tranny cooler

[newyorker1]

i want to install a tranny cooler in my 2000 windstar SEL, does anybody know if there is one out there that is made for this kind of van. i went to B&M website and there is 3 types of coolers sizes and i dont know which one will fit. is there any special tools i need? any suggestions will help, thanks

[wiswind]

I installed a transmission cooler on my '96 3.8L.
I have not posted pictures of it, because I have not been able to take pictures that show much detail.......due to the location of the lines.

It REALLY does help with cooling the transmission in a MAJOR way.
Double check that your low speed radiator fan operation is working........as I mention a few times elsewhere in this forum.....and in the "General Windstar Information" post.
With the A/C ON in stop and go traffic......it will keep your transmission AND your motor cooler....and more consistant (no spiking up until the PCM turns the fans on), particularly on hot days.

The windstar has 5/16" lines for the transmission cooler connections.
The coolers come with a variety of standard fittings, so if it does not have fittings for a 5/16" hose...you will need to adapt it to connect to the lines.
Mine had 3/8" fittings, and I had to adapt them to 5/16".......using a short section of 3/8" hose and a 3/8" to 5/16" adapter that I made from fittings.
The cooler should be installed so that the fluid flows from the transmission through the radiator mounted cooler (which is on the passenger side of the radiator) then through the auxillary cooler and back into the transmission.

The most efficient cooler for its size is the PLATE and fin.
The tube and fin cooler will have less cooling capacity for the same physical size.

Use a high quality hose (like fuel injection hose) to connect the cooler and avoid having the hose rub against any sharp locations.
I ran my cooler lines from the bottom up through the top, through an opening very near the driver side headlight.
I removed a trim panel that goes from the top of the radiator out to the front grill......and trimmed a corner by the driver side headlight to get some room to run the hoses.
I bought some door edge protector material (plastic) to put over the sharp metal edges that were next to where I ran the cooler lines.
This routing kept me from having my cooler lines hang down.
I did ALL my connections to the exsisting, factory lines on the driver's side.....as that is where you already have hoses......no messing with the factory metal lines.
On my '96, one end of the factory hose had a removable hose clamp, and the other end had a NON-removable clamp.....that you have to CUT off.....and replace.

Look up which line is the OUT from the transmission line and which one is the IN to the transmission line.....don't know if they switched them over the years or not.
However (it is tough to follow the metal lines.....so be carefull) the tranny fluid flow through the radiator mounted cooler, on the passenger side, is IN at the TOP rear of the radiator side tank and OUT of the BOTTOM rear of the radiator side tank.

I used the zip-tie style nylon strips that you run through the cooler, through between the A/C condensor and radiator fins.....and slide a cap onto to secure.
My cooler came with a few soft pads to put at the corners where I ran the ties through....so that I did not have metal on metal when I sinched it up.

I mounted mine higher than the factory one would have been located.....mine is behind the grill openings that are ABOVE the bumper....between the headlights.


Size?.....I would think that a 15,000 to 25,000 GVW rated cooler would be just fine.

If you don't feel confident about installing the cooler yourself, you could take it to a shop and have it installed for you.
The B&M that you mention is a good brand.

[newyorker1]

thank you wiswind, but how do i check this "Double check that your low speed radiator fan operation is working"

[phil-l]

I added an auxiliary transmission cooler to my Windstar in preparation for towing a popup camper. I added a B&M Super Cooler, part number BMM-70268. The installation was time-consuming, but not particularly difficult.

Pictures of my installation here (and some other towing-related work) here:

http://community.webshots.com/album/549196858rbUAlb

I added notes to some of the pictures that are specific to Windstar installations.

[wiswind]

When you select a A/C setting on your dashboard control, an your vehicle is not moving at some minimum speed, the radiator fans will be ON at low speed.
If it is real cold out.....they may not be on due to the fact that the A/C does not work at super cold temperatures.
Otherwise, with your vehicle sitting still in your driveway, with the A/C ON.....the radiator fans should be ON....and stay ON.
If they are not, then you have a problem......which could be the radiator fan low speed dropping resistor.
I show this part in my pictures.
The dropping resistor is a ceramic block that is mounted on top of the metal bumper, behind the passenger side headlight.

[newyorker1]

Originally Posted by phil-l

I added an auxiliary transmission cooler to my Windstar in preparation for towing a popup camper. I added a B&M Super Cooler, part number BMM-70268. The installation was time-consuming, but not particularly difficult.

Pictures of my installation here (and some other towing-related work) here:

http://community.webshots.com/album/549196858rbUAlb

I added notes to some of the pictures that are specific to Windstar installations.

thanks for your input.

[newyorker1]

Originally Posted by wiswind

When you select a A/C setting on your dashboard control, an your vehicle is not moving at some minimum speed, the radiator fans will be ON at low speed.
If it is real cold out.....they may not be on due to the fact that the A/C does not work at super cold temperatures.
Otherwise, with your vehicle sitting still in your driveway, with the A/C ON.....the radiator fans should be ON....and stay ON.
If they are not, then you have a problem......which could be the radiator fan low speed dropping resistor.
I show this part in my pictures.
The dropping resistor is a ceramic block that is mounted on top of the metal bumper, behind the passenger side headlight.

thanks for your help.

[newyorker1]

Originally Posted by wiswind

I installed a transmission cooler on my '96 3.8L.
I have not posted pictures of it, because I have not been able to take pictures that show much detail.......due to the location of the lines.

It REALLY does help with cooling the transmission in a MAJOR way.
Double check that your low speed radiator fan operation is working........as I mention a few times elsewhere in this forum.....and in the "General Windstar Information" post.
With the A/C ON in stop and go traffic......it will keep your transmission AND your motor cooler....and more consistant (no spiking up until the PCM turns the fans on), particularly on hot days.

The windstar has 5/16" lines for the transmission cooler connections.
The coolers come with a variety of standard fittings, so if it does not have fittings for a 5/16" hose...you will need to adapt it to connect to the lines.
Mine had 3/8" fittings, and I had to adapt them to 5/16".......using a short section of 3/8" hose and a 3/8" to 5/16" adapter that I made from fittings.
The cooler should be installed so that the fluid flows from the transmission through the radiator mounted cooler (which is on the passenger side of the radiator) then through the auxillary cooler and back into the transmission.

The most efficient cooler for its size is the PLATE and fin.
The tube and fin cooler will have less cooling capacity for the same physical size.

Use a high quality hose (like fuel injection hose) to connect the cooler and avoid having the hose rub against any sharp locations.
I ran my cooler lines from the bottom up through the top, through an opening very near the driver side headlight.
I removed a trim panel that goes from the top of the radiator out to the front grill......and trimmed a corner by the driver side headlight to get some room to run the hoses.
I bought some door edge protector material (plastic) to put over the sharp metal edges that were next to where I ran the cooler lines.
This routing kept me from having my cooler lines hang down.
I did ALL my connections to the exsisting, factory lines on the driver's side.....as that is where you already have hoses......no messing with the factory metal lines.
On my '96, one end of the factory hose had a removable hose clamp, and the other end had a NON-removable clamp.....that you have to CUT off.....and replace.

Look up which line is the OUT from the transmission line and which one is the IN to the transmission line.....don't know if they switched them over the years or not.
However (it is tough to follow the metal lines.....so be carefull) the tranny fluid flow through the radiator mounted cooler, on the passenger side, is IN at the TOP rear of the radiator side tank and OUT of the BOTTOM rear of the radiator side tank.

I used the zip-tie style nylon strips that you run through the cooler, through between the A/C condensor and radiator fins.....and slide a cap onto to secure.
My cooler came with a few soft pads to put at the corners where I ran the ties through....so that I did not have metal on metal when I sinched it up.

I mounted mine higher than the factory one would have been located.....mine is behind the grill openings that are ABOVE the bumper....between the headlights.


Size?.....I would think that a 15,000 to 25,000 GVW rated cooler would be just fine.

If you don't feel confident about installing the cooler yourself, you could take it to a shop and have it installed for you.
The B&M that you mention is a good brand.

i just installed my B&M supercooler and i could not have done it without your help. thank you for taking time to help me with my first ford. THANK YOU. and i put it in the same place you did.

[newyorker1]

Originally Posted by phil-l

I added an auxiliary transmission cooler to my Windstar in preparation for towing a popup camper. I added a B&M Super Cooler, part number BMM-70268. The installation was time-consuming, but not particularly difficult.

Pictures of my installation here (and some other towing-related work) here:

http://community.webshots.com/album/549196858rbUAlb

I added notes to some of the pictures that are specific to Windstar installations.

I just wanna say thank you for your help, i just installed my B&M tranny supercooler. and your pics were a great help. i installed the cooler in the same spot like wiswind said. thanks again.

[phil-l]

I'm pleased your installation went well!

[garync1]

http://good-times.webshots.com/album...KXCZO?start=36
Did my cooler install today.. I ended up placing mine in the very front . It worked out well just going to keep an eye to see if I will need to add insulation tape on the inside of the front bumper cover. Part of the cooler touches it a little. When the fan comes on it pulls air very well. I thought it might be too far to do any good as far as the van pulling air through it when the fan kicks in..But it worked out good. I also tilted mine forward a little to add more air space between AC cooler and rad.Pics will be on last 2 pages of my photo shoe box.

[phil-l]

garync1 -

Looks good. It appears you cut into your lines in basically the same places I did.

One hint: Wait a week or two, and then re-inspect all joints. In spite of careful checks, I was surprised to discover a slight leak shortly after installing my cooler. Not a big deal; just a few drops - but I was certain everything had been tightened beforehand. Always good to check after everything's in place.

[garync1]

Yes I will keep an eye out.. I know first hand on leaks popping up.. LOL
I was going to flare the ends but I could not find one of the parts to my flare tool. I will one day.. Another trick. double up on your clamps.. I am also keeping an eye on the bumper cover for heat stress.. Need to get that foil tape..