Trans oil cooler (radiator) had broken fittings when I installed the radiator. This car goes on the road Nov 1. Since most of the driving is in
55 degree or less weather, do I need to add a trans oil cooler?
Wait, go for the cooler, or the synthetic?
I just did a near complete trans service and don't feel like going through it again...although I am going to do a drain and fill after about 500 miles to keep fresh stuff in there. The stuff that's there is OK, but I have no idea when the last service was done...if ever...
Well, since you put it *THAT* way! ;0
Do you have the option of using a synthetic/high tech tranny fluid too?
I say go for it.
Install the cooler.
If you train yourself to slip the tranny into neutral or park when stopped, if the temps are really like you say, if you can use 'upgraded' fluid, also keep grease and gunk off the tranny case (for better convection cooling) I think it's worth the risk. We ALL know it isn't ideal, but we all also know that systems on cars are designed for the severest reasonable operation and stuff can 'survive' in sub- optimal configurations.
Do you have a good reason not to install the cooler?
Carl
It costs money...
The car was $400. I used it to deliver newspapers. Now I use it for my job (Dell field service). It only gets driven in the winter, and usually when it's snowing. I do use the AWD a fair amount.
I can get a small cooler at AZ for $20, a bigger one for $30. It's starting to rust, and I put a new radiator in it early summer ($20 on eBay, brand new but with the broken trans cooler fittings.
I could wait and try it early in Nov, when it's still warm, and see if the Trans Temp warning light comes on...
It isn't really hard, the hoses are still intact. I took a piece of brake line and bent it into a "U" to bypass the cooler.
I can get a '97 Contour for $150...
197,000 miles, but well maintained.
The car may have been $400 - but what would you have to spend to replace it with one of roughly equal value/ability? But I'm pretty sure there was a time when cars didn't have tranny coolers at all. I think , under your conditions, it might be worth the risk.
Carl
I've got two aftermarket non-subaru coolers sitting in my basement that I will never use. I just can't bring myself to take them to scrap metal recycling. If you pay for shipping, I'll give one or both to you. I guess the problem there is that shipping might be nearly 20 bucks. Unless you live near B'more, MD. If you're interested, send me an E-mail. my E-mail is my name here at google's mail program.
Bill
Oh, that's going to break the bank!
What are the dimensions? Or, is there a pic of them?
Thanks for the offer! If it seems it will work, I'll set something up.
Weight would help. too. I have a FedEx account and I think I can arrange for pick-up.
Remember, the cars are designed to drive in extremely cold to very hot temperatures, and occasionally tow. You are not entering any of the extreme conditions that would "need" the extra cooling. I agree with the others, drive it, watch for the temp light- any issues add a external cooler. Adding another cooler woulden't require reservicing the transmission, just adding some extra fluid. Steve
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