Is it bad to run without an external tranny cooler? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

TIMSPEED · 02-14-2004, 06:43 AM

I FINALLY found the leak in my truck..it was the crappy original external tranny cooler that my dad put on it. He originally put it on, cuz they used to tow our 27' travel trailer with the truck. But now, I don't even have a rear BUMPER! haha So, is it ok to just have the tranny cooler that's integral in the radiator? At least until I can get a B&M Supercooler in place of that crappy original one.

**swervin ervin** · 02-14-2004, 11:12 AM

Yes, your TH350 will fine without one.

Mike76251 · 02-14-2004, 12:10 PM

I second what Mike said............as long as you tow NOTHING or don't haul heavy loads in the bed.

Grim Reaper · 02-14-2004, 01:06 PM

For what you would pay for the super cooler you can get a Hayden Stack plate AND a Hayden temp gage at Pep boys.

I did a little test on my 4x4. I installed the gage first to see what sort of temps I would see without the Aux. I was poping 250 before I knew it.

After the Aux cooler I have only seen 200 once on that truck. That was towing a car on a very long grade between Chatanooga and Knoxville. Semi's were down to 35mph. I was running 55. It was done under 200 under a 1/4 mile and back down to the 180 it was running towing the rest of the time. Normal is 170 for that truck.

NeCrOmAnCeR · 02-14-2004, 08:32 PM

High RPM stall converters will generate alot of heat also. But for a stock setup and reasonable driving the stock cooler will be fine.

**swervin ervin** · 02-14-2004, 11:10 PM

I agree on the higher stall converters. But you know, a 700R4 locks in OD, no slippage, so no heat from the converter slipping. But, this is the very thing that kills them. People always towed in OD, and they are bad, real bad about kicking out of OD with the underpowered 305 engines and 2.73 gears GM felt was a good combination. So you are right back into converter slippage, generating heat. And, the locking unlocking ain't helping anything either.

If I live to be 150 years old, I'll never figure out the reason behind GM putting a OD tranny in a truck with 2.73 gears.

To me this is an invitation to killing the tranny.

So, add an external cooler to the mix and help fix what GM screwed up in the first place.

TIMSPEED · 02-14-2004, 11:40 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by swervin ervin
GM putting a OD tranny in a truck with 2.73 gears.

But I have a TH350 with 4.11 gears...

**swervin ervin** · 02-15-2004, 12:15 AM

Oops sorry. I got lost there for a second. I knew what you had because I replied to your post as such. I was talking off the top of my head about converter slippage.

I thought we had solved your problem and had moved on to something else. LOL

79BIG10 · 02-15-2004, 07:41 PM

I bet it wouldn't hurt to replace your cooler with you running that tranny and gear setup. It would help lengthen the life of your tranny for sure.

02-14-2004, 06:43 AM	#1
TIMSPEED Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Modesto, CA Posts: 1,321	Is it bad to run without an external tranny cooler? I FINALLY found the leak in my truck..it was the crappy original external tranny cooler that my dad put on it. He originally put it on, cuz they used to tow our 27' travel trailer with the truck. But now, I don't even have a rear BUMPER! haha So, is it ok to just have the tranny cooler that's integral in the radiator? At least until I can get a B&M Supercooler in place of that crappy original one. __________________ I have a few cars... See Them Here

02-14-2004, 11:12 AM	#2
swervin ervin You get what you pay for Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Cherryville, NC Posts: 4,798	Yes, your TH350 will fine without one. __________________ Mike 1985 Chevy C-10

02-14-2004, 01:06 PM	#4
Grim Reaper Registered User Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Atlanta GA Posts: 1,704	For what you would pay for the super cooler you can get a Hayden Stack plate AND a Hayden temp gage at Pep boys. I did a little test on my 4x4. I installed the gage first to see what sort of temps I would see without the Aux. I was poping 250 before I knew it. After the Aux cooler I have only seen 200 once on that truck. That was towing a car on a very long grade between Chatanooga and Knoxville. Semi's were down to 35mph. I was running 55. It was done under 200 under a 1/4 mile and back down to the 180 it was running towing the rest of the time. Normal is 170 for that truck. __________________ Grim-Reaper 70 Pontiac LeMans Sport Convertible, worlds longest resto in progress Looking for 71-72 2wd Blazer or Jimmy Project

02-15-2004, 07:41 PM	#9
79BIG10 I'm back with 2nd truck! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Texas Posts: 3,774	I bet it wouldn't hurt to replace your cooler with you running that tranny and gear setup. It would help lengthen the life of your tranny for sure. __________________ 1979 Chevrolet Bonanza Big10 "Tootsie Roll" 1985 Chevrolet Silverado (wife's) Member of the Southern Bowties Club "Don't underestimate how sexy a fat man who drinks to excess can be." Homer Simpson

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02-14-2004, 12:10 PM	#3
Mike76251 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 2,499	I second what Mike said............as long as you tow NOTHING or don't haul heavy loads in the bed.

02-14-2004, 08:32 PM	#5
NeCrOmAnCeR Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Hodgenville, Ky Posts: 735	High RPM stall converters will generate alot of heat also. But for a stock setup and reasonable driving the stock cooler will be fine.

02-14-2004, 11:10 PM	#6
swervin ervin You get what you pay for Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Cherryville, NC Posts: 4,798	I agree on the higher stall converters. But you know, a 700R4 locks in OD, no slippage, so no heat from the converter slipping. But, this is the very thing that kills them. People always towed in OD, and they are bad, real bad about kicking out of OD with the underpowered 305 engines and 2.73 gears GM felt was a good combination. So you are right back into converter slippage, generating heat. And, the locking unlocking ain't helping anything either. If I live to be 150 years old, I'll never figure out the reason behind GM putting a OD tranny in a truck with 2.73 gears. To me this is an invitation to killing the tranny. So, add an external cooler to the mix and help fix what GM screwed up in the first place.

02-15-2004, 12:15 AM	#8
swervin ervin You get what you pay for Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Cherryville, NC Posts: 4,798	Oops sorry. I got lost there for a second. I knew what you had because I replied to your post as such. I was talking off the top of my head about converter slippage. I thought we had solved your problem and had moved on to something else. LOL



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