need advice on tranny cooler - Diesel Forum

mxgimp · 07-09-2008, 01:45 PM

i have the 05 e350 towing more than i should.i'm getting ready to insall my tranny cooler i got the b&m 1/2 inch line fin and plate with electric fan i'm planning on leaving the oem sould i run the new one befor or after the oem thanks.
i also got my gadges they will go in at the same time

blageurt · 07-09-2008, 07:54 PM

I would install it after or last before returning to transmission .

Kaliburz · 07-10-2008, 01:16 AM

Yup, after the OEM. 05, that's a TorqueShift or is it still the 4L100(?) (aka new name for the E4OD)? If the TorqueShift, didn't someone say it has a built in thermostat that selects how much fluid to flow to the cooler?

Are you going to plumb the gauge near the tranny or closer to the coolers? I keep forgetting if there is a port on the E4OD for a sending unit or if its' the TorqueShift I'm thinking of....

Mark Kovalsky · 07-10-2008, 06:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaliburz

Yup, after the OEM. 05, that's a TorqueShift or is it still the 4L100(?) (aka new name for the E4OD)?

I agree after the OEM cooler.

2004 was the last year for the 4R100. This van has a TorqShift.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaliburz

If the TorqueShift, didn't someone say it has a built in thermostat that selects how much fluid to flow to the cooler?

Yes, the TorqShift has a thermostat that limits flow to the coolers when it's cold. So how is that relevant?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaliburz

Are you going to plumb the gauge near the tranny or closer to the coolers? I keep forgetting if there is a port on the E4OD for a sending unit or if its' the TorqueShift I'm thinking of....

The E4OD, 4R100, and the TorqShift all have a pressure test port that is an excellent place to put the temp sender. It's on the driver's side, towards the front of the trans, just above the pan. There is a black hex head plug in it from the factory.

Kaliburz · 07-10-2008, 11:44 PM

Mark,

I've read and been told (maybe people's opinion) that tranny oil should reach operating temperature. And adding extra coolers may cool the oil too much- probably during low temperatures if there was unrestricted flow (no thermostat). I've asked a few mechanics about bypassing a oil cooler that's integrated into the engine radiator and installing a large stand alone. They recommended against it since the engine coolant also helps warm the oil in cold weather operation (so they say). And this was in regards to med. duty Allison transmission on the buses at work (my old 'ride' was overheating the tranny oil during stop/go summer/hot weather.... ).

(I've read on some of the Allison trannies, the computer will restrict operation until the oil is at a certain temp. Though, I think it has to be very cold, as in in the single digits and teens.)

I've seen engine oil cooler kits that have a thermostat to restrict oil flow so it isn't constantly cooling "cold" oil. So I guessed that over cooling could be an issue....

I know that on my hydraulic run farm equipment, during the winter, I actually run a few orbit motors to warm everything up or it's sluggish... it kind of makes sense to me. Over cooling oil.... So, is there any truth to this or is it a 'wives tail'?

Mark Kovalsky · 07-11-2008, 07:30 AM

Yes, you do want the trans to get up to temp. Running very cold all the time is not good for it.

I've run tests where I measured the temperatures into and out of the radiator, on both the coolant and the ATF. I've tested at temperatures ranging from -40F to +115F. I never found ANY condition where the radiator warmed the ATF. The ATF is ALWAYS hotter than the water on the cool side of the radiator, which is where the ATF cooler is located.

If there is a lot of cooling and no thermostat it is possible to overcool the trans fluid. A cold front on the truck, or a piece of cardboard in front of the cooler in cold weather can fix this problem.

mxgimp · 07-11-2008, 02:15 PM

to cool is not a consern of mine i live in californa. and i'm over loaded when towing but the only other option i have is stay home not going to happen. i'm looking for a toyota pu to get around so my van will mostly tow.
the cooler and gages are in i put it in the return line and mounted it under my van next to the tranny. it had the port for the gage behind the filter. test drive in a couple hours. thanks for all the help

Kaliburz · 07-11-2008, 03:49 PM

Yes, please let us know how it goes. I'm curious what your tranny temp will be.