Finally installed a tranny cooler today.
08-10-2007, 01:29 PM
#1
Finally installed a tranny cooler today.
My wifes gxe now has a transmission cooler,so hopefully her vg auto will last a little longer..
I got the cooler from a 94 dodge dakota(free
) also,i had some metal tubing laying around from a few previous repair jobs
So i decided to cobble it all together..
Cost all together..$5.45 for 2 ft of hose/and a few clamps..
Turned out pretty nice imo..
I got the cooler from a 94 dodge dakota(free
) also,i had some metal tubing laying around from a few previous repair jobs So i decided to cobble it all together..Cost all together..$5.45 for 2 ft of hose/and a few clamps..
Turned out pretty nice imo..
08-10-2007, 10:56 PM
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Orland Park, IL
Posts: 206
Hmm, this looks like what Aamco installed on my 93. Only yours looks like you installed it properly instead of Aamco's installation using little plastic zip-ties that are touching a scalding hot radiator. Man, do they know how to cut corners. I'm still surprised that they didn't melt.
08-10-2007, 11:45 PM
#6
Originally Posted by ColombianMax
hmmm I believe the gf and I should install coolers as well. Soo wheres the write up? 
08-11-2007, 01:40 AM
#8
Mine has a zippy tie holding it on.
Write up is pretty simple,just route the return line to the trans(passenger side line on the rad) into one of the lines on the cooler,then route the other line from the cooler back to the metal return line on the trans,all done.
This way you have double the cooling effect. I used some metal hard line i had laying around for part of the install,you however will need to buy about 5 ft 5/16 rubber hose from any auto parts store to reroute the return line off the rad/back to the transmission.
A more detailed write up will be coming..(it's early,i'm still sleepy
)
Write up is pretty simple,just route the return line to the trans(passenger side line on the rad) into one of the lines on the cooler,then route the other line from the cooler back to the metal return line on the trans,all done.
This way you have double the cooling effect. I used some metal hard line i had laying around for part of the install,you however will need to buy about 5 ft 5/16 rubber hose from any auto parts store to reroute the return line off the rad/back to the transmission.
A more detailed write up will be coming..(it's early,i'm still sleepy
)
08-11-2007, 04:04 AM
#9
Originally Posted by MyGreenMax94
08-11-2007, 10:38 AM
#11
Originally Posted by maxima_man1992
Speaking of the VGauto syndrome, how can you tell if your tranny is goin bad?
I'll take this one folks....since it just happened to me.
Basically, you'll start getting s slight shake when you stop at red lights and stop signs when the engine is still cold. This shake will get progresively worse. Eventually, you will loose overdrive and 3rd gear on cold startups for about 15 minutes, so you'll have to drive in 2nd at 4500 rpm's untill your tranny decides to shift into third....just to keep up with traffic. Then, you will take a long trip, and upon arriving at your destination will loose all ability to reverse the car. The transmission will go into safe mode and not be able to rev over 2000 rpm's. That's when you rev it as high as you can in neutral, and kick it into reverse untill it catches, and feels like your car just exploded. Reverse will then continue to work on and off untill you do a swap. This will all happen over the course of 2 months....roughly.
08-11-2007, 11:49 AM
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Orland Park, IL
Posts: 206
Originally Posted by traxtar944
I'll take this one folks....since it just happened to me.
Basically, you'll start getting s slight shake when you stop at red lights and stop signs when the engine is still cold. This shake will get progresively worse. Eventually, you will loose overdrive and 3rd gear on cold startups for about 15 minutes, so you'll have to drive in 2nd at 4500 rpm's untill your tranny decides to shift into third....just to keep up with traffic. Then, you will take a long trip, and upon arriving at your destination will loose all ability to reverse the car. The transmission will go into safe mode and not be able to rev over 2000 rpm's. That's when you rev it as high as you can in neutral, and kick it into reverse untill it catches, and feels like your car just exploded. Reverse will then continue to work on and off untill you do a swap. This will all happen over the course of 2 months....roughly.
Basically, you'll start getting s slight shake when you stop at red lights and stop signs when the engine is still cold. This shake will get progresively worse. Eventually, you will loose overdrive and 3rd gear on cold startups for about 15 minutes, so you'll have to drive in 2nd at 4500 rpm's untill your tranny decides to shift into third....just to keep up with traffic. Then, you will take a long trip, and upon arriving at your destination will loose all ability to reverse the car. The transmission will go into safe mode and not be able to rev over 2000 rpm's. That's when you rev it as high as you can in neutral, and kick it into reverse untill it catches, and feels like your car just exploded. Reverse will then continue to work on and off untill you do a swap. This will all happen over the course of 2 months....roughly.
08-11-2007, 01:01 PM
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Bellevue, Neb
Posts: 278
Originally Posted by traxtar944
I'll take this one folks....since it just happened to me.
Basically, you'll start getting s slight shake when you stop at red lights and stop signs when the engine is still cold. This shake will get progresively worse. Eventually, you will loose overdrive and 3rd gear on cold startups for about 15 minutes, so you'll have to drive in 2nd at 4500 rpm's untill your tranny decides to shift into third....just to keep up with traffic. Then, you will take a long trip, and upon arriving at your destination will loose all ability to reverse the car. The transmission will go into safe mode and not be able to rev over 2000 rpm's. That's when you rev it as high as you can in neutral, and kick it into reverse untill it catches, and feels like your car just exploded. Reverse will then continue to work on and off untill you do a swap. This will all happen over the course of 2 months....roughly.
Basically, you'll start getting s slight shake when you stop at red lights and stop signs when the engine is still cold. This shake will get progresively worse. Eventually, you will loose overdrive and 3rd gear on cold startups for about 15 minutes, so you'll have to drive in 2nd at 4500 rpm's untill your tranny decides to shift into third....just to keep up with traffic. Then, you will take a long trip, and upon arriving at your destination will loose all ability to reverse the car. The transmission will go into safe mode and not be able to rev over 2000 rpm's. That's when you rev it as high as you can in neutral, and kick it into reverse untill it catches, and feels like your car just exploded. Reverse will then continue to work on and off untill you do a swap. This will all happen over the course of 2 months....roughly.
08-11-2007, 01:45 PM
#14
Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 98
My tranny is weird
From 1st to 2nd gear it suppose to change at around 2700 RPM i drive like that but it revs to 3100 RPM then its shifts. Its like i got blank RPM when i am shifting. Also from 2nd to 3rd is the same. and from 3 to 4th takes a lil while. I was driving on the highway doing 55mph at cruise control theyre was a lil hill so when i started to loose MPH the cruise tried to raise up RPM so it would keep up at 55mph but instead it went all the way to 5000rpm. Engine roaring car not getting any speed. So after that it shifts terebly. i changed my trans oil but seen no better in the transmision. Looking for a car as we speak on stick. NO MORE AUTOMATIC FOR ME unless a brand new car. Thats my 0.02C
From 1st to 2nd gear it suppose to change at around 2700 RPM i drive like that but it revs to 3100 RPM then its shifts. Its like i got blank RPM when i am shifting. Also from 2nd to 3rd is the same. and from 3 to 4th takes a lil while. I was driving on the highway doing 55mph at cruise control theyre was a lil hill so when i started to loose MPH the cruise tried to raise up RPM so it would keep up at 55mph but instead it went all the way to 5000rpm. Engine roaring car not getting any speed. So after that it shifts terebly. i changed my trans oil but seen no better in the transmision. Looking for a car as we speak on stick. NO MORE AUTOMATIC FOR ME unless a brand new car. Thats my 0.02C
08-11-2007, 03:20 PM
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Orland Park, IL
Posts: 206
Originally Posted by whitemax89
My tranny is weird
From 1st to 2nd gear it suppose to change at around 2700 RPM i drive like that but it revs to 3100 RPM then its shifts. Its like i got blank RPM when i am shifting. Also from 2nd to 3rd is the same. and from 3 to 4th takes a lil while. I was driving on the highway doing 55mph at cruise control theyre was a lil hill so when i started to loose MPH the cruise tried to raise up RPM so it would keep up at 55mph but instead it went all the way to 5000rpm. Engine roaring car not getting any speed. So after that it shifts terebly. i changed my trans oil but seen no better in the transmision. Looking for a car as we speak on stick. NO MORE AUTOMATIC FOR ME unless a brand new car. Thats my 0.02C
From 1st to 2nd gear it suppose to change at around 2700 RPM i drive like that but it revs to 3100 RPM then its shifts. Its like i got blank RPM when i am shifting. Also from 2nd to 3rd is the same. and from 3 to 4th takes a lil while. I was driving on the highway doing 55mph at cruise control theyre was a lil hill so when i started to loose MPH the cruise tried to raise up RPM so it would keep up at 55mph but instead it went all the way to 5000rpm. Engine roaring car not getting any speed. So after that it shifts terebly. i changed my trans oil but seen no better in the transmision. Looking for a car as we speak on stick. NO MORE AUTOMATIC FOR ME unless a brand new car. Thats my 0.02C
08-11-2007, 05:39 PM
#18
Supporting Maxima.org Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Pequot Lakes, MN
Posts: 144
Ya know, I have heard so many issues about the VG auto and many other cars, vans, truckes etc saying they are "crap, junk" etc I am however, a firm believer in you get out what you put in. Like any other mechanical system.. Don't come crying to me when your transmission fails at 100,000 miles if you have never done proper maintenance as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Soooo many people say, blah.. 100 bucks for a (professional) transmission flush every 30-50,000 miles is too expensive, too time consuming or a waste. If you ask me, it is money well spent in my book.
08-26-2007, 05:47 AM
#19
Yeah, even my 2nd gen 88 VG auto had a tranny cooler. I believe that is the reason my tranny lasted so long too. It was still going when I sold it last year with 211k miles on it. I had the Hayden 404
08-26-2007, 05:58 AM
#20
Originally Posted by Maxima9750
Mine did this too except it never shook at red lights. Guess I'm lucky LOL. One more thing, whenever I was cruising at 45MPH and I'd punch it, it would shoot up to 5000RPM and act like a CVT until the tranny finally got a hold of itself.
08-26-2007, 02:28 PM
#21
Member
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 62
Originally Posted by Maxima9750
Mine did this too except it never shook at red lights. Guess I'm lucky LOL. One more thing, whenever I was cruising at 45MPH and I'd punch it, it would shoot up to 5000RPM and act like a CVT until the tranny finally got a hold of itself.
Mine did the same thing, never shook, did the CVT thing, now it slips all over the top gears, never had a problem in reverse . Now, (since August 2006) after i dumped about $1000 into the suspension, it sits under a car cover between my 240sx & DelSol, dreaming of the day I get a new tranny for it. Anyone know where to find a good one? If you have tranny problems good luck to all
08-26-2007, 02:32 PM
#22
Member
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 62
Originally Posted by Soaknfused
Ya know, I have heard so many issues about the VG auto and many other cars, vans, truckes etc saying they are "crap, junk" etc I am however, a firm believer in you get out what you put in. Like any other mechanical system.. Don't come crying to me when your transmission fails at 100,000 miles if you have never done proper maintenance as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Soooo many people say, blah.. 100 bucks for a (professional) transmission flush every 30-50,000 miles is too expensive, too time consuming or a waste. If you ask me, it is money well spent in my book.
09-15-2007, 04:01 PM
#23
I just put mine on and it was THE BIGGEST PITA ever. fins got bent, couldn't wrestle the stupid hose on and i was losing fluid at the same time....... i really hope that clamp is holding that hose on otherwise it's gonna fly off and there goes ALL my fluid. i got it pretty tight though. I'll just check up on it. Should have removed my bumper though, would have made it alot easier.
though mine had the pipes on the short side, not on the long side.
though mine had the pipes on the short side, not on the long side.
Last edited by CapedCadaver; 09-15-2007 at 04:27 PM.
09-15-2007, 04:13 PM
#24
umm tranny cooler install is NOT hard- at least if you bought a cooler that's properly sized to fit.
you guys will also want to block off the cooler in winter to make sure the tranny gets up to proper operating temperature. the fluid in an auto tranny has a certain rainge of temp it works best at- something like 120 to 180* IIRC. if you run a cooler like this in the winter, you can do more damage than good because the fluid never gets warm enough for the tranny to shift smoothly. simply placing a sheet of cardboard over the cooler for winter will work fine.
also, greeny... your antifreeze only gets up to about 210 deg. plastic melts around 350*. those zip ties will last longer than your radiator.
you guys will also want to block off the cooler in winter to make sure the tranny gets up to proper operating temperature. the fluid in an auto tranny has a certain rainge of temp it works best at- something like 120 to 180* IIRC. if you run a cooler like this in the winter, you can do more damage than good because the fluid never gets warm enough for the tranny to shift smoothly. simply placing a sheet of cardboard over the cooler for winter will work fine.
also, greeny... your antifreeze only gets up to about 210 deg. plastic melts around 350*. those zip ties will last longer than your radiator.
09-15-2007, 04:24 PM
#25
Yeah matt,i figured the zip ties would work fine,but you how "some" people in here are about duct tape and chewing gum fixes
Also,winter months here are not too harsh(average temps 40-50f,Yay global warming
) so i am going to leave mine hooked up year round.
Oh btw: For guys wanting a write up on this mod,here is a write up link on how to do this install (the car is a 4th gen,but the basic setup is the same on a 3rd gen)
http://tinyurl.com/ro7sb
Also,winter months here are not too harsh(average temps 40-50f,Yay global warming
) so i am going to leave mine hooked up year round.Oh btw: For guys wanting a write up on this mod,here is a write up link on how to do this install (the car is a 4th gen,but the basic setup is the same on a 3rd gen
) http://tinyurl.com/ro7sb
Last edited by Greeny; 09-15-2007 at 05:28 PM.
09-15-2007, 10:58 PM
#26
Oh btw: For guys wanting a write up on this mod,here is a write up link on how to do this install (the car is a 4th gen,but the basic setup is the same on a 3rd gen )
http://tinyurl.com/ro7sb
) http://tinyurl.com/ro7sb
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