" electric fan runs about 210. 00 with #8 lines and fittings another 100. 00,probably go that route.