
Put both line ends into a container and see which one yields fluid. Place a small rubber hose over the exposed fitting and start the engine. Another sure-fire way to tell pressure from return is to disconnect either cooler line at the radiator. The warmer line will be the pressure line which delivers the oil from the transmission to the radiator. Shut the car off and feel the temperature of both cooler lines. Start the engine and put the transmission in gear to heat the oil. This can be done a couple of different ways. Double-check the flow direction of the oil just to be sure. With the exception of the TH-350 and the TH-700-R4, most GM transmissions utilize the upper fitting on the case as the oil return line. Oil flow direction must be determined before installing the cooler or modifying the lines. Now let’s take a look at the existing cooler lines. However, you would lose approximately 40% of its cooling capacity by doing so.
#How to install transmission oil cooler install
In a last resort effort, the install can be made with the cooler behind the radiator. If in fact you do have an AC condenser, the second pick would be to install the cooler between the radiator and the condenser. This configuration (the cooler is the most forward component) will produce the highest efficiency in overall cooling. The first preferred location would be in front of both the radiator and A/C condenser (if applicable). There are several different approaches here depending on your particular application and the space available. The first thing to consider is the location and placement of the cooler.
#How to install transmission oil cooler series
Whether or not you choose to run the cooler in series with the factory cooler, the installation is pretty straightforward and only requires a few basic hand tools. The cooler will help guard and protect your transmission from excessive overheating due to pulling heavy loads, mountain driving, sustained high speeds, and racing. Regardless, installing an external transmission cooler is one of the best policies of insurance you can throw at your transmission. Due to time, extreme temperatures, and the relentless use and abuse of the transmission, the cooler assembly and its various components can take quite the flogging! And that’s not to mention the kind of shape the radiator might be in. However, in the demanding world of high performance, they seem to come up a little short. This is fine for most stock applications. Most automatic-equipped vehicles have this type of built-in transmission cooler inside the radiator.

The fluid is then circulated through a series of coils or fins and returned back to the transmission in the opposite line. Warm fluid from the transmission is forced under pressure through one line to the radiator for cooling. If you follow their path, they will lead you to the fittings in the lower radiator tank at the front of the vehicle. On the backside of the transmission case towards the tailshaft you will find a pair of fittings with steel lines attached. These fluid driven transmissions tend to operate in the temperature range between 150F–250F. Most transmission oil coolers come complete with the proper mounting hardware and instructions.Īutomatic transmissions generally use the cooling efficiency of the radiator to cool the circulating fluid or oil. Performance gains: a cooler, more efficient transmission capable of handling increased loads and horsepower Tip: Allow the transmission to completely cool before attempting to drain the fluid or disconnect any lines under pressure. Tinware: transmission cooler and installation hardware (included in most kits) Tools: standard wrenches, small flat-blade screwdriver, razor blade
