I am considering installing an automatic transmission fluid cooler. I have two questions:

1. On one of the how-to's I read it suggested leaving the stock cooler in place. After looking at the stock cooler it appeared to me as thou it would be much easier to install the new one in place of the exsisting one. Is there a problem with doing it this way?

2. If I do install the new AT Fluid cooler would it be better to get the system flushed and refilled before or after the new unit is installed? Also what fluid should I use when refilling?

 

Check out Greg Prete's website. He's got a great write-up on how to install an ATF cooler. I used almost the same setup he has but with a different type of cooler (Hayden Rapid cool, fin type). Let me setup my brother-in-laws sony video/digital cam on my pc and i'll post some pics of my install hopefully by tonite. I've got nothing else to do on a Friday night because my gf went home for her mom's b-day.

 

Well, you can't really remove the stock cooler, so just install the aftermarket cooler in series with the stock cooler. It's what I did, and it's the recommended method.

As for flushing and refilling, it doesn't matter when you do it, since the cooler only adds around 1/2 qt total fluid capacity (the entire system is 10qts). You don't need a flush either, just a drain and refill every 15k is good maintenance for your tranny. Nissan recommends any Dextron III ATF or equivalent. I use synthetic Redline D4 ATF.

 

****! The Sony combo video Cam/digital cam is a piece of ****. Sorry, the pics did not come out clean. Just check out greg's website: www.greghome.com
He's got a great write up on his tranny cooler installation. I referred to it when i did mine.

 

Sorry for the additional question... When I looked at the stock transmission fluid cooler (A small loop of metal pipe, I could be wrong?) It appeared as though it was just attached with hose clamps. Am I missing something?

 

There is no loop for the stock tranny cooler. The hoses from the tranny go directly to the bottom part of the radiator. I think that loop you're talkin about is the power steering fluid cooler. If you haven't checked out www.greghome.com, do so. He's got good pictures that show how it's done.

 

Ya i just installed my ATX cooler last week, i got to use a car pit though so it was easy. Took about two hours but i took my time and all. The best way and easiest it to install it in series with the stock cooler. This way the fluid 1ST runs to the stock cooler, then to the new one and back to the tranny, you'll need some extra 3/8" TRANNY hose, about 4 feet=8 bucks. having a lift or a pit really helps on this though.