Got a 2002 F250 7.3. Thing has been losing ATF. I found where it's at, in the coolant reservoir. I stopped driving the truck as soon as I saw it. The trans fluid still looks clean. The reservoir bottle looks like it's full of strawberry milk. From the research I've done so far it seems like my radiator has most likely gone south. After reading some tech articles, I'm thinking this is a good time to upgrade the trans cooler. So my question is, when I change the radiator, do I buy the same exact radiator with the dual fluid function? Or- do I buy a different radiator that is antifreeze only? I've read that the 6.0 trans coolers (part number 5C3Z7A095CA) is the way to go. If I add a 6.0 trans cooler, does it run independently? Or- does it have to work in conjunction with the factory dual fluid radiator?


Where would the 6.0 trans cooler be mounted? I pulled the grill off, I'm seeing the compressor, then there seems to be a fairly large cooler of some sort in between the compressor and the radiator.


I've also read that I will have to thoroughly flush the cooling system with water and simple green to get all the ATF out. I was going to service the trans also just to be safe.


Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

You should replace the radiator with one with a transmission cooler. That is a VERY effective cooler.

The 6.0L cooler replaces the stock cooler. It even mounts to the stock mounts. Follow the line from the radiator cooler to the other cooler, that's the best way to make sure you have the right one. And that's a condenser, not a compressor out front.

You need to service the trans. Coolant can dissolve the glue that holds the friction material to the clutch plates.

 

Quick question for Mark.....can a radiator with the trans cooler be flushed?

 

I put a Tru Cool Max on my '97 F Super Duty OBS with 7.3. Major drop in temps. You can get it with the hardware for the 99-03 F250 & F350 also.
http://www.dieselsite.com/specialord...ioncooler.aspx

 

The radiator side - yes. The trans cooler side - maybe. Some of the coolers are just a loop of tubing. Those can easily be flushed. Some have a small stacked plate cooler inside. Flushing those doesn't work so well.

 

Thanks for the information guys. At this point, I am putting a new factory Ford radiator back in the truck and calling it a day. It's my daily driver so I need it fixed quick.

 

Some shops won't repair an auto trans without replacing the radiator, especially non "transmission dedicated" repair shops.