| MaD-X |
Hello everyone. I just ordered B&M Transmission cooler and have couple of questions.
1) I will install the B&M cooler in series with the factory cooler on the radiator. So, should I install this before or after the factory cooler? Someone told me before that it's safer to install before the factory cooler, so that ATF will be warmed up to operating temp by the heat of water coolant in the radiator before being sent to the transmission in very cold environments. Other cooler manufacturers recommend installing it after the factory cooler to achieve maximal cooling. I live in NW where temps aren't extreme (~30-95 degrees F), but I do ski a lot (cold), so I'm leaning toward installing it before the factory cooler to keep ATF warmer. Any suggestions?
2) I'm not completely sure about the direction of ATF flow in and out of the factory cooler. I'm thinking that hot ATF goes in the cooler by the passenger side of the radiator (looks like it goes through some metal tubing, the function of which I do not understand, before going into the cooler) and cooled ATF exits via the line towards the drivers side (near the middle of raditor), correct? Thanks for the verification. |
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| renov8r |
The characteristics of transmission fluid are such that the viscosity doesn't really get really thick until you get into arctic temps (below -25 F)...
Further, the way tranny fluid is constantly pumped through the system it just about guarantees it will always pick up some heat.
You ought to be fine running the B&M cooler AFTER the factory unit.
BTW, my personal feeling is that an external transmission fluid FILTER system is probably going to do more to prolong the life of the MDX tranny, as the 'failures' that have been reported are generally NOT associated primarily with increased HEAT, but rather to general "contaminants"... (which might be due to accelerated wear of the clutch pack/friction bands, of which heat is just one contributing factor....) |
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| MaD-X |
renov8r-
Yes, I agree about the filter system. I'm currently looking into one. Do you know of any good ones? |
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| MaD-X |
Hammermdx-
Thank you, exactly the info I was looking for. |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by MaD-X
renov8r-
Yes, I agree about the filter system. I'm currently looking into one. Do you know of any good ones?
Hmmm .. Acura sells one, it normally comes only on replacement transmissions and screws right into the return line of the tranny.
Strange, huh? |
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| MaD-X |
DaleB-
That is strange. If it's just a screw on type, then it probably doesn't filter that well. I'm getting one from Perma-cool. They have a ATF filter with a temp gauge, and it takes regular oil filter, which should filter much better than the Acura one you're describing. |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by MaD-X
DaleB-
That is strange. If it's just a screw on type, then it probably doesn't filter that well. I'm getting one from Perma-cool. They have a ATF filter with a temp gauge, and it takes regular oil filter, which should filter much better than the Acura one you're describing.
I am sure it's a 'screen' at best to catch any debris from the failed tranny that the tech did not get flushed out.
I have the Acura coolers installed, but considering an inline filter after I get the fluid flushed out (not drained). Perma-Cool or Haydn sound good.
You know, Acura could leave that cheap perforated leather off the door panels and what they saved install a replacement transmission filter. Fair trade in my book. I used to think Honda/Acura was good engineering and reliablility FIRST. |
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