radiator

[EKS]

There are two separate issues being discussed. 1) cooling the engine and 2)cooling the transmission. The engine cooling is helped by the bigger radiator and proper thermostat etc. The other thing that can really help are additives like water-wetter (see http://www.redlineoil.com/frames/watrwet.htm for info). It makes a huge difference in the heat transfer ability of antifreeze/water mixture. Antifreeze is a poor conductor of heat. The transmission cooling is just as important and some sources recommend NOT using the transmission cooler in the radiator unless you drive in subzero temperatures. The transmission fluid circuit in the radiator actually heats the fluid until the transmission fluid temperature exceeds the radiator coolant temperature. If you are never going to be in subzero temperatures a properly sized external transmission cooler is a better way to go. Consider adding an external transmission filter (more fluid=lower temperature and cleaner fluid=longer life). Plus synthetic transmission fluid, while it is more expensive synthetics last longer and synthetic Trans fluid alone is worth at least 20 deg F. Every 20 deg F rise in fluid temperature cuts the transmissions life in half so do that part of it right. The test of smelling the fluid to see if it is burnt just tells you the damage is already done so consider a trans temp guage. They also make thermostats for transmission coolers.    Sounds expensive but a lot cheaper than repairs.

[chrisz01]

I to am looking at replacing my radiator. I have found an interesting web site called U.S. Radiator (they manufacture high performance/custom radiaters) that have some interesting information about radiators and how they really need to work. They are expensive but their desert cooler model will probley be the one I am going to buy. I talked to them on the phone and they were really helpful.

2786

[handyman]

I don't know how the transcooler got into this but if anyone is interested this came from one of the best trans men around you can you trans fluid to cold heres what racers and big haulers recomend run the fluid into the trans cooler first then into the radiator then back to the trans this keeps the fluid at the correct temp which is the normal temp for the engine to cold can be as bad as to hot  

[Charlie]

Sorry, the info I posted here was not correct.

[EKS]

They also make thermostats for oil. Can be used on either transmission or engine. See http://store.summitracing.com/default.asp?target=search.asp&type=bykeyword&searchtype=both&part=oil+thermostat or http://www.derale.com/coolerfiltration.shtml.

[Guinnessecco]

My brother has a transmission shop and informs me that the auxilary cooler comes after the transmission cooler in the lower tank of the radiator.  A really large radiator can negate the need for an auxilary cooler, but the 440 is a large engine and there is no room for a bigger radiator, so best to go with an auxilary cooler.  If transmission fluid gets too hot, it can foam letting bands and clutches slip resulting in a destroyed transmission.  Also, the high heat causes early failure of rubber parts like seals.  If you are concerned about transmission running too cool or too hot, get a transmission temperature gauge.  On really cold days you can always put a blanket over the auxilary cooler and part of the radiator if you have a temperature gauge.

[alhnelson]

Has anyone ever heard of modifying the radiator so that the bottom hose is on the opposite side of the radiator from the top hose. On my 79 440 clipper, the hoses are both on the same side. The person I just bought the clipper from had recently had the radiator serviced and mentioned that the radiator guy suggested doing this to insure that coolant flows over a larger surface. I have never heard of this before though it may make sense. Thanks for your input. Al