Remove it from the circuit...

Just like the radiator "cooler" on 90% of gasser autos, *if* it leaks your tranny is toast.

While I live in a moderate climate, I've never bought into the whole "warm up the tranny" deal... [over simplified version] it's a hydraulic pump and WILL warm itself up without any outside aid!

 

I don't think you know what if feels like when you take off when it's -10*F or less then.

If I plug in my truck and then let it run for a minute or two before I leave when it's super cold, my tranny acts up less and smooths out quicker.

 

In warmer climates its not as big a deal, however, it is where the temps get cold enough to make the t-case growl the whole time cuz the lube is like molasses.

The pump does create enough heat in the fluid to offset the loss in cold temps. That is really hard on the seals and lubrication points. These newer fluids are meant to run between 140 degrres and 240 degrees for optimal benefits.

In addition, its a very efficient heat sink for the trans when towing. Without the heat exchanger it would take 3 to 4 of the Deraile coolers to provide the same benefit as the heat exchanger.

Like I said, the failure rate is pretty small. If you drop a lot of $$ on a trans just replace it with a new one and move it off the engine. Its the engine vibrations that eventually cause the problems. Since they almost never die on the engine, off of it it should be pertty well indestructible if mounted correctly.

 

Thanks , thats great advise


I have it out and repainted , ready for re-installation .

So adding some rubber Isolators to the bracket is probubly what I will do , thanks again guys

I really do apprietiate the knowledge and first hand experiances

DTR Rocks

 

Excellent idea, could even mount that onto the inner fender or something, or even under the truck somehwere out of the way... more room for your future twins

 

Just replaced mine at a cost of $750 plus the coolant, flush kit etc. It leaked from the trans side of the exchanger to the coolant side. It made quite the mess of the cooling system. I thought of just bypassing it but from what everyone's been saying it's an important part of keeping the trans operating temps where they should be so I left everything as stock. I imagine you get much the same weather conditions where you are as up here in Alberta so it'd probably be a worthy investment in operating longevity. Good luck