PDA

View Full Version : cooler already really large?



lifespeed
06-17-2014, 09:24 AM
So I have my car down at the shop today for a transmission cooler install. I bought the Tru-cool max (http://www.transmissioncoolers.us/category/trucool-MAX-cooler.html)stacked plate cooler which is 22" X 8-1/2" X 1-1/4". The mechanic tells me the existing factory cooler is already that large. But, part of that is power steering.

On the one hand, it kind of seems like overkill to add another cooler of the same size. But there seems to be some experience in the Marauder community that the factory cooler is not quite up to cooling the trans while towing or other over-the-top activities.

Anybody car to share experiences, and hopefully before/after temperature data? I do intend to tow around 2000 lbs with mine, and could conceivably tow 4000 lbs on occasion.

fastblackmerc
06-17-2014, 09:41 AM
So I have my car down at the shop today for a transmission cooler install. I bought the Tru-cool max (http://www.transmissioncoolers.us/category/trucool-MAX-cooler.html)stacked plate cooler which is 22" X 8-1/2" X 1-1/4". The mechanic tells me the existing factory cooler is already that large. But, part of that is power steering.

On the one hand, it kind of seems like overkill to add another cooler of the same size. But there seems to be some experience in the Marauder community that the factory cooler is not quite up to cooling the trans while towing or other over-the-top activities.

Anybody car to share experiences, and hopefully before/after temperature data? I do intend to tow around 2000 lbs with mine, and could conceivably tow 4000 lbs on occasion.

The factory cools the tranny fluid with hot water.... not very good.

Have them add the aftermarket cooler in series with the factory cooler.

This is how it should be plumbed:

From tranny to factory cooler.

From factory cooler to aftermarket cooler

From aftermarket cooler back to tranny

Mount the aftermarket cooler in front of the radiator / condenser.

Heat is the #1 destroyer of a transmission.

Zack
06-17-2014, 09:50 AM
The factory cools the tranny fluid with hot water.... not very good.


Uhhhhh, WHAT?

Zack
06-17-2014, 09:54 AM
I use a stacked plate B&M cooler on my turbo car with a 4k converter.
I beat on it 4 times in a row and it got to 200 and came right back down.

Having fluid that is too cool is bad.
Drag cars sometimes use trans fluid heaters believe it or not.

lifespeed
06-17-2014, 10:01 AM
The factory cools the tranny fluid with hot water.... not very good.

I don't think so, not on my 2004 Marauder. My mechanic is telling me it goes from the trans straight to the stacked-plate cooler. When I looked at it I did not see a radiator connection.

That said, I have done enough towing to know that you can't have too much cooler when pulling a load.

fastblackmerc
06-17-2014, 10:14 AM
I don't think so, not on my 2004 Marauder. My mechanic is telling me it goes from the trans straight to the stacked-plate cooler. When I looked at it I did not see a radiator connection.

That said, I have done enough towing to know that you can't have too much cooler when pulling a load.

Maybe someone added an auxiliary cooler already.

IIRC... mine went into the side of the radiator.

lifespeed
06-17-2014, 10:33 AM
Maybe someone added an auxiliary cooler already.

IIRC... mine went into the side of the radiator.

Based on what I knew about the car's history when I bought it at 30K miles that seems unlikely. It has a rather factory appearance and includes the PS cooler.

Is yours a 2003? Maybe they changed.

CWright
06-17-2014, 10:51 AM
I use a stacked plate B&M cooler on my turbo car with a 4k converter.
I beat on it 4 times in a row and it got to 200 and came right back down.

Having fluid that is too cool is bad.
Drag cars sometimes use trans fluid heaters believe it or not.


What's too cool? I run anywhere from 185-195. Just curious.

fastblackmerc
06-17-2014, 10:51 AM
Based on what I knew about the car's history when I bought it at 30K miles that seems unlikely. It has a rather factory appearance and includes the PS cooler.

Is yours a 2003? Maybe they changed.

2004 bought new 4/2004

I think your mechanic needs to take another look. The tranny cooler lines are on the right / passenger side of the engine compartment and they go into the side of the radiator.

EDIT: My apologies lifespeed. I shouldn't rely on 8+ year old memory.

Zack
06-17-2014, 11:15 AM
2004 bought new 4/2004

I think your mechanic needs to take another look. The tranny cooler lines are on the right / passenger side of the engine compartment and they go into the side of the radiator.

No they don't Jim.

LOL

Zack
06-17-2014, 11:15 AM
What's too cool? I run anywhere from 185-195. Just curious.

That's perfect.
140-160 is too cool.

MOTOWN
06-17-2014, 11:22 AM
2004 bought new 4/2004

I think your mechanic needs to take another look. The tranny cooler lines are on the right / passenger side of the engine compartment and they go into the side of the radiator.

This is totally false bubs!:argue: but i got a good chuckle out of it!:cool4:

MOTOWN
06-17-2014, 11:25 AM
What's too cool? I run anywhere from 185-195. Just curious.

Thats where i run, until i get into it sideways:burnout: i also do not agree with running two coolers in series, just get an aftermarket sized to the combo.

CWright
06-17-2014, 11:27 AM
That's perfect.
140-160 is too cool.


Good deal, Thanks!

Marauderjack
06-17-2014, 02:53 PM
Uhhhhh, WHAT?

Same here??

When ya see 195*-210* please keep in mind those are PEAK readings and the average is what you need to consider so 195* peak should be no problem at all!!:shake:

If you are really worried about it just change the damn fluid frequently......but SMELL and LOOK at it first....sheesh!!:rolleyes:

sailsmen
06-17-2014, 03:37 PM
Same here??

When ya see 195*-210* please keep in mind those are PEAK readings and the average is what you need to consider so 195* peak should be no problem at all!!:shake:

If you are really worried about it just change the damn fluid frequently......but SMELL and LOOK at it first....sheesh!!:rolleyes:

I removed the factory trans cooler after cutting off the bottom PS cooler and affixing it to the front sway bar. I mounted a 16" by 16" cooler behind the grill.
I have 80K on the trans w/ a 3,500 stall and 85 passes. I have had the fluid analyzed and aok. I change every 15-20K.

whitey
06-17-2014, 04:36 PM
The stock cooler is large, but IMHO not as efficient as it should be. Im running a jegs stacked plate cooler(same as b&m, without the extra money) and my temps are an average of 85-100° hotter then ambient temp outside in the summer. In winter it runs around 165°

BigM460
06-17-2014, 05:48 PM
my temps are an average of 85-100° hotter then ambient temp outside in the summer. In winter it runs around 165°

Mine runs the same with the stock cooler. Daily driven 3500 triple disc.
97-99 degrees on the way home today highest I saw was 186*.

justbob
06-17-2014, 06:30 PM
I haz no trans cooler. :)


Self proclaimed Builder Of Badassery.

Buy it, Break it, Build it BETTER.
"Since 2004"

CWright
06-17-2014, 06:47 PM
Thats where i run, until i get into it sideways:burnout: i also do not agree with running two coolers in series, just get an aftermarket sized to the combo.

If I went with a combo, which one would you recommend?

MOTOWN
06-17-2014, 06:59 PM
If I went with a combo, which one would you recommend?

This bad boy as a stand alone unit with a thermostatic coupler that opens @ 165-170* (Derale 15870):bows:

http://i1020.photobucket.com/albums/af324/sims36/DER-15870_zps9ca23b27.jpg

CWright
06-17-2014, 07:02 PM
This bad boy as a stand alone unit with a thermostatic coupler that opens @ 165-170* (Derale 15870):bows:

http://i1020.photobucket.com/albums/af324/sims36/DER-15870_zps9ca23b27.jpg


Gracias!! :beer:

tbone
06-17-2014, 08:08 PM
Mine has a 40k gvw cooler installed in series with the factory one. I can't get it much over 150 on a hot day. I need a new tstat for it, but Blue Oval, where I got my last one, doesn't list them anymore. I threw it out. Long story.

Anyone have a link on one they would recommend?

Zack
06-17-2014, 09:23 PM
Finding a spot to mount a trans cooler with fan is challenging

fastblackmerc
06-18-2014, 07:42 AM
Mine has a 40k gvw cooler installed in series with the factory one. I can't get it much over 150 on a hot day. I need a new tstat for it, but Blue Oval, where I got my last one, doesn't list them anymore. I threw it out. Long story.

Anyone have a link on one they would recommend?

Derale
Macko Transmission Parts
Hayden Automotive

They all have good ones based on what you need or want.

massacre
06-18-2014, 08:42 AM
Finding a spot to mount a trans cooler with fan is challenging

Not if you delete the A/C condensor :banana:

I use this one:
http://www.jegs.com/i/B-M/130/70297/10002/-1

88grandmarq
06-18-2014, 09:00 AM
So I have my car down at the shop today for a transmission cooler install. I bought the Tru-cool max (http://www.transmissioncoolers.us/category/trucool-MAX-cooler.html)stacked plate cooler which is 22" X 8-1/2" X 1-1/4". The mechanic tells me the existing factory cooler is already that large. But, part of that is power steering.

On the one hand, it kind of seems like overkill to add another cooler of the same size. But there seems to be some experience in the Marauder community that the factory cooler is not quite up to cooling the trans while towing or other over-the-top activities.

Anybody car to share experiences, and hopefully before/after temperature data? I do intend to tow around 2000 lbs with mine, and could conceivably tow 4000 lbs on occasion.

The factory transmission cooler is mounted between the radiator and AC condenser, and it does a decent job of controlling fluid temps. The key is you need to make sure all the plastic blockers and deflectors are in place to keep the air flowing where its supposed to. also a good idea to clean that area periodically of debris.
Usually mounting a aftermarket Aux cooler in series with the factory transmission cooler will keep fluid temps in check.

Jerry recommends Mercon V fluid temps to be around 170 degrees. I would say 170-180 would be optimal.

read more here: http://www.crownvic.net/drock96marquis/panthercooling.htm

tbone
06-18-2014, 09:13 AM
When I pulled my radiator to replace it, I was shocked at how clogged up it was with 12 year old leaves, dust, pebbles and dirt. I'm surprised any air got through. Routine maintenance should include pulling the radiator every five years and cleaning it along with a good flush.

tbone
06-18-2014, 09:14 AM
Derale
Macko Transmission Parts
Hayden Automotive

They all have good ones based on what you need or want.

Thanks. I'll check them out.

justbob
06-18-2014, 02:41 PM
When I pulled my radiator to replace it, I was shocked at how clogged up it was with 12 year old leaves, dust, pebbles and dirt. I'm surprised any air got through. Routine maintenance should include pulling the radiator every five years and cleaning it along with a good flush.


Yup. Mine had a 3/4" cottonwood blanket..


Self proclaimed Builder Of Badassery.

Buy it, Break it, Build it BETTER.
"Since 2004"