Automatic Trans Heat Exchanger. Do I need it?
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,244
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From: Central KY
He brings up a good point. Why do we even have it/need it if the decades of gasser 727s didn't?
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 393
Likes: 0
From: Piedmont of NC
David,
As you recall, I yanked mine to combat what I still believe is a WSO (wore slap out) torque converter heating up the fluid and the HE *keeping* it over 180*...
I pulled the HE out of the tranny cooling circuit just before T'giving last year. There were NO issues with my tranny shifting when cold. Using a manual switch on the rear oil-air cooler fan, I could easily regulate temps in the 28*-32*F weather (too cool = turn off the fan... too warm = turn it on)... so the HE was of little consequence in our moderate climate. If we lived in the Dakotas, WY, or AK... probably a must have
Fast forward to warm/HOT weather... towed a '65 Barracuda 2 Fridays ago (approx. 5500#). I opted to run the fan the entire time and was able to keep the temps at about 180* with some hills pushing it up 195*... very acceptable IMHO.
Yes, I know the TQ needs to be replaced, but that should show you the HE isn't a must have here in NC...
As you recall, I yanked mine to combat what I still believe is a WSO (wore slap out) torque converter heating up the fluid and the HE *keeping* it over 180*...
I pulled the HE out of the tranny cooling circuit just before T'giving last year. There were NO issues with my tranny shifting when cold. Using a manual switch on the rear oil-air cooler fan, I could easily regulate temps in the 28*-32*F weather (too cool = turn off the fan... too warm = turn it on)... so the HE was of little consequence in our moderate climate. If we lived in the Dakotas, WY, or AK... probably a must have
Fast forward to warm/HOT weather... towed a '65 Barracuda 2 Fridays ago (approx. 5500#). I opted to run the fan the entire time and was able to keep the temps at about 180* with some hills pushing it up 195*... very acceptable IMHO.
Yes, I know the TQ needs to be replaced, but that should show you the HE isn't a must have here in NC...
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,888
Likes: 1
From: St Paul , MN.
I have been looking at this issue for some time , and have not come up with a satisfactory answer yet , so when I can get around to a built trans and being that it gets a little cool around here [ -30 -40*F ] I thought of keeping it , but putting a valve in , through HE for cool weather , bypass in warm weather .
Also moving the trans cooler to under bed and the AC , no sense in putting heat into the radiator .
Also moving the trans cooler to under bed and the AC , no sense in putting heat into the radiator .
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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 745
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From: SE PA
I put this cooler in my 04 last weekend to bring the temps down. It uses all 1/2" lines including full 1/2" bore fittings. Very little restriction added due to this unit.
It helped but I need more cooling. Somebody who installs performance trannys told me to get rid of the drainback valve. I did that and oh what a difference. With a performance TC/VB you don't need the drainback valve but you do need the higher flow to get that hot fluid out of the TC sooner.
Here's how I did the drainback valve.
It helped but I need more cooling. Somebody who installs performance trannys told me to get rid of the drainback valve. I did that and oh what a difference. With a performance TC/VB you don't need the drainback valve but you do need the higher flow to get that hot fluid out of the TC sooner.
Here's how I did the drainback valve.
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 807
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From: Englewood, TN
I'm not familiar with QuickServe (perhaps you'd be willing to educate me, et al). But the folks at Cummins Power South(telephone number listed in that link) promised their warehouse had several in stock.
Cheers,
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,084
Likes: 235
From: Southern California
That little tube that runs through one side of the radiator is the trans fluid heater/cooler (GM/TH350 as typical comes to mind).
Currently, for racing purposes, I've got one of the engine coolant lines pinched thus blocking the flow. As such, the converter/transmission itself provides the bulk of the heat the thermometer sees.
With that, driving from my house to the Dunn/Benson dragstrip (15+/- miles?) has the trans fluid temperature go from ambient (85* ~ 90*F) to about 120*~130*F. Keep in mind the stock/OEM cooler up front is doing it's thing on the way to the track.
My first pass typically presents with 8.81 in the eighth mile. After the pass, I let the truck idle in neutral (to keep fluid flowing through the converter) so as to cool down. The fluid temp is up to around 160*F in the pan.
After 20 to 30 minutes of cooling, another pass will present with the eighth in about 8.9 seconds. The fluid temperature is now up to about 180*F.
Continuing as such has the fluid get hotter, and the times slower.
IF I continue to run a heat exchanger, I'll have a valve to stop the flow of engine coolant. The fan assisted cooler I show above should calm things during the cool-down period with idling in neutral.
The converter I'm running is a Suncoast unit with Amsoil fluid.
Stinky!! Anybody know of an aftermarket heat exchanger that might be better priced?
Thanks folks.
Currently, for racing purposes, I've got one of the engine coolant lines pinched thus blocking the flow. As such, the converter/transmission itself provides the bulk of the heat the thermometer sees.
With that, driving from my house to the Dunn/Benson dragstrip (15+/- miles?) has the trans fluid temperature go from ambient (85* ~ 90*F) to about 120*~130*F. Keep in mind the stock/OEM cooler up front is doing it's thing on the way to the track.
My first pass typically presents with 8.81 in the eighth mile. After the pass, I let the truck idle in neutral (to keep fluid flowing through the converter) so as to cool down. The fluid temp is up to around 160*F in the pan.
After 20 to 30 minutes of cooling, another pass will present with the eighth in about 8.9 seconds. The fluid temperature is now up to about 180*F.
Continuing as such has the fluid get hotter, and the times slower.
IF I continue to run a heat exchanger, I'll have a valve to stop the flow of engine coolant. The fan assisted cooler I show above should calm things during the cool-down period with idling in neutral.
The converter I'm running is a Suncoast unit with Amsoil fluid.
Stinky!! Anybody know of an aftermarket heat exchanger that might be better priced?
Thanks folks.
For another source of heat exchangers check in the marine applications, check for applications like Mercruiser, Volvo, OMC. The transmissions have to be cooled also.
You would need to adapt it to fit but I have a feeling you are quite capable.
http://www.aaamarine.com/servlet/the...RS-HEAT/Detail
Chemical and Pharmaceutical industry also use them.
This one would look awesome on your truck.
http://www.exergyllc.com/products_shelltube73.php
I have used exchangers on air conditioner units also.
Jim
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