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auto tranny cooler for 2003 GV
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Author:  scott12 [ Sat Nov 12, 2011 5:08 am ]
Post subject:  auto tranny cooler for 2003 GV
Hi guys,

Has anyone installed an auto tranny cooler on a 2003 (98-05) GV V6 ?

If so, did you mount it between the radiator and the engine ?

How did you mount it ?

What brand model number etc did you use ?


Any other tips ?


Regards
Scott
Author:  Scrawny [ Sat Nov 12, 2011 5:16 am ]
Post subject:  Re: auto tranny cooler for 2003 GV
Stick it on the very front. Don't bypass the radiator cooler, run the cooler between radiator and auto trans, unless the radiator cooler is buggered or blocked. Any oil cooler will do. You can buy them with a full fitting kit too

Edit: Have a read of this

http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/diy-he ... r-kit.aspx
Author:  christover1 [ Sat Nov 12, 2011 6:31 am ]
Post subject:  Re: auto tranny cooler for 2003 GV
Wasn't sure from article,
if it matters where extra cooler is,
ie on the feed, or return side of original cooler.
Will probably do this to my Vit, especially for crawling.
Author:  Gwagensteve [ Sat Nov 12, 2011 6:42 am ]
Post subject:  Re: auto tranny cooler for 2003 GV
Scrawn wrote:
Stick it on the very front. Don't bypass the radiator cooler, run the cooler between radiator and auto trans,


Why do you say this Scrawn?

Steve.
Author:  ajsr [ Sat Nov 12, 2011 6:54 am ]
Post subject:  Re: auto tranny cooler for 2003 GV
I'm with scrawn on this one, auto joint has told me exactly the same thing.
1 cooler must be attached to the front side of the raditator.
2 cooler should be fitted between rad trans cooler outlet and the box return
3 buy the biggest available/you can afford.

the one on my colorado , will drop the hot oil temp at idle by 30 deg from rad outlet hose temp to trans hose inlet temp , so they definately work well when setup properly. temp measured on rubber hose (same hose type) with infared temp guage
Author:  royce [ Sat Nov 12, 2011 7:02 am ]
Post subject:  Re: auto tranny cooler for 2003 GV
Gwagensteve wrote:
Scrawn wrote:
Stick it on the very front. Don't bypass the radiator cooler, run the cooler between radiator and auto trans,


Why do you say this Scrawn?

Steve.


I am going to say its something to do with getting up to oil temp

however

auto fluid doesnt have an operating temp band like engine oil, the cooler it is the better

I dont think autos would stay cool for very long from startup either, certainly I dont think oil being heated via a cold radiator would help
Author:  Scrawny [ Sat Nov 12, 2011 7:02 am ]
Post subject:  Re: auto tranny cooler for 2003 GV
Gwagensteve wrote:
Scrawn wrote:
Stick it on the very front. Don't bypass the radiator cooler, run the cooler between radiator and auto trans,


Why do you say this Scrawn?


Why not continue using the factory cooling if it's still ok? Do you disagree Steve?
Author:  christover1 [ Sat Nov 12, 2011 7:07 am ]
Post subject:  Re: auto tranny cooler for 2003 GV
Some things don't work well when too cold, like engines.
It seems from searching,
that this may not apply with Auto Trans fluids?
Author:  Scrawny [ Sat Nov 12, 2011 7:14 am ]
Post subject:  Re: auto tranny cooler for 2003 GV
I did have issues with a GQ Patrol that seemed to overcool, it kept dropping out of overdrive on the highway. May have been a thermostat issue tho
Author:  ajsr [ Sat Nov 12, 2011 7:33 am ]
Post subject:  Re: auto tranny cooler for 2003 GV
Scrawn wrote:
Gwagensteve wrote:
Scrawn wrote:
Stick it on the very front. Don't bypass the radiator cooler, run the cooler between radiator and auto trans,


Why do you say this Scrawn?


Why not continue using the factory cooling if it's still ok? Do you disagree Steve?


apparently your much better off using the factory cooling as well as the aftermarket cooler. It was the first question I asked my auto guy when getting a cooler.
Author:  christover1 [ Sat Nov 12, 2011 7:41 am ]
Post subject:  Re: auto tranny cooler for 2003 GV
Is it obvious which is out and which is return line?
I'll look tomorrow, bit too lazy and its gettin dark out now :)
Author:  ajsr [ Sat Nov 12, 2011 7:44 am ]
Post subject:  Re: auto tranny cooler for 2003 GV
christover1 wrote:
Is it obvious which is out and which is return line?
I'll look tomorrow, bit too lazy and its gettin dark out now :)


yep oil comes out of the outlet , when you start it. really fast :rofl: :rofl:
Author:  christover1 [ Sat Nov 12, 2011 7:47 am ]
Post subject:  Re: auto tranny cooler for 2003 GV
ajsr wrote:
christover1 wrote:
Is it obvious which is out and which is return line?
I'll look tomorrow, bit too lazy and its gettin dark out now :)


yep oil comes out of the outlet , when you start it. really fast :rofl: :rofl:

I was quite surprised how much dribbled out when I pulled hoses off.

But your method sounds fun :lol:
Author:  christover1 [ Sat Nov 12, 2011 7:49 am ]
Post subject:  Re: auto tranny cooler for 2003 GV
I imagine the heat from the auto could affect radiator temp, too?
Author:  Gwagensteve [ Sat Nov 12, 2011 7:53 am ]
Post subject:  Re: auto tranny cooler for 2003 GV
My understanding is that it temperate climates (i.e Australia, not the northern US in winter) you can't overcool an auto. Personally, I'd rather separate my auto trans fluid as far away as possible from my coolant.


Steve.
Author:  Rusho [ Sat Nov 12, 2011 8:40 am ]
Post subject:  Re: auto tranny cooler for 2003 GV
Wouldn't having the oil cooler on the back of the rad suck warm air through it.At least having it in the front both the rad and the oil cooler get the cooling that they want.

Plus having it on the back of the rad might be an issue of room to fit it also.

Just my thoughts anyway....could very well be wrong
Author:  christover1 [ Sat Nov 12, 2011 9:14 am ]
Post subject:  Re: auto tranny cooler for 2003 GV
These appear to be a good thing??

http://www.lowrangeoffroad.com/index.ph ... ooler.html
Author:  Gwagensteve [ Sat Nov 12, 2011 9:22 am ]
Post subject:  Re: auto tranny cooler for 2003 GV
Not normally efficient enough for a transmission.

Best to go with a "stacked plate" cooler. Those extruded coolers are best for power steering or fuel. (yes, fuel) not enough cooling capacity for auto cooling IMHO.

More is better when it comes to auto cooling.

Steve.
Author:  christover1 [ Sat Nov 12, 2011 9:26 am ]
Post subject:  Re: auto tranny cooler for 2003 GV
I could use my a/c cooler, if I decide not to refit the a/c
Author:  scott12 [ Sat Nov 12, 2011 9:23 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: auto tranny cooler for 2003 GV
So have any of you actually fitted an auto transmission cooler (ATC) to this model of GV ?

If I was to fit the cooler to the front of the existing radiator and A/C condensor, I can only fit approx 100mm x 180mm in frontal area, located on the driver's side of a rather large thermo fan which also sits infront of the A/C condensor.

This would then be in a location where it would not get airflow from the thermo fan which may not be ideal for crawling.

With a reasonable amount of modification you may squeeze (without any clearance) a normal sized ATC between the thermo fan and the A/C condensor, but it would be very tight, tight enough that a shunt in the front end is more likely to damage things than if the ATC was mounted between the engine and radiator.

This is why I wonder if anyone has fitted one to an SQ625 and how they did it ?



If fitting between the radiator and engine I would end up with approx 30 - 35mm between the viscous fan of the engine and the ATC.

Do these engines move a lot on their mounts or would 30mm clearance be sufficient ?

What temperatures do auto fluids reach during heavy service ? (this would probably be the decider as to whether fitting between the engine and radiator is a waste of time or not.)

The low range off road heatsink design would make a far easier install (plenty of room under the front cross member behind the bumper and the thermo fan will draw air from around it), but how much cooling capacity do they have ??? I guess anything extra to the standard water to oil cooler is better than nothing ?

What are your thoughts ?
Author:  steak_knife [ Sat Nov 12, 2011 9:27 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: auto tranny cooler for 2003 GV
I have to agree with Mr G

If your going to bother fitting a more efficient cooler, no point using the ole one.....
Author:  youda [ Sun Nov 13, 2011 2:00 am ]
Post subject:  Re: auto tranny cooler for 2003 GV
I have actually spent time working at an auto tranny joint so here is a few pointers.

the factory cooler is barely enough at all, add any load and its not enough.

the reason its connected after the radiator in series is just additional cooling when it hits higher temps. at that point the radiator cooler will cool it (keeping in mind water cooling is far more efficient than fluid to air).
then the air cooler will drop temps further from there.
the more efficient the better.
always mount infront of the radiator.
alot of auto rebuilders will not even put a warranty on there product without an additional cooler.
dont ask me why they arent large enough from the factory but it will improove the life of any auto by fitting a large cooler.
Author:  Scrawny [ Sun Nov 13, 2011 2:03 am ]
Post subject:  Re: auto tranny cooler for 2003 GV
steak_knife wrote:
I have to agree with Mr G

If your going to bother fitting a more efficient cooler, no point using the ole one.....


You always were different :P
Author:  scott12 [ Sun Nov 13, 2011 5:05 am ]
Post subject:  Re: auto tranny cooler for 2003 GV - photo
Photo attached, of front of radiator.

The A/C thermofan takes up quite a bit of real estate, and I won't be able to fit the transmission cooler between the thermo fan and the A/C condensor,

but -

there is enough room to suspend the transmission cooler from the top radiator crossmember, sitting in front of the exisitng thermofan.

Do you see any problems with this plan ?
Author:  ajsr [ Sun Nov 13, 2011 5:51 am ]
Post subject:  Re: auto tranny cooler for 2003 GV
whats on the rhs of the fan?
Author:  youda [ Sun Nov 13, 2011 6:09 am ]
Post subject:  Re: auto tranny cooler for 2003 GV
as long as it is secure it should be fine, if you are using it to compliment the existing cooler in the radiator (a good idea) make sure you use good quality hoses as high temps turn some hoses to jelly.
Author:  christover1 [ Sun Nov 13, 2011 6:53 am ]
Post subject:  Re: auto tranny cooler for 2003 GV
My trans cooler hoses have a braided mesh round them,
looks to be factory.

An auto cooler is my next project.
A LWB Vitara is heavy,
it will be towing a camper,
and travelling on sand a fair bit,
and it always smells hot in normal use.
So is probably a wise investment.

I will use one in line with the stocker,
as a good enough cooler to stand alone,
is out of my price range.

May even cruise the wreckers for one,
tho ebay seems to have reasonable prices.

Liking these ones.
Still considering the longer version of the lowrange cooler.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/130490232782 ... 1438.l2648

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/230696008062 ... 1438.l2648
Author:  TheOtherLeft [ Sun Nov 13, 2011 9:15 am ]
Post subject:  Re: auto tranny cooler for 2003 GV
christover1 wrote:
My trans cooler hoses have a braided mesh round them,
looks to be factory.

An auto cooler is my next project.
A LWB Vitara is heavy,
it will be towing a camper,
and travelling on sand a fair bit,
and it always smells hot in normal use.
So is probably a wise investment.

I will use one in line with the stocker,
as a good enough cooler to stand alone,
is out of my price range.

May even cruise the wreckers for one,
tho ebay seems to have reasonable prices.

Liking these ones.
Still considering the longer version of the lowrange cooler.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/130490232782 ... 1438.l2648

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/230696008062 ... 1438.l2648


I was told Magna auto coolers from the wreckers will fit.
Author:  christover1 [ Sun Nov 13, 2011 9:18 am ]
Post subject:  Re: auto tranny cooler for 2003 GV
cheers, I will start in the magna row
Author:  Gwagensteve [ Sun Nov 13, 2011 7:37 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: auto tranny cooler for 2003 GV
AFAIK commodores with H/D Towing packs ran external trans coolers too.

Also look at old mercs (there's plenty popping up at pick-a-part and Imlachs) some have huge oil coolers on them, and they will be very high quality (likely Behr)

Remember that an oil cooler is an oil cool is an oil cooler. It doesn't have to have been a transmission cooler in it's previous life. In fact, air con condensers work very well as oil coolers too as a redneck solution.

However, I'd be fitting a temp gauge, possibly even before you fit an additional cooler. It's one thing to *think* the auto is getting hot, quite another to know

Watching Greg's gauge has shown that the auto never gets hotter than on the highway on longish hills. You'd think it would be crawling, but it's not. It's something to consider with regard to your gearing and load - does the converter lock at cruise? If the converter can't lock because there's too much load, then you will be getting the auto much hotter than intended.

Steve.
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