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Atf Cooler Related Issues

calvin
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calvin Rookie

calvin

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Hi all! My name is Calvin and I am from Hong Kong. I am driving a R34 GTT with auto gearbox. Thanks Maxx for introducing this great forum to me!

I read some posts regarding ATF cooler (Sydneykid is very pro!), and I would like to share my experiences and get some opinions also.

When I change the radiator to FWIN 2 layers type, I purposely chose a M/T type, w/o the part for the ATF to go through. For 2 reasons, one is because it is cheaper (LOL) and another reason is because I think it is kind of useless in HOT country like Hong Kong. Right now, the ATF goes to the ATF cooler directly and goes back to the gearbox.

In my personal view, it is for warming up and to avoid the ATF temp drop below working temparature. Since Hong Kong is very hot and a lot traffic jams, I think "warming up" and "keeping" will not be a concern. That's why I chose to bypass it.

What are your opinions?

Thanks!

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SteveL Mentor

SteveL

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In my personal view, it is for warming up...

Calvin, welcome, that's pretty much it, plus it is generally cheaper for car manufacturers to make auto-trans coolers as part of the radiator. It's a compromise and it adds to the load on the radiator.

It's been shown that replacing the stock cooler with an external oil/air type can extend the life of the auto trans considerably - esp when engine performance is increased and/or the car is used for towing on a regular basis (ie trans load is increased). It is best to mount the new trans cooler in free air to maximise the benefit, but that's not always possible, of course.

I've had many auto cars over the years and the first thing I do is fit an aftermarket trans cooler. Personally I think it's virtually mandatory when the car hasn't been originally designed for Australian conditions (and yes I realise your from Hong Kong ;)).

Edited by SteveL
calvin Rookie

calvin

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Calvin, welcome, that's pretty much it, plus it is generally cheaper for car manufacturers to make auto-trans coolers as part of the radiator.  It's a compromise and it adds to the load on the radiator.

It's been shown that replacing the stock cooler with an external oil/air type can extend the life of the auto trans considerably - esp when engine performance is increased and/or the car is used for towing on a regular basis (ie trans load is increased).  It is best to mount the new trans cooler in free air to maximise the benefit, but that's not always possible, of course.

I've had many auto cars over the years and the first thing I do is fit an aftermarket trans cooler.  Personally I think it's virtually mandatory when the car hasn't been originally designed for Australian conditions (and yes I realise your from Hong Kong :)).

Thanks Steve for you reply :)

So it is mainly for "warming up" and it is important for COLD area, for HOT area like Hong Kong, by passing it should have no harm done to the gearbox, right?

SteveL Mentor

SteveL

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Posted
So it is mainly for "warming up" and it is important for COLD area, for HOT area like Hong Kong, by passing it should have no harm done to the gearbox, right?

No it's not mainly for warming up, sorry if I gave you that impression. I would definately recommend having some sort of trans cooler, even if your car is stock. It's likely the trans wouldn't suffer in the short term, but the risk increases over time.

calvin Rookie

calvin

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No it's not mainly for warming up, sorry if I gave you that impression.  I would definately recommend having some sort of trans cooler, even if your car is stock.  It's likely the trans wouldn't suffer in the short term, but the risk increases over time.

I still have the stock transmission cooler installed, just by pass the hose going through the bottom of the radiator. Right now is the ATF will go through the stock ATF cooler to cool down and back to the gearbox directly.

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