Author Topic: Transmission cooling lines in new aluminum radiator  (Read 58 times)

Offline JohnnyPopper

  • Senior Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 2555
  • Old Goof
Transmission cooling lines in new aluminum radiator
« on: April 22, 2024, 07:29:47 PM »
In replacing my radiator, I noticed the tank fittings were 1/2 inch instead of 5/8, looking inside, the opening was roughly 1/4 inch diameter.

I called the distributor, was told not to worry, aluminum is more efficient at cooling. So much for a 'factory fit' replacement.

The transmission is a '66 GM THD 425, and the cooling lines are definitely a higher capacity.

I thought I could laser measure the temp after a run to see if the trans is running hotter then the engine by a significant percentage.

Being ignorant of transmission design, I don't know if this obvious restriction is severe, or if the 'flow volume' of oil is not that great.

It's not that there are load issues.

The question is: should I worry? and/or add an outboard cooler, bypassing the wimpy one?

As always, thanks in advance for you help!

 
1957 Apache 3100 235 Inline 6, 3 on the tree
1973 C-20, 3+3 454 4BBL TH400  Water Injection
1978 K-10, 350 4BBL TH350 NP203 M.M. Part time Kit/Hubs
1980 C-10 under construction

Offline Shifty

  • Junior Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 950
  • I bleed Bowtie red...
Re: Transmission cooling lines in new aluminum radiator
« Reply #1 on: April 23, 2024, 11:04:08 AM »
A lot of folks will say "run both!" plumb from one to another...I don't subscribe to that theory.  I much prefer the solo cooler, as big as you can fit.  JMHO.
87 V20 Standard Cab Longbed (current)

87 R30 3+3 Longbed (days of yore)

98 C2500 ext cab longbed

Offline JohnnyPopper

  • Senior Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 2555
  • Old Goof
Re: Transmission cooling lines in new aluminum radiator
« Reply #2 on: April 23, 2024, 06:39:43 PM »
Thanks Shifty..need to see how much real estate I have that's accessible. Pretty packed in there.

Thought about calling manufacturer again to ask if they have a volume rating.
1957 Apache 3100 235 Inline 6, 3 on the tree
1973 C-20, 3+3 454 4BBL TH400  Water Injection
1978 K-10, 350 4BBL TH350 NP203 M.M. Part time Kit/Hubs
1980 C-10 under construction

Offline bd

  • Global Moderator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 6455
Re: Transmission cooling lines in new aluminum radiator
« Reply #3 on: April 23, 2024, 09:30:06 PM »
You do realize that 5/16" transmission cooler lines use 1/2"-20 line nuts.
Rich
It's difficult to know just how much you don't know until you know it.
In other words... if people learn by making mistakes, by now I should know just about everything!!!
87 R10 Silverado Fleetside 355 MPFI 700R4 3.42 Locker (aka Rusty, aka Mater)