Tranny cooler upgrade
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 10,408
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From: Plankinton, SD
YaHoo duck tape to the rescue!!
FOREIGN GURU
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Celaya, Gto. MX
Junior User
Joined: May 2007
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Don't post here much but have followed this topic. I installed a Tru Cool 4590 cooler at advise of Dale at Tymar as he seems to know our trucks. I was very satisfied with the upgrade. For three years my trans never got over 195 and averaged 170-185 most of the time while towing in hot weather. My load is a 26' enclosed car trailer with drag car, pit trike, & tools & supplies. About a 10-11K load + I carry a truck camper @ about 2,400 #.
Ran into one spot on PA TPK that trans temps got to 210-215 .. . I don't like anything over 200 !!!
So I bought a TruCool Max.. Without camper temps got up to 205-210,dropped trailer and temps stayed at 200 with JUST truck!!!
Sorry...but I yanked the bypass and now all seems good...160-170 with just camper. I'l try with trailer on Monday. I think I recall Dale wanting me to go with 4590 on my 96 was because a thermal bypass is not needed due to cooler design..LPD ?? Thermal bypass MUST be a restriction with 5/16 lines !!?? Possibly 3/8 lines would cure the problem ?
I don't use my truck much in the winter...I will address any cold weather problems then....somehow.
Thanks for all the input..
Ran into one spot on PA TPK that trans temps got to 210-215 ..
. I don't like anything over 200 !!!So I bought a TruCool Max.. Without camper temps got up to 205-210,dropped trailer and temps stayed at 200 with JUST truck!!!
Sorry...but I yanked the bypass and now all seems good...160-170 with just camper. I'l try with trailer on Monday. I think I recall Dale wanting me to go with 4590 on my 96 was because a thermal bypass is not needed due to cooler design..LPD ?? Thermal bypass MUST be a restriction with 5/16 lines !!?? Possibly 3/8 lines would cure the problem ?
I don't use my truck much in the winter...I will address any cold weather problems then....somehow.
Thanks for all the input..
Junior User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
Yep..yep..been doing this wrenching stuff for 50+ years now...doesn't mean I can't goof up so your question is logical. Dumb mistake is worse than a dumb question anyday...I double checked valve install as I could see the schematic on valve would disapear quickly.. With empty truck the temps went straight to 180 which I did not mind.....but preferrd my 165-170's with the old 4590 cooler. This 4590 is HALF the size of the Max unit !!!!
When temps climbed to 210+ and stayed there...BP had to Go !!!
I would rather have my trans too cool (?) when empty than 210+ when under load towing !!! NO brainer for me..
What class do you race ??
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 10,408
Likes: 75
From: Plankinton, SD
Just checkin on the hookup, never know. I would guess you had a faulty bypass, again just guessing.
I run in Super Pro NHRA or TOP in IHRA. Part time bracket racing the last few years, trying to save a little $$$$
What class you run?
I run in Super Pro NHRA or TOP in IHRA. Part time bracket racing the last few years, trying to save a little $$$$
What class you run?
Frmr Ford Trans Engr
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 24,722
Likes: 2,648
From: SE Florida
I suspect a restriction in the cooler circuit causing the bypass to open.
The bypass is not there to help warm the trans in cold weather. It is there to maintain lube flow to the rear of the trans if the cooler circuit gets plugged. With the bypass working if the cooler circuit gets restricted you get higher temperatures. If the bypass is gone and the cooler circuit gets restricted you have little or no lube flow to the rear half of the trans. That's not very good for parts that spin!
The bypass is not there to help warm the trans in cold weather. It is there to maintain lube flow to the rear of the trans if the cooler circuit gets plugged. With the bypass working if the cooler circuit gets restricted you get higher temperatures. If the bypass is gone and the cooler circuit gets restricted you have little or no lube flow to the rear half of the trans. That's not very good for parts that spin!
Junior User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 88
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I'l go back to the 4590 if I have a problem in the winter...rather hit 200+ one time than all the time !!
I run in the Nostalgia Super Stock ..several different series.
Also run with the Outlaw Pontiac Drag Series here in VA and some brackets.... Getting to be too many rules ....thinking about playing around with a TURBO...or twin turbo's.....I want more HP !!
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Junior User
Joined: May 2007
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I suspect a restriction in the cooler circuit causing the bypass to open.
The bypass is not there to help warm the trans in cold weather. It is there to maintain lube flow to the rear of the trans if the cooler circuit gets plugged. With the bypass working if the cooler circuit gets restricted you get higher temperatures. If the bypass is gone and the cooler circuit gets restricted you have little or no lube flow to the rear half of the trans. That's not very good for parts that spin!
The bypass is not there to help warm the trans in cold weather. It is there to maintain lube flow to the rear of the trans if the cooler circuit gets plugged. With the bypass working if the cooler circuit gets restricted you get higher temperatures. If the bypass is gone and the cooler circuit gets restricted you have little or no lube flow to the rear half of the trans. That's not very good for parts that spin!
Junior User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 88
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I have a friend who has been with Ford as a engineer forever it sems like. He thinks modern ATF/trans is OK with 200 degrees to..??
I do run a full synsetic ATF but still like temps on the "low" side.
Question...wonder if a later plastic cooling fan off a SD bolt to a 96 in place of the heavy **** steel fan ?? Would like to extend water pump life..
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 11,231
Likes: 130
From: Thomasville, GA
10-4 Mark. Thought that's what you were thinking ..
I have a friend who has been with Ford as a engineer forever it sems like. He thinks modern ATF/trans is OK with 200 degrees to..??
I do run a full synsetic ATF but still like temps on the "low" side.
Question...wonder if a later plastic cooling fan off a SD bolt to a 96 in place of the heavy **** steel fan ?? Would like to extend water pump life..
I have a friend who has been with Ford as a engineer forever it sems like. He thinks modern ATF/trans is OK with 200 degrees to..??
I do run a full synsetic ATF but still like temps on the "low" side.
Question...wonder if a later plastic cooling fan off a SD bolt to a 96 in place of the heavy **** steel fan ?? Would like to extend water pump life..
Junior User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
Thought about that but my engineer buddy @ Ford said not a good idea for what I do with my truck. Mostly heavy over the road towing + some short hauls. Any info & pics around here about electric fans ???