ROGELIO A GUZMAN
Full Access Member
Yes I did.
Tru-Cool Max 40k Transmission Cooler
- Thread starter Jlaughtr
- Start date
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Sweet! Next question: You going to add a transmission fluid filter?
Why do I ask? Because I think I'd like to employ both, so figured I'd start learning as much as possible.
ROGELIO A GUZMAN
Full Access Member
8m using the existing line that my truck has in the front. Going thru the rad also.
ROGELIO A GUZMAN
Full Access Member
No I'm using the filter that the trans has.Sweet! Next question: You going to add a transmission fluid filter?
Why do I ask? Because I think I'd like to employ both, so figured I'd start learning as much as possible.
SnowDrifter
Full Access Member
For what it's worth
Stock trans filter is a rock catcher. Designed to stop large debris from entering the pump, create minimal resistance to flow. It's not a fine filter as we would think of like an engine oil filter.
I have a magnefine plumbed inline w/ my cooler lines. Also have one on my power steering too. Even with some pretty neurotic maintenance, both filters were able to catch some fine bits - like anti-seize.
ivin74
05 NBS Nali
@SnowDrifter
Do you have any pics? I'm curious to see the set up. How often do you change the filters?
SnowDrifter
Full Access Member
Haven't established a change interval yet. I did a trans service - drop pan, change fluid, filter, gasket, etc and popped the inline one in there at the same time. Ran it for 1000 miles, changed it, and it's been in there ever since. ~8kmi ago. I'll probably take it out at 15k and see how it looks, adjust from there. I'm not terribly worried about leaving it in too long. The filter has a bypass valve so worst case, it reverts to 'stock' if it gets plugged.
I just cut the soft part of the line going from radiator to external cooler and chucked it in there. Was afraid to commit to it until I knew how well it performed. Been on my list of things to tidy up
The larger granules are from me cutting it open. This is 1000mi use, transmission extraordinarily well maintained. Just proves that stuff still settles out, and the trans filter is more or less a mesh. Changed first filter out early figuring it would get the dirtiest, the fastest.
Magnet caught some fine stuff. Even with 2 transmission pan magnets. Filter caught some small metal debris. ~popcorn salt sized
For the power steering one: I chucked it on the return line coming from the steering box. Have yet to open it up. Probably won't for a while. P/S is a pretty basic system, not a ton in there to shed large amounts of metal. And my fluid has been well maintained
ivin74
05 NBS Nali
I would be curious to see what it looks like as well. Do you have a part number for the magnefine you used?
I'm going to give a shot and do some testing as well.
SnowDrifter
Full Access Member
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0787KWZPS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
And personal preference, use constant tension clamps for the hose. I don't remember where I got mine... But make sure they're thick ones, not thin stuff. Better than screw clamps IMO
ivin74
05 NBS Nali
Matthew Jeschke
Full Access Member
I just installed my 40k tru cool cooler that's been sitting on my workbench for years now. Bought a kit from a guy off another forum who fabricates them. Worked like a champ with a couple minor issues...
Main concern, management for lines of cooler is now not effective. The cool line (driver side) rubs on the collision sensor under the core support. The hot line (passenger side) won't quite fit in the plastic line management bracket. My hope is to just make new ends for the trans lines. One longer and one shorter.
I know this is frequently done but I've never fashioned lines before. Anybody here know the size and spec for the trans cooler lines / metal pipe specs? Or maybe somebody had a better solution to this issue... I didn't want to read all 9 pages of the thread... sorry for being lazy.
Link to video of my thoughts on bracket I bought and trans line quesiton.
Main concern, management for lines of cooler is now not effective. The cool line (driver side) rubs on the collision sensor under the core support. The hot line (passenger side) won't quite fit in the plastic line management bracket. My hope is to just make new ends for the trans lines. One longer and one shorter.
I know this is frequently done but I've never fashioned lines before. Anybody here know the size and spec for the trans cooler lines / metal pipe specs? Or maybe somebody had a better solution to this issue... I didn't want to read all 9 pages of the thread... sorry for being lazy.
Link to video of my thoughts on bracket I bought and trans line quesiton.
Couldn't you just flip the lines you already have? Then the one needing to be shorter would be shorter, and the one needing to be longer would be longer...
Matthew Jeschke
Full Access Member
Yes that can be done, and is how it's hooked up now. However, the lines don't fit in their bracket then, they are loose under the core support. The return line also rubs on the collision sensor in that orientation. My truck primarily exists off road and will only be a matter of time before it rubs through or breaks something if it's not secured to the core support.
I am sorry, I did not understand that. Can you use nylon straps to tie it down, at least for now? I'm in networking, and so we often have nylon straps with velcro closing to wrap up power and ethernet cables.
Matthew Jeschke
Full Access Member
May work. Doesn't look like too much trouble just to bend a couple new lines. Only thing is it's something I've not done before so I don't have the tools on hand.
On another note, trans cooler is a BEAST. I'm worried I may need to get that bypass if I go anywhere cool? I'm currently running stock radiator w/ the trans lines running through it too.
On another note, trans cooler is a BEAST. I'm worried I may need to get that bypass if I go anywhere cool? I'm currently running stock radiator w/ the trans lines running through it too.
Matthew Jeschke
Full Access Member
It's below freezing where I live. First time to drive on highway in such weather since I installed this big transmission cooler. Got a bit worried, my transmission temp gauge was well under 100F. At what point is too cold?
Mudsport96
Full Access Member
Normal operating temps should be between 165 and 180. Too cold and fluid doesn't flow as easy. If it flows poorly it doesn't lube parts as well. I won't say it will cause immediate failure, but too cold is not good on them.
Matthew Jeschke
Full Access Member
I did a short road trip about 80 miles to a friends house. First time on highway with this TruCool Cooler. Drive was at around 45F ambient. Trans temp was probably at about 80F. I had to stop and get a box, then cover the transmission cooler. Got it up to around 120F after covering it.
Somebody told me I didn't need that thermostat tru-cool sells (another forum). I convinced I do need it. I just ordered one. I don't think I'd recommend installing this cooler without the thermostat period. If you don't have a load, and you go into a cold area, your transmission won't heat up.
In hindsight, probably for my application the cooler wasn't even necessary. I had been recommended by a transmission builder so I bought it. Only time I see higher trans temps is off road in 4wd (maybe a couple times a year and in dead heat of summer), or climbing a long mountain / forest service road at slow speed in heat of summer (100+F). Typically in those scenarios I just pull over for a few minutes then it's fine.
In reality, lowering temp your fans turn on, or buying a lower temperature fan clutch will fix those issues... Last time my transmission hit 200F (muddy climbing 4wd in dead heat of summer) I bought a lower temp fan clutch. That was likely more than enough w/ stock cooler.
Somebody told me I didn't need that thermostat tru-cool sells (another forum). I convinced I do need it. I just ordered one. I don't think I'd recommend installing this cooler without the thermostat period. If you don't have a load, and you go into a cold area, your transmission won't heat up.
In hindsight, probably for my application the cooler wasn't even necessary. I had been recommended by a transmission builder so I bought it. Only time I see higher trans temps is off road in 4wd (maybe a couple times a year and in dead heat of summer), or climbing a long mountain / forest service road at slow speed in heat of summer (100+F). Typically in those scenarios I just pull over for a few minutes then it's fine.
In reality, lowering temp your fans turn on, or buying a lower temperature fan clutch will fix those issues... Last time my transmission hit 200F (muddy climbing 4wd in dead heat of summer) I bought a lower temp fan clutch. That was likely more than enough w/ stock cooler.
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Matthew Jeschke
Full Access Member
I ordered the bypass. Has anybody put in the temperature bypass... if so where did you put it?
I'm thinking about the flexible portion behind core support...
UPDATES:
A website showing which trans cooler line is which on the 4L60E
cpt4l60e.com
Helpful video on managing transmission temps and types of coolers:
I'm thinking about the flexible portion behind core support...
UPDATES:
A website showing which trans cooler line is which on the 4L60E
4l60e Transmission Cooler Line Diagram & Flow Direction | CPT4l60e
Confused about the fluid flow direction of your 4l60e? These 4l60e transmission cooler line diagram and flow direction images and explanation can help!
cpt4l60e.com
Helpful video on managing transmission temps and types of coolers:
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Matthew Jeschke
Full Access Member
Anybody installed this bypass before? I finally got mine. I don't like the push to connect fittings it's setup for. I want something that screws together.
Does anybody know of fittings to adapt push to connect to a screw fitting / hose nut?
I cannot find a single solitary video of somebody installing this thing. I know it's partially a creative fab install job. The manufacturer won't even help with my questions. We really shouldn't even be using this cooler without the temperature bypass. The trans fluid never gets to operating temperature under light and even medium duty.
Does anybody know of fittings to adapt push to connect to a screw fitting / hose nut?
I cannot find a single solitary video of somebody installing this thing. I know it's partially a creative fab install job. The manufacturer won't even help with my questions. We really shouldn't even be using this cooler without the temperature bypass. The trans fluid never gets to operating temperature under light and even medium duty.
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