14 replies to this topic

[Platinum LC]

Hi brains trust, I’m just after a bit of advice. I have currently installed a rebuilt 308 that is .060 oversized and has a TH350 behind it. My query is that I am not sure if I should run the transmission cooling hoses to my standard 3 core radiator or should I use an independent cooler and what size should it be. Any advice would truly be grateful

[yel327]

If it’s in a Torana the radiator should do it. Does it have a high stall speed converter though? If you want to fit an aftermarket one either run in series with the radiator or by itself. If in series go through the radiator first.

Edited by yel327, 14 August 2023 - 04:14 PM.

[Platinum LC]

If it’s in a Torana the radiator should do it. Does it have a high stall speed converter though? If you want to fit an aftermarket one either run in series with the radiator or by itself. If in series go through the radiator first.

Thank you, it’s in an LX Torana, it just has a standard converter. Would you have any idea what size cooler I would need for this if I run it in series. Cheers

[yel327]

Anything should do, when you see how minimal the one in the radiator is. Whatever you can easily fit in front of the radiator. See if someone here shows you what they have done and how they mounted it.

[Platinum LC]

Anything should do, when you see how minimal the one in the radiator is. Whatever you can easily fit in front of the radiator. See if someone here shows you what they have done and how they mounted it.

Great, thank you I will take your advice

[Cook]

Hi Steffan. I'm running a separate cooler for T400 with stroked 308.  Decided this was the best way to avoid any potential issues with combined radiator/cooler but more than likely just over precautious. From memory I bought a PWR cooler as big as would reasonably fit.  If you go this route one thing to watch out for is where/how you want to run the lines. I'm sure I have some pics somewhere but can't locate them at present. Will keep looking. Cheers Ron

[Bigfella237]

On the rare occasion I ever owned an auto, I always removed the radiator from the circuit and ran the cooler by itself.

 

Mainly because the cooling system works hard enough dealing with engine temps without the extra input from the transmission! Although I suppose if you mount the cooler in front of the radiator then the heat is being transferred anyway.

[Bruiser]

I think it’s a funny idea anyway, like the foot of tubing exposed to the coolant inside the end tank was going to cool the trans fluid much at all
Wouldn’t that foot of tube have more cooling effect in open air? They could of put at least one flat cooling fin along the pipe to help.
I am sure factory engineers must have tested it, but it seems counter-intuitive in my little mind, the radiator tank
is hotter than outside air
I bet more cooling occurred during the fluid’s journey from trans to radiator in the pipes along the chassis rail.
A dedicated mini-radiator for the trans fluid must be much more effective??

[nanbar]

I was told by a brilliant tranny builder (John Marshall) back in the 80s-90s that oil coolers were vital in keeping autos going reliably. Trimatic, TH350, TH400, Ford Gearboxes, anything, he didn't discriminate. I had a VL Comm ex SA police car at the time with a 5L and trimatic. It had all sorts of issues constantly popping up. I eventually got in "done up" a bit by JRM who fitted an independent oil cooler to it. The thing was bullet proof and I never had an issue with it again. I often gave it a very hard time and it just handled everything I could could dish out seamlessly. He couldn't stop emphasising the importance of the cooler and its role in a healthy tranny. So if I were you, I would invest in one if for nothing else, peace of mind.

Hope this helps.

Edited by nanbar, 15 August 2023 - 04:40 PM.

[yel327]

You definitely need an aftermarket one as well as the factory water cooled one for heavy duty applications. Like towing, 4x4, high stall etc. 

 

For a standard engine and box cruiser it doesn't need to be that big. If you are giving the transmission a flogging (eg towing in Drive or 4x4 in high range) you need the biggest you can get. The bulk of the heat comes from the converter, if you are making it work then you generate heat.

[Cook]

I found a couple of pics of mine. I fixed it to the A/C compressor bracketry, which made it somewhat easier. Cheers Ron

Attached Files

•  Trans Cooler 1.jpg   208.88K   5 downloads
•  Trans Cooler Lines.jpg   217.92K   4 downloads
•  Trans Cooler Holes.jpg   151.36K   3 downloads
•  Trans Cooler Lines3.jpg   205.33K   2 downloads

Edited by Cook, 15 August 2023 - 06:05 PM.

[claysummers]

Nice pics Ron, very tidy.

Sent from my SM-G781B using Tapatalk

[yel327]

That is the same type and possibly size cooler I have used on my WB Trimatic tonner, MQ Patrol TH400, HJ ute TH400 and Hilux A750F. I have a larger one for the HK TH350. They are nice and easy to mount and work well.

[Platinum LC]

Hi Steffan. I'm running a separate cooler for T400 with stroked 308. Decided this was the best way to avoid any potential issues with combined radiator/cooler but more than likely just over precautious. From memory I bought a PWR cooler as big as would reasonably fit. If you go this route one thing to watch out for is where/how you want to run the lines. I'm sure I have some pics somewhere but can't locate them at present. Will keep looking. Cheers Ron

Thank you for posting your photos Ron, it makes it a lot easier seeing how it’s set up. Really appreciate it. It looks good, very neat and tidy. Cheers Steffan

Edited by Platinum LC, 15 August 2023 - 08:17 PM.

[Cook]

Thanks gents.  Yes Yel I think you actually put me onto that cooler at the time. I did spend a bit of time working out how I wanted to run it and wasn't happy that I had to drill through new paint in the rad support but there you go. Change one thing from original and you have to consider 10 other matters and likely have to change 5 of them.  Good luck with whatever you decide Steffan. Cheers Ron