Block A/C & radiator w/ tranny cooler - how much?

[teachndad]

Hi,

I want to place a tranny cooler on a 96 Honda Odyssey for towing a utility trailer with gear. Honda does not make a tranny cooler for this model, as far as my research indicates. The next generation has tranny coolers made for that model.

So, I need to go aftermarket. The problem is that I took it to a recommended transmission shop and the mechanic told me that there was really no place to fit a tranny cooler, because the only place is in front of the A/C cooler (looks like a thin radiator) and that if he did that, he would be blocking the A/C and also effect the radiator operation and thereby effecting the cooling of the vehicle. There is no room behind the radiator because the cooling fans are directly behind the radiator.

But, the more I read on this subject, the more I think I need to get one. I would like to know what opinions are on placing one in front of the radiator. How big does a tranny cooler have to be before it starts to effect the cooling of the A/C and engine? Is there a fair trade off of having a cooler tranny, but the engine runs hotter - if that makes sense?

The 96 Odyssey has 140 hp with an automatic transmission. I want to tow a utility trailer with camping gear. The trailer weighs a little over 300 lbs with the plywood base. I would be adding no more than 300 lbs in gear, though most likely @ 225, but the 300 is the outside of an estimate. That puts it at @600 lbs.

I plan to drive from Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe over some long passes that I would have to drive up for nearly an hour or more in some instances. That will no doubt put some strain on the engine.

The weight of the trailer is below the max of 1500 towable weight rated for the Odyssey.

Again, any thoughts on how much, if possible, can I cover the radiator. The next genration has a nice efficient single loop design that runs all the way across the radiator and doesn't appear to impede the air flow much. I wish I could use one of those, but the rectangular ones are more the ones available.

I plan on getting the trans system cleaned with the suction thing before the trip, just to clean it all out really well and get it tuned.

Thanks

Rod Wylie

[Geeko]

I think that, for towing, a transmission cooler would probably be a good idea. Do you know if the next-gen tranny cooler will fit in your engine bay? If so, I would see if one is available from a salvage yard (shouldn't be too hard to find) and just plumb it in.

If that doesn't work, then aftermarket is your best option. I tend to lean towards Jegs even though they don't have much import stuff- because they tend to have old-school quality parts (and they're also based right in my town). Jegs has a log-style automatic transmission cooler that you should be able to mount dang near anywhere under the engine compartment- and at only 15"L x 3.5"W x 2.5"H, it'll fit. There are also a couple of other transmission coolers there that might work if that doesn't.

Other then the log-style cooler above, a finned radiator could be used, by stacking it in front of or behind the A/C condensor. Unlike my car (and other smaller hondas) you probably have a separate radiator and A/C condensor, which means that you can stack something in front of it without necessarily raising the car engine's temperature. In a situation like that, you'll want to put a higher-power aftermarket fan on the stack, using a relay and heavier power cable if necessary.

In any case, i would try to get some cooling of some sort on that transmission before you start driving. An oil cooler might not be a bad idea while you're at it, and they tend to have even smaller radiators then transmission coolers!

Enjoy your trip, and don't forget- while towing, turn your overdrive OFF and keep an ear cocked for the transmission and engine for the first 50 miles or so.

Cheers!