We show you how to fit a DIY trans cooler kit, so your auto can tow more weight and handle more power without boiling over.
Like most automatic-transmission equipped cars on the road today, they use a transmission oil cooler. This cooler is built into the engine's water radiator. It is designed to keep the transmission oil as cool as the engine water temperature. There is no excuse for injecting heat into a cool transmission just because the motor is running hot.
Also, when racing or under high-speed loads, the transmission can use all the help it can get to remove waste heat. The installation of a separate transmission cooler, with the original cooler also being used, is what we did to the XY. Why? Well the factory unit does work well and in our case we just wanted to supplement it even further rather than
using the new cooler as a direct replacement.
Because of the tremendous heat generated in an automatic transmission, an auxiliary transmission oil cooler is an economical way to help protect against costly transmission repairs. Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) cools, lubricates and cleans internal transmission components. When transmission temperatures exceed 93°C, the ability of ATF to perform is greatly
diminished.
Subsequently, the life span of the fluid, seal and moving parts are significantly reduced. Higher internal temperatures also increase the wear rate of the friction and clutch plates.
Transmission oil coolers can reduce the ATFs temperature by as much as 33°C. A reduction of just 11°C can double the life of an automatic transmission, the fluid and all internal parts.
A quick trip to the local Supercheap Auto store netted us a trans cooler and associated equipment required to complete the install.
TOOLS REQUIRED
1. Standard blade screwdriver for hose clamps.
2. Drill and a selection of metal drill bits.
3. Mini pipe cutter or hacksaw to cut existing cooler plumbing.
4. Sharp knife to cut cooler hose.
5. A plastic bowl or container to catch tube fluid.
SUPPLIES AND PARTS NEEDED
1. Plate-type transmission cooler Model 678 from Davies Craig in our case.
2. Mounting kit supplied with cooler.
3. Nuts and bolts or self-tapping screws for custom mounting the cooler.
4. Hose clamps (four clamps supplied in most kits).
5. Transmission oil hose. Some comes with the cooler. Additional hose if required must be rated for oil/fuel use.
1. This is the Davies Craig Hydra Cool trans cooler we will be installing (above).
2. The cooler won't go in without removing part of the grille assembly.
3. Grille assembly removal begins with the driving light being removed first in this case.
4. It continues with the removal of the plastic clips.
5. Starting to see some movement now!
6. With the grille assembly out, it's now time to work out the best place to mount cooler.
7. Trans cooler mounted using an existing hole in the radiator support panel and awaiting fitment of hoses.
8. Routing the trans cooler hoses.
9. Original metal trans cooler line about to be cut by the hacksaw. This is the oil return line to the gearbox.
10. The metal line that was removed in order to allow fitting of the rubber trans cooler line without kinking.
11. Rubber line fitted with new hose clamp. Be sure to tighten!
12. Use cable ties to secure the hoses out of the way of moving parts.
13. Turn the engine on and allow to run for 2-3 minutes, then inspect the lines/fittings for any leaks. Tighten clamps if needed.
14. Reinstall the grille assembly and driving light.
15. Don't forget to top up the trans oil, as your new trans cooler has just given you a slightly larger capacity.
