PDA

View Full Version : Prep for a new transmission



67w30
03-16-2008, 03:07 PM
I am going to install a Bowtie Overdrive 2004r trans and one of the required steps before I install the trans it to flush the lines and radiator. Is there something I can by to do this??? The lines will be brand new but the radiator was used with a bad TH400. Other questions are, if anyone is using this trans or one like it, what kinda ways do you cool it? Stock radiator w/ auto trans cooler inside or the radiator w/ an external trans cooler or just an external trans cooler??? I don't wanna have any problems w/ this thing.
Ken

GetMore
03-16-2008, 04:35 PM
If you had a transmission go bad you MUST flush any lines that were connected. Since you have new lines you will be okay there, but the cooler MUST be flushed. It's also not a bad idea to flush all the new stuff as well to make sure there's no debris in there.
I would run the lines fron teh trans to the radiator's built in cooler, and then if you want more protection run it to a plate and fin external cooler, and then back to the trans.

If you have a near-stock stall you don't need the extra cooler. If you have a very efficient converter you don't need the extra cooler.
If you have an inefficient high stall converter you must install an extra cooler.

You almost can't overcool the transmission. Almost.

67w30
03-16-2008, 05:31 PM
Is there a kit I can buy to flush the lines and the radiator? Something w/ a cleanser to pump through the lines and radiator? The bad trans is gone and the lines and the radiator are off the car.

Steve Chryssos
03-17-2008, 04:13 AM
Do yourself a favor: Plug the rad cooler fittings and add an external cooler in front of the radiator with new lines to the transmission. If you gotta, gotta keep the rad based cooler, you can use a Transmission Line Flush product called "Kooler Kleen".

Relax428
03-17-2008, 11:47 AM
I wanted to ask since it was brought up is it better to get a trans cooler than use the cooler built into the rad? also do you leave any fuild in the rad cooler or just leave it empty since i have never used it?

Steve Chryssos
03-17-2008, 12:26 PM
An internal cooler will only work so well. It usually only equalizes trans temps down as far as engine coolant temps. That's fine unless the engine is running hot or worse. An external cooler can have the opposite affect--The trans can take longer to warm up. But transmissions climb to operating temps rather quickly, so that shouldn't be an issue. In the end, it's better to isolate the trans cooler from the radiator when it comes to high performance applications.

You can drain the fluid for the internal cooler and plug the fitting holes.