Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Trans cooler/cooling

[PGaither]

I met a guy the other day that owns an RV place, & stopped by to tell him about TDR (as he has to DodgeCTD's), we were chatting & he was telling me I should add an after market trans cooler (like he did) because there is a switch or something that goes to the radiator, or trans cooler (he did say radiator?) and it malfunctions , whic stops the trans from cooling and in tur destroys the trans... ... can that be true? Sounds like a "story" to me... ... . from the looks of it I have a seperate TRans cooler on my truck (I must have the tow package/plow prep package), the cooler looks bigger than any aftermarket trans cooler I've ever scene, I can't imagine annything better... . If there is a swich or valve going to the cooler (never heard of that before), is it something that should be checked or replaced?

 

[rrausch]

I don't think he knows what he is talking about.



But... when the 47RH in my 1995 truck was stock, I believe it wouldn't circulate fluid through the trans cooler in Park, nor would it circulate fluid to even lube the trans in Park. Now that was solved when I got my ATS Trans. They re-do the Valve Body so that fluid will circulate in Park. And I think other Performance Trans builders do the same. But I haven't heard of anyone destroying their transmissions from something like he is describing.

 

[illflem]

Originally posted by PGaither

Sounds like a "story" to me

ditto

 

[SRehberg]

Possibly he was referring to the check valve that is line with the cooler. I can attest to the fact if it sticks, your trans is toast, as it happened to me. My trans seized and it was expensive to repair, so now my truck runs without the little setup in the line. It takes a minute or so to pump up the TC before you can go, but for me it is reassuring to know that little bugger is out of there.

 

[PGaither]

I think thats what he was talking about, the little check valve . Is it actually in the line? Or just run "in line" withe the line..... How do I remove it? Can you buy a new one, or a better one to replace it?

 

[RBrunson]

Check valve

Its in line just before it goes into the small tank located on the passenger side of the engine. I replace mine with some hyd. hose and fittings, not a real big job.

 

[thanson]

Dodge Auto Trannys are notorious for extreme heat when towing heavy loads, such as RV's, heavy equipment etc. Extreme heat results in failed transmissions. Adding an after market transmission cooler with a fan for the cooling medium that is controlled by a thermostat and an override switch has saved many RVers and Hot Shot operators mucho dinero. In the 1st 150k on my 92 3/4 ton, 2 trannys, after I built and installed a cooler, another 150k and still going strong when I sold it. thanson

 

[SRehberg]

I just knocked the guts out of the line on my truck, it took a little bit, but now it's wide open. It only takes a minute for the torque converter to fill, but with the check valve in line, it really reduced the flow capacity.

 

[PGaither]

I think I see the check valve, its on the pass. side, going into that small oval tank (under the exhaust manifold) right? I thought that tank had to do with the exhaust? What is the tank for? So I just replace it with Hyraulic hose the same length & hose clamps right? (where do I get the hose, at a heavy equip. place?) Can I use fuel, or trans line? Also I think I have a trans cooler on the truck, poss. factory? I see the Radiator itself, the the unit for the A/C, the cooler for the intercooler, and a small cooler on the drivers side (in front of Rad. ), is that a factory trans cooler? Poss. part of the tow package? If it is, is that any good? Should I get a better one w/fan & upgrade it? I don't really do anny towing, but would like to bring the power to 250 HP (auto. ), and have the transmission last as long as possible... ... .

 

[SRehberg]

The tank on the passenger side below the exhaust manifold is the trans oil heat exchanger. The oil flows through being initially cooled by the engine cooling system, then it flows the air cooler in the front of the radiator on the drivers side. The temps seem to remain cool and acceptable in my case, even while towing, but I don't run a increased HP engine either. I think someone else would have to chime in on that one.



Any hydraulic hose place can make up a nice line for you, just tell them the application and they will insure oil resistant hose.

 

[PGaither]

Do I have to have a hose made up with fittings? Or can I just remove it & use hoseclamps? If so, what kind are the fittings, what are they called? And what size id is the line, 3/8 ths? I know I can just measure the line w/the check valve to get the correct length. So does that mean if you build up the power to the engine, the extra heat is not good for that resevoir with the trans fluid? I plan to boost mine up to only about 250 hp (which isn't much more than a 5-speed), would that effect the resevoir w/the trans. fluid in it?

 

[illflem]

You don't have to replace anything, just remove the stock line and remove the check valve ball, it's very obvious how it comes out, put the old line back in. Instructions for the clips are here http://dodgeram.info/tsb/1996/21-15-96.htm

 

[PGaither]

Thanks again illflem! Do I need the special tool? (miller special tool 6931 for 1/2 cooler line). What do you think of the trans cooler I have (I think I have a stock trans cooler, I think I have the tow & or plow package(s) I have a "trans temp" check light on my dash), since I don't tow or plan to raise the HP above 250 HP at this point, the stock trans cooling system should be good enough, right? I know, I should have a trans temp guage, I'm getting one soon... ... .