trans cooler - fit in line with radiator ???

steptoe · Post by **steptoe** » Sat May 26, 2007 3:19 pm

I have scored a trans cooler out of an EF Falcoon to stick in the GLTA.

Not sure if I should bypass the radiator auto cooler or include it.
Does tranny need the warmth of the radiator to warm up in first place at all?

it might pay me to read instrucions that come with new aftermarket coolers

90brumby · Post by **90brumby** » Sat May 26, 2007 7:28 pm

you can do it either way does the trans get hot atm do u use the car 4 towing or 4x4 if so i would recomend fitting to include the 1 in the rad

if this makes sence

vincentvega · Post by **vincentvega** » Sun May 27, 2007 8:23 am

the whole point of the radiator end tank passthrough is that it does bring the auto box up to temp quicker, and then maintains it at that temp.

I have been told both ways, you should use the radiator because it will warm the box initially, and you shouldnt use it cos its just adding heat to the system.

not sure which way i will do mine.

steptoe · Post by **steptoe** » Sun May 27, 2007 11:34 am

yep, that's what i thought, a bit of ambiguity ! The cooler is factory so all I should do is copy what factory did, I'll check the donor radiator to see if it has the inbuilt cooler. Now might see if a falcon radiator fits before someone bags it !

Unsure if the auto even works as i have only been able to drive it 120m before the water cooling system over pressurised, and oil leaked all over the place - hope it wasn't tranny fluid.

chriSTIan · Post by **chriSTIan** » Sun May 27, 2007 9:09 pm

I'd have it in line ,if u do some off roading and u only have after market cooler,u won't get much cooling effect from the fans,best to have both i think.

AlpineRaven · Post by **AlpineRaven** » Sun May 27, 2007 9:59 pm

When I had an Commodore that time, I used to use it for towing purposes and noticed transmission cooler does help.. What I did was I connected the output from transmission to radiator, and comes out from radiator to cooler then back to transmission. It wasn't good during cold startups but it does help while driving - Before driving off I always warm up anyway.
Cheers
AP

steptoe · Post by **steptoe** » Mon May 28, 2007 9:34 pm

an after thought - in the first case i wll just hook up cooler on its own simply for keeping things clean if radiator comes out for any reason, so no messy dribbling hoses

stamp_licker · Post by **stamp_licker** » Sat Jul 21, 2007 9:01 pm

How did you end up setting this up?is it working ok

vincentvega · Post by **vincentvega** » Sun Jul 22, 2007 10:40 am

I ditched the radiator all together with mine. seems to be fine, however you definately notice the extra volume of the oil system. you have to let the car idle for 10 secs or so to pump oil through the cooler and lines otherwise it will bang into reverse or drive

steptoe · Post by **steptoe** » Sun Jul 22, 2007 10:52 am

Well, so far so good. I ran the lines through between LH headlight and another hole to mount this cooler using zippy ties (too impatient to make bracket just yet) No leaks. Not yet driven it. I do recall reading factory stuff sayng fluid is also heated as well as cooled going through radiator. I guess warming it up through use will have to do. Thanks for reminding me to check the level (of both tranny dipsticks) The selector shaft seal looks like it has to be replaced from the inside !!! and it leaks

stamp_licker · Post by **stamp_licker** » Sun Jul 22, 2007 1:01 pm

The instructions with my cooler said its recommended that you run it thru rad then to cooler.Ended up doing it that way

Matatak · Post by **Matatak** » Sun Jul 22, 2007 1:17 pm

id say thru the rad aswell then into the outside cooler
thats the way it is done on my parents Pajero from factory
my dad wanted to disconnect it so if the rad ever comes out he doesnt lose ATF fluid and if the cooler was to ever start leaking then it wont be going into the coolant (ive seen it so many times on Falcons and Commodores)
but neway i made him keep it there as it dus help it warm up which is better for it and the outside cooler will kepp it nice if coolant temp ever rises (frmo 4x4ing or towing etc)

but still ya dont have to do it that way

steptoe · Post by **steptoe** » Sun Jul 22, 2007 8:57 pm

bit like yer Dad, Matatak. It is only temporary until I decide what I am to do with this car/driveline. I doubt I will fall for a 3 speed auto, even if it does switch into AWD on hard acceleration and when I turn on the wipers. It already has a bloody leak that looks tricky to sort out.