Transmission Cooler Installation - GMC Canyon

So my order from etrailer has shipped and should be here soon.

As one who generally doesn't like rubber hoses and clamps, I am wondering whether I should put copper or steel lines in place when installing the cooler. How much pressure is in the system? Is there any reason why I should not use copper? Should I use steel?

Reply to
Commentator
Loading thread data ...

soft cooper doesn't handle flex and vibration well, it has a tendency of cracking, that's why you don't see it used for fuel lines.. Pressure isn't the problem, after all its used in home ac systems and the high side pressures are much higher than the tranny will ever produce, but there is no flexing of the lines coupled with vibration.

Whitelightning

Reply to
Whitelightning

Take it to a tranny shop and let them install it.

Reply to
Sigwings

Would you use the metal lines rather than rubber though?

Reply to
Commentator

Why?

Reply to
Commentator

"Commentator" wrote in message news:g%F7e.21162$ snipped-for-privacy@news20.bellglobal.com...

I'll catch some flack here I am sure. If the trailer being pulled is within the trucks specs, and you drive sensible, I wouldn't even bother with a cooler. If this were a 2500 series HD and you were going to pull a big fifth wheel rv, my opinion would be different. My 91 S-10 Blazer has been to Alaska from Florida, via Glenwood Springs Colorado, its been all over Canada twice. Its been to Mexico twice, the Adirondacks a few times and all of it pulling a 18' Coleman Camper. It gets regular week-end duty pulling my bass boat around Florida. The AC has been on in the house for three weeks now, and will be on most likely till late October before it cools off down here so its spent its life in a hot climate. Its got 220,000 miles on the original drive train. The "clutch" in the torque converter is starting to act up, fells like a limited slip diff when the clutches have gone bad and you get that chatter in turns, when the torque converter locks up with mild acceleration. I'm going to replace the tranny and converter, GM sells new for $1,150, that's cheaper than I can get it rebuilt, and they give a better warranty. The only time I have ever used a tranny cooler is on a drag car with a tranny brake, because they get really hot because of the brake. I do change the fluid and filter every 20,000 miles. Its only had Kendal Dexron tranny fluid and Delco filter kits. How ever if you feel you really need the cooler I probably would go with stainless steal braided hoses. Someone posted a site that handles special hoses and such for tranny coolers a while back. The other recommendation is don't use the stupid nylon garbage most tranny coolers come with to mount to the ac condenser. Depending on the cooler it may be possible to use brass fittings and steel lines with double flairs. I wouldn't trust compression fittings. Whitelightning

Reply to
Whitelightning

Defenetly put the cooler on, 80% of transmission troubles are heat related. It's simple, if the cooler is mounted very solid use steel lines. If it moves around where it's mounted use flexible line.

Brian

Reply to
el Diablo

True, you are going to catch some flack here, but only a little. I'm a big believer in tranny coolers but the truth is if it was a 2500HD instead of a Canyon or an S-10 then it would already be set up to tow heavy loads. I have a 2500HD and it already has a huge external tranny cooler fitted (plus a tranny temp guage in the cluster) because GM presumes that anyone buying a truck of this capacity is going to tow with it, especially if you get one with the diesel and Allison tranny like mine. Most small and mid-size trucks, however, are used for only mild to moderate work (commuting, etc.) so should be given the extra help of things like a tranny cooler if you're going to be doing any towing.

On the other hand, I did have a rather amusing experience with a friend who was looking at my truck several months back. Here I have a 2500HD that is rated for 12,000 lbs max trailer weight (15,300 lbs on a gooseneck), and while we were looking under the hood my friend asks me "Does it have a towing package?" Sort of like asking if the Space Shuttle has cupholders.

To answer the original poster - there's nothing wrong with rubber lines. Your tranny doesn't put out that much pressure that rubber lines won't be able to handle it. One tip: Get fittings and such so you can use lines one size larger than what comes with the kit. The problem with flexible lines is that they constrict when they go around bends, so going to the next size larger diameter line helps alleviate that problem somewhat. Steel braided hydraulic lines and couplers would be ideal and you could get them made up at most larger hydraulic shops, just be prepared with accurate measurements and an open wallet.

Cheers - Jonathan

Reply to
Jonathan Race

yes

and you get an exact copy of what you originally had, warts (P-1870 codes) and all

why not ?

I've got a couple hundred vehicles out using crimped-on steel-to rubber fittings that use a compression sleeve to the steel line

Reply to
TranSurgeon

Reply to
Sigwings

Hadn't thought of braided lines.

Thanks.

Reply to
Commentator

I actually spent about 6 months doing little other that making hydraulic lienes with areoquip fittings about 20 years ago. I'll score some fittings off of the maintenance guys at work, buy the line, and make them myself.

Reply to
Commentator

The '98 Malibu I had lost the power steering return line TWICE when crimped fittings let go. I prefer something a little more robust, hence my original question on thoughts on steel lines.

Reply to
Commentator

Thanks for the advice, such as it is, but I think you are being a little presumptuous. I have been driving a desk for the last 30 years, but spent

4-5 years working on Cat heavy equipment, LeTourneau L700's and L900's, as well as 200 ton Terex trucks prior to that. During that time I did a stint in the rebuild shop, making hydraulic hoses, rebuilding hydraulic cylinders, brake system components, and a bunch of other stuff. I haven't done much since then, and have never done anything with auto transmissions, or transmission coolers, which is why I ask questions when I have gaps in what I know. When I am rusty, I find it better to ask for advice rather than barge ahead. That doesn't mean installing a cooler is rocket science. Quite frankly, I can do it with my eyes closed. The "mechanics" of mechanic work is not difficult. The knowledge base of what works best, or is easiest, or makes the most sense is the difficult part, and what I have asked for advice on. There have been some very helpful and knowledgeable answers shared with me here that I genuinely appreciate. Telling me I am bound to screw it up without any sense of what my capabilities are is neither helpful nor appreciated.
Reply to
Commentator

If it was ecm controlled, you may be right, but its not, Its a 91, its not OBDII, it doesnt have the capablitly of giving a P-1870 code.

There is a big difference between what you are talking about, and a brass compression style union fitting using a wedding bands (ferrules for those that know what they are called). In your example there is no problem, used them all the time making and repairing AC lines. Perhaps I should have been more specific about what I was recommending staying away from.

Whitelightning

Reply to
Whitelightning

I actually knew what both of you meant, but don't particularly want to use either.

Thanks for all the helpful advice.

Reply to
Commentator

you've got to have some amount of flex as the transmission will rock along with the engine under load and the cooler won't, unless you've got it actually mounted to the engine. (which would be stupid and incredibly ineffective).

-Bret

Reply to
Bret Chase

Right, the lines will flex, just like the radiator is solid mounted and uses steel transmission lines.

Brian

Reply to
el Diablo

take the hose to a shop that makes up hydraulic hoses for farm equipment or industrial machinery

just cause the factory hoses on your Malibu were POS's, doesn't make ALL crimp fittings crap

Reply to
TranSurgeon

well, I routinely use the brass compresson fittings to splice cooler lines

no problems if you do it right

Reply to
TranSurgeon

MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.