I was doing the brakes the other day and thought to myself.. since I've had my car 5 yrs now, and had the tranny fluid/filter done at about 125k (apprx. 30k ago), should I go ahead and remove and clean the tranny cooler? Just replace it? How much fluid should I expect to lose? Any tips/tricks, thanks!
I've made up my mind that this is one of the projects I plan on tackling in the near future. My plan is to take out the stock cooler and replace it with an aftermarket unit. I've been looking into two units, one from Flex-A-Lite and one from B&M. They both make coolers that are a little smaller then most aftermarket ones BUT they have electric fans that are mounted to them. The nice thing about the B&M is that it has a built in T-stat that automatically kicks the fan on at 160*. The flip side is the Flex-A-Lite is manually controlled so you could keep it on where your temp would never have to reach 160*. B&M is a little more expensive too. Now as far as installing it, I guess I'll look more into it when I actually decide to do it but don't think it to be all that hard.
I read something posted by Chris A. I think, he recommended just replacing the cooler, because flushing it may not actually be the best way to go. I am in the process of looking for a donor car for a 5 spd swap but was thinking that I may try to extend the life of this tranny as much as possible. It shifts real hard into reverse when its hot. Checked the modulator and replaced check valve, still does it. If you go ahead with that let me know how it works out.
this may be crazy, but this is my plan.....
I am going to "stack" two coolers (already have extra one) about 1/2 in apart and put a scoop on the duct that goes to where the coolers are.
am planning on doing some before and after temp readings also.
My question to add to yours is what type of tranny fluid are you running? I have Syn on my TSTE with no problems but have been doing some research on ford "F-type" tranny fluid, ideas?
Type F all the way baby. :lol: It's FAR superior to D/M 3, but not as abusive to the tranny pump/seals as B&M Trick Shift. It mainly has a much higher tolerance than the stock fluid does. (Fords run hotter than GM's (well, hotter than GM's are SUPPOSED to anyway)) So they will stay chemically intact longer than D/M. It's the only fluid I use, no matter the application. The race builder I bought my TH350 from says to use it, and nothing else (has seen TOO many trannies let go w/ TrickShift that otherwise shouldn't have) That's good enough for me. 8) W/ these trannies a temp gauge is a good ass idea anyway. I'll be getting one when I install the big B&M fan/cooler.