Removed steel lines and Rad. cooler... shifts better??

[mgreen1872]

So I have been troubleshooting a strange problem. My 94 ATX would ever so slightly hesitate/surge when the Torque converter would lock in 3rd and 4th. After probing the lock up solenoid and "semi" troubleshooting the problem I assumed the torque converter was on its way out... given that the transmission was rebuilt by a reputable shop 2 years ago, fluid is new and changed regularly, I decided to just change out the steel lines (given they seem to be pretty restrictive) for a "drilled out" hose fitting and 3/8 hose ran through the external cooler only and let it fly, so I removed the steel lines, and "T" fitting and completed the job today. Took it for a drive and the problem is gone????? I am now confused?!?! I did not do anything except the lines and the transmission locks up perfect. I also noticed the frim 1-2 shift is much softer?? Would love someones theory here... and it not a mind game, I let the wife drive and told her to see if anything felt different and she noticed it?... thanks

 

[kevinspann]

Cooler could have been clogged?

 

[mgreen1872]

Cooler could have been clogged?

I thought that too, but wouldn't a clog simply push more fluid through the external cooler, seeing that the line is "T'd" thanks

 

[SHOtimer]

The factory steel lines and thermostat are nothing but flow restrictions....and problems.

Your transmission is much happier now with good fluid flow and cooling.

Doug

 

[msteiny]

So you removed the steel lines that run along the front to the radiator? Now only using the cooler in front of the radiator. Is that correct? I am only asking because I am having the same issue.

 

[mgreen1872]

So you removed the steel lines that run along the front to the radiator? Now only using the cooler in front of the radiator. Is that correct? I am only asking because I am having the same issue.

correct... using the search function and reading threads I found that this is a common practice (I am sure one of the gurus will chime in)...



but basically if you will look kind of below your air box at the steel lines coming out of the tranny you will see that they are very narrow and almost flat at the bends... on down you will see the termostat/T fitting thing that routes the fluid through the radiator when cold... its also very small and restrictive. I removed everything from the tranny back and bought 3/8 hose connector with 1/4 inch NPT threads and using thread sealant screw them into the tranny where the old fittings were (the old fitting required a 7/8 inch wrench to remove.... run new 3/8 hose to the external front cooler (one fitting to each side of the cooler of course) and give it a shot.... worked great for me!

 

[mgreen1872]

Ok so I have had two PM's asking me to clarify what I did so here goes (please note that the pics below were found using the search function so flame me if need be, also info on the entire job was actually obtained from here, so I am certain others will chime in, I mean this is where I got the idea in the first place.)

you will need 2 3/8 hose x 1/4 NPT fittings
about 8ft of 3/8 transmission cooler hose
4 hose clamps
(all of this is at your local parts place)

First, remove your air box and the 2 10mm bolts holding the ABS computer up.. this will allow easy access to the two fittings. the pic shows the two fittings the square metal cover things on the line pull off, then press the sides of the plastic clips and pull the lines out..... (tranny fluid will leak out)




Second use a 7/8 wrench on the head of the fittings still in the tranny and remove them (tight area but they will come right out)... now put thread sealant on the fitting you should have already bought.. see pic



thread the fittings into the tranny and snug them down using a 9/16 wrench. Climb under the front and loosen the clamps on the hoses on each end of the external cooler and pull them off.... follow the line that leads to the radiator and using a wrench remove it, now go to the opposite side on the radiator and remove the other line... now cuss and scream (try not to take the lords name in vain) as you work the stock lines out from under the car....


Now simply connect the fittings on the tranny to the external cooler using the rubber hose and clamps, not sure if the orientation matters but I connected the bottom fitting to the cooler outlet closest to the drivers side (and of course the other one to the other)... congratulations.....

PS: I used a drill and drilled my fittings out as far as possible without weakening them to allow a straight flow and the least restriction possible but this is totally optional... (again, just an idea I got from here)

 

[msteiny]

Goin old-school, I like it!!!

 

[mgreen1872]

so I did some testing on this today, the wife had to follow me home from work through 1 hour of heavy traffic in her completely stock 95, and me in my 94 when I got home I used my dipstick style mechanics thermometer and measured hers and then mine.... her fluid measure 201* through the dipstick tube and mine was 166*!!! Granted she drives harder, but almost 40 degrees thats pretty good to me!

 

[sperold]

I think that tube that runs in your radiator is more of a heater than a cooler. It is probably most useful for the winter conditions that you find on this continent. It probably tries to stabalize the temperature in you tranny to match what is going on in your engine (maybe 180 to 195F) but I can't help thinking it would be nice to stabalize it at a lower temp.