Transmision cooler test results not cool...

**Stav** · 06-08-2009, 08:20 PM

Ok so I have been running a transmision cooler in line with the ford radiator for quite some years nows but my radiator sprung a leak near the the transnision tank so I decided to run the transmission exclusively off the cooler.
Firstly my tranny cooler is around 60 cm by 40 cms..its big. Well what happened the next day is that I noticed transmission temps were hotter than going throught the radiator!! My transmission temperature gauge consistently showed the temos reach highs quicker than normal..Alas I installed a big fan on the cooler..The result was still that the temps were still much higher than through the radiator. i am thinking of getting a better cooler as this bm coller is not cutting the mustard..

btw the wagon hit 300000kays the other day so a few little additions will be coming along very soon

InfernoSR · 06-08-2009, 09:52 PM

That is rather strange... but my just prove that the OEM style is the better one to begin with...

**Mechan1k** · 06-08-2009, 09:56 PM

I wonder if a newer heatsink style cooler is better than the fin-style aftermarket coolers.

As Ford have now gone to the heatsink on the side of the engine block now .... and rid the current models (BF/SY onwards) of the internal radiator trans cooler ... more so due to radiator internal failures with factory equipment.

lofty · 06-08-2009, 10:31 PM

Is it possible the cooler or plumbing are blocked?

ronwest · 06-08-2009, 10:47 PM

Can you quantify the temps, Stav?

My rad is bypassed as well and I've been planning to install a trans oil temp guage. Your news might just make it a priority.

JC · 06-08-2009, 11:43 PM

Did you get the temps while idling the car sitting still, or while moving?

stoodoo · 07-08-2009, 10:16 AM

Just last week I had to replace my radiator in my AUII Ghia and also installed a PWR pwo5389fd transmission cooler kit, bypassing the radiator altogether. The cooler is only 280mm X 255mm X 19mm. Now you've got me worried that I've gone and done the wrong thing. What temperature is the tranny fluid meant to run at, or what is the maximum recommended temperature for tranny fluid?

ronwest · 07-08-2009, 11:14 AM

I wouldn't be too concerned just yet, stoo.

Mine has done around 20K since I got new rad and trans oil cooler.

I've just completed a Nth Qld trip 5000k's in 8 days and trans hasn't missed a beat.

I'd changed the trans oil and filter (inc t/converter) just prior to the trip. The oil was 10 -12K old and there was no indication by smell or colour that it had been hot.

I guess that Stav can fill us in on a few more details and we can go from there.

Road_Warrior · 07-08-2009, 11:33 AM

It could just be that particular cooler that he is using or there is something else wrong with it. I can't see how an externally mounted trans cooler, constantly exposed to fresh cooling air, is going to do a worse job than the radiator in-tank cooler with less cooling surface area and bathed in hot engine coolant as well??

**Stav** · 07-08-2009, 05:07 PM

Guys basically while the transmission was running through the radiator tank and tranny cooler before. On the freeway my tranny temps on a cool morning stay 40 degrees celcius.Now they climb up to 60/70 degrees

ronwest · 07-08-2009, 06:07 PM

How have you got your temp sender set up Stav?

(just curious for when I do mine)

**Stav** · 07-08-2009, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JC

Did you get the temps while idling the car sitting still, or while moving?

Both.In the cold weather before it ran way cooler.

StealthAu · 07-08-2009, 07:40 PM

How did you have it all plumbed before? to radiator then aftermarket cooler? if so the temps will be showing slightly higher, if the other way around then it is strange.

speedzter · 08-08-2009, 12:49 PM

You need to run Transmission oil at a minimum of around 60 Deg C,
and 80-90 Deg C is normal.

Interesting read here:
http://www.digi-panel.com/digidevicesweb/trannyoil.htm

Mr Hardware · 08-08-2009, 01:50 PM

What people don't realise is that transmissions can be run TOO cool. I believe the early BA boxes die because of this. People kill a tranny, assume excessive heat, so fit a cooler. I'll tell you this, we used to get 400,000klms out of an AU box without a trans cooler, and that's even through a hot QLD summer! The temps you've got now Stav are probably much, much better.

**Stav** · 08-08-2009, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Hardware

What people don't realise is that transmissions can be run TOO cool. I believe the early BA boxes die because of this. People kill a tranny, assume excessive heat, so fit a cooler. I'll tell you this, we used to get 400,000klms out of an AU box without a trans cooler, and that's even through a hot QLD summer! The temps you've got now Stav are probably much, much better.

It is a bit ironic though..I fitted a cooler and its running hotter lol. In saying that the car feels quicker. My theory is that less heat is dumped into the radiator and therefore less stress on the engine cooling system.