How To Install A Transmission Cooler On A Th350

After you've chosen your transmission cooler, it's time to install it. Transmission cooler kits usually come with all the necessary tools, hardware and directions to install it yourself.

Sep 09, 2012  The T 350 had a looped copper line, the fella had the transmission serviced by a local shop and drove the lincoln to Cruising the coast and back. I had to replace the pan gasket because the new gasket would let all the fluid out on the floor and it still had the looped line for a cooler, and about 1/8' of sludge in the bottom of the pan. On my friends elco we pulled the grills and used flat bar mounted that to the rad support then drilled and bolted the cooler in place Click to expand. So you actually used the 'thru the fins' method on yours, only that you used thicker rubber to cushion the cooler.and your friend used the bar stock method. TCI® Transmission cooler Installation. Installation Requirements. Keep rubber hoses away from sharp edges, hot exhaust pipes, manifolds and/or points of wear. Don not kink hose or bend it tightly. A bend of less than 3” radius will put excess stress on the hose and cause hose failure. The cooled fluid from the radiator dissipates the ATF heat and is then returned to the transmission for another cycle. In a down-flow radiator, the transmission oil cooler is located in the bottom portion of the radiator. In a cross-flow radiator, the transmission oil cooler is located in the side of the radiator.

  1. Automatic Tranny Performance Upgrades. A good shifter is also necessary to make the most of your automatic. Christensens final comments are that a good transmission cooler and an extra-deep, finned transmission oil pan will help keep temperatures down. That will greatly improve the durability of your TH350.
  2. Replacing the transmission cooler is the best alternative, it cheap and easy to install. A new transmission cooler will cost about $40- $80, and you're guaranteed no harmful debris will flow into the new transmission, it's called piece of mind, plus it will keep your warranty intact.

First, you'll want to consider exactly where you want to mount your transmission cooler -- there's not exactly a specific spot inside your engine compartment where you're required to place it, so you're given a little room to be creative; however it's still important to place it somewhere where you'll get the most efficiency out of the cooler. If you mount your transmission cooler behind your bumper, for example, there's little chance of it being very efficient since it relies heavily on airflow. Mounting the cooler in front of the radiator and the air conditioning condenser is typically considered the best place. Here, they'll receive a sufficient amount of airflow, yet stay somewhat clear of road debris like rocks.

Transmission coolers are typically square-shaped and thin, so they can easily attach in between other components. Most kits offer adhesive mounting pads that allow you stick the cooler right onto the radiator, but there are also usually extra mounting rods that you can insert between the radiator and the cooler's mounting flanges. You should hook up all of the proper inlet and outlet hoses between the cooler and the transmission -- after all, that's how the transmission cooler delivers the cooled fluid to the transmission. It's also a good idea to make sure you keep the hoses away from any hot or moving parts. Heat would counteract the cooler's effort, and a moving part (like a fan) could sever the line.

For lots more information on transmission coolers and other towing accessories, see the next page.

Related HowStuffWorks Articles

More Great Links

Sources

  • AutoMedia.com. 'Transmission coolers.' (Sept. 22, 2008) http://www.automedia.com/Transmission_Coolers/pht20011001tc/1
  • Automotive Accessories Connection. 'Transmission oil coolers.' (Sept. 22, 2008) http://www.accessconnect.com/oilcoolers.htm
  • eTrailer.com. 'Transmission coolers.' (Sept. 22, 2008) http://www.towtown.com/catalog/c49.html
  • Transmission Cooler Guide and Installation. 'Automatic transmission coolers and engine cooling products.' Bulkpart.com. 2008. (Sept. 22, 2008) http://www.bulkpart.com/transmission-cooler.html
  • TransmissionCoolers.us. 'Choosing the correct transmission cooler.' (Sept. 22, 2008) http://www.transmissioncoolers.us/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY& Category_Code=guide
  • U-Haul.com. 'Transmission coolers.' (Sept. 22, 2008) http://www.uhaul.com/hitches/transmission-cooler.aspx

How To Install Trans Cooler Th350

Removing a GM Turbo Hydromatic 350 transmission from a truck, car or SUV can be accomplished by most automotive enthusiasts with a little planning and a few tools. The TH350 is a three-speed automatic transmission used in a variety of cars, trucks and 4x4s dating back to the mid 1960s. It uses a fluid-filled torque converter to transfer power from the engine through the transmission to the drive shaft or transfer case of the vehicle. It is a dependable transmission that is very easy to remove and replace.

Step 1

Disconnect the battery so the engine cannot be turned over while your hands are around the torque converter and flywheel. Safety is always the first concern with a project like this.

Step 2

Jack up the vehicle and place all four corners on jack stands. Be sure you are working on a solid, flat surface so the stands do not move, causing the car to shift or fall while you are working under it.

Step 3

Remove the drive shaft from the vehicle. There will be four bolts that hold the shaft to the transmission output yoke. Do not remove the slip yoke at the rear of the transmission. This will allow fluid to escape from the transmission.

Step 4

Locate the transmission cross member that runs across the vehicle. It is a boxed piece of steel that is bolted to the frame rails and holds up the transmission. In the center, there will be several bolts that go into the transmission mount from the cross member. You will need to remove them.

Step 5

Place a floor jack or transmission jack under the transmission and remove the bolts that attach the cross member to the frame and remove the cross member. The bolts may be hard to get out if they have never been removed, so you may need to heat them with a torch or use a good penetrating oil on them.

How much does it cost to install a transmission

Step 6

How To Install A Transmission Cooler

Locate and remove the two steel transmission-cooler lines on the passenger side of the transmission. You will need an open end wrench or a flare nut wrench to remove the fittings. Be careful not to twist or crimp the lines so you can reuse them. Place a drip pan or bucket under the lines to catch any transmission fluid that may drain out.

Step 7

Move to the front of the transmission and locate the inspection cover. Remove the bolts that hold it on. There are four 10mm bolts in the cover. You should now be able to see the torque converter and the flywheel.

Step 8

Remove the four torque converter bolts that connect the torque converter and the flywheel together. You will need to rotate the engine to get to all the bolts, so a helper can save you a lot of time here. Have your helper put a socket and breaker bar on the crank shaft bolt in the center of the harmonic damper on the front of the engine. This will allow him to rotate the engine for you as needed.

Step 9

Locate and remove the bell housing bolts from the transmission. There are four on most models, but depending on the vehicle there may be five. These bolts are the ones that surround the bell housing and secure the transmission to the back of the engine block.

Slide the transmission back slowly, making sure that the torque converter stays on the transmission. Once you are sure you are clear of obstacles, lower the transmission to the ground and slide it out from under the vehicle.

Tip

  • Recruiting a helper will save you time and make the job easier. The transmission is heavy and you may need someone to help you steady it as you remove it from the vehicle.

Warning

  • Always makes sure the vehicle is solidly supported on the jack stands before working under it.

Items you will need

How to install a transmission

How Much Does It Cost To Install A Transmission

  • Jack
  • Jack stands
  • SAE wrench set
  • 1/4-inch drive socket set
  • 3/8-inch drive socket set
  • Transmission jack
  • Oil-drain pan or bucket

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