Trans fluid in coolant res. Replacing radiator

[Venessa04]

Hi my name is Venessa sorry havent searched forums for answers yet. I have a 2000 Windstar and pretty sure my trans cooler in radiator busted as my coolant res is full of tranny fluid. But no coolant present in transmission I was wondering where the fluid was going with no obvious leaks. .. I was going to do it myself but seeing as I'll have to go get standS and bigger jack on top of still maybe needing help pushing radiator back up and securing as my husband will be at work unable to help. I have a coolant leak as well near water pump possible o ring? as well as my ac cuts off when we speed up....

My main issue is the radiator. Can I just replace the transmission oil cooler itself or the whole radiator needed? Thanks for the help.

[Mustang_Driver]

best thing would be to replace the radiator but my transmission guy said that you can bypass the radiator cooler and install a separate trans cooler. my van did the same thing hopefully you caught it before it got too far as i had coolant in my transmission fluid and it wiped out the transmission not that it was the only issue but one of them

[12Ounce]

I installed a separate cooler for the tranny ... and disconnected the radiator from tranny. I never understood the risk that auto designers take on this issue.

[Venessa04]

Originally Posted by 12Ounce

I installed a separate cooler for the tranny ... and disconnected the radiator from tranny. I never understood the risk that auto designers take on this issue.

Can you tell me how hard this is to do.? I'm scheduled to have my radiator replaced tomorrow morn. But know the trans cooler is hundred bucks cheaper.

[Venessa04]

Originally Posted by Mustang_Driver

best thing would be to replace the radiator but my transmission guy said that you can bypass the radiator cooler and install a separate trans cooler. my van did the same thing hopefully you caught it before it got too far as i had coolant in my transmission fluid and it wiped out the transmission not that it was the only issue but one of them

Pretty sure I got to it on time i have not seen any in tranny. It just empties into res. I know I for sure need a pressurized cap mine is not holding pressurPretty sure I got to it on time i have not seen any in tranny. It just empties. I know I for sure need a pressurized cap mine is not holding pressure. Ordered radiator and will pick up I'm am.mechanic will be here at 8.

[scubacat]

Are you SURE it's not engine oil? That's a LOT more common, usually due to the almost certain eventual lower intake gasket failure (or timing cover gasket sometimes).

[Venessa04]

Originally Posted by scubacat

Are you SURE it's not engine oil? That's a LOT more common, usually due to the almost certain eventual lower intake gasket failure (or timing cover gasket sometimes).

No I'm positive oil level has not decreased and res smells and looks like trans fluid. Plus my loss of fluid couldn't be found in a puddle anywhere except in the coolant res

[12Ounce]

Installing a cooler for the tranny is very easy for the Windstar as there is a bunch of space (working room) in front of the radiator/ac-condensing coils. You can buy the cooler as a aftermarket kit from almost any parts house. I would measure the space and get the largest one that will fit. The kit includes fairly easy to follow instructions.

[12Ounce]

I also agree with Scubacat's observations ... this engine is known to have oil-to-cooler crossover. You could send a sample of contamination to Blackstone Labs and they could tell you for sure what it is.

[scubacat]

Originally Posted by Venessa04

No I'm positive oil level has not decreased and res smells and looks like trans fluid. Plus my loss of fluid couldn't be found in a puddle anywhere except in the coolant res

If you're sure, you're sure, but I'd really verify that 110% before I replaced a radiator. There's very, VERY little opportunity for transmission fluid to make that crossover vs. a LOT of opportunity for the engine oil to do so. The oil level wouldn't decrease noticeably because it's just a little seeping. Also, if that did happen, you'll have coolant in the engine block as well which will eventually cause serious damage.

My advice, should you choose to accept it, is to follow 12ounce's suggestion and send an oil sample off to blackstone labs and see what's in it. My guess is they'll find some coolant. If you go to their web site, fill out the form and they'll send you the kit to collect the sample.

http://www.blackstone-labs.com/

[12Ounce]

.... they might accept a sample of the coolant.