B&M 70268 SuperCooler Transmission Cooler Install on a 3rd Gen

Nelsonmd · Sep 23, 2010

zcruiser said:
On my Ltd, it still has the stock radiator so I bypassed it altogether and only run the ATF through the external cooler. This truck is mostly a mall cruiser so an external cooler is adequate for normal service and to avoid pink milkshake in the future.

On my SR5, it has a new rad (previous victim of pink milkshake) so I added the cooler in series. This truck spends it's life mostly in the mtns, so the added cooling of the B&M helps keep the temps down on long hill climbs plus I hope to wheel it some day.

As to low ATF temp, both are in NC so don't have to worry about cold start-up.

Yeah, I am in MA and go to NH alot, so while there aren't mountains like out west, it will get cold.

So I am thinking the best option for me would be to get the 70268, and completely bypass the radiator. I have enough problems with this thing, I would love to prevent a transmission failure. Let me know any arguments against this setup for this climate.

zcruiser · Sep 23, 2010

Nelsonmd said:
Yeah, I am in MA and go to NH alot, so while there aren't mountains like out west, it will get cold.

Well, the folks out west do get indignant when I call the Appalachians "mountains", but it's all relative...

Nelsonmd · Sep 23, 2010

zcruiser said:
Well, the folks out west do get indignant when I call the Appalachians "mountains", but it's all relative...

Yeah, I grew up in CO, and I get that way. There aren't many roads out east here that climb very high is what I meant. Even I-70 west of Denver is way more climbing than anything in New England has.

How much does a new radiator run? Is it worth it replace it as a preventative measure? Won't the replacement be susceptible to the milkshake as well?

zcruiser · Sep 24, 2010

Nelsonmd said:
How much does a new radiator run? Is it worth it replace it as a preventative measure? Won't the replacement be susceptible to the milkshake as well?

I have not priced a new rad, but I think I've seen prices on other 'pink milkshake' threads. As for the design of a replacement, I don't think anyone knows other than to say that you're starting over at 'zero'.

CJ3Flyr · Sep 24, 2010

runrunner said:
Very nice write-up. This should be stickied and put under the maint section.

Very nice thread!:bigok:

Link added in a stickied Trans Cooler install thread found in Accessories:

Accessories - Toyota - 4Runner . org Forum

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/accessories/17358-transmission-cooler-install.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/567377-post42.html
:cheers:

zcruiser · Sep 24, 2010

BigFishAllDay said:
The B&M cooler also has a built in bypass for cold fluid, so that when you first start the vehicle the cold fluid is able to pass quickly through the cooler directly to the return line. This prevents the B&M cooler from trying to cool fluid that hasn't warmed yet, and aids the ATF in reaching operating temperature faster.

Does this rely on the ATF flowing in a specific direction through the unit? I don't recall reading of the bypass or mention of required flow direction in the B&M installation instructions...

BigFishAllDay · Sep 24, 2010

Not only does this unique design provide for maximized cooling through more efficient heat dissipation but it also provides a much sturdier cooler which is practically impervious to flying rocks or other debris. The Super-Coolers intended for automatic transmission fluid also offer an additional feature known as “Low Pressure Drop”. The coolers assembled with hose barb ends include a unique bypass feature allowing a controlled amount of ATF to bypass the stacked plate core when the fluid is cold. This is beneficial in cold climate areas to guard against lube system failure. Controlled by viscosity, fluid is returned directly to the lube circuit through bypass openings in the stacked plate core. As the temperature increases, more ATF is directed through the core. This highly efficient design combines improved protection against lube system failure with the required levels of optimal heat transfer.

Automatic Transmission SuperCooler rated at 13,000 BTU 11"x7-1/2"x3/4"

That's all directly from B&M's website, including a link. I don't think the feature depends on the ATF flowing in a specific direction through the unit. I did a ton of research before I purchased and I didn't see any info saying that the bypass feature was contingent on the way the cooler was installed (either the orientation, such as barbs up, to the left/right, or down, or the use of one or the other barb as the inlet/outlet).

zcruiser · Sep 24, 2010

SWEET! That's why I love my B&M...

Nelsonmd · Sep 24, 2010

zcruiser said:
I have not priced a new rad, but I think I've seen prices on other 'pink milkshake' threads. As for the design of a replacement, I don't think anyone knows other than to say that you're starting over at 'zero'.

Bollocks! I don't want to start from zero on a design flawed component. I think I'll just go with the B&M.

BTW, did anyone else giggle at their website? BMRacing. He he he :toilet::toilet3:

zcruiser · Sep 25, 2010

Nelsonmd said:
BTW, did anyone else giggle at their website? BMRacing. He he he

Hey, I put the sticker in my engine bay! Another 10HP at least! :zoom:

nquaint · Sep 25, 2010

Nice writup BigFish, I installed mine the other day with the help of your pics.

The harderst part was getting my freaking skid plate off! that thing is so banged up none of the holes match up any more.

lmtdgov · Oct 20, 2010

So would the general consensus be that it would be OK to install this BMR cooler for a vehicle in the Pennsylvania area? My 2000 4x4 V6 auto T4R is almost at 115k. I'm planning on doing the whole transmission flush and figure that would be a good time to install this cooler since I'm still running what I believe to be the original radiator.

Thanks for the nice write up.

zcruiser · Oct 20, 2010

You should be fine bypassing the rad with the B&M even in cold climates.

nacho · Dec 25, 2010

Great detailed write-up BigFish! Sure makes life a lot easier for a lot of us.

I've done that bloody hand trick many times while working in tight areas. Every time I do it, I think of David Banner barking his knuckles while changing that tire and then turning into the Hulk from the pain. Hahahaa.

TeamZissou · Jan 29, 2011

Just found this thread as I'm preparing for my own installation. I'll add one tip- Advance Auto Parts carries this B & M cooler and typically has great discount coupons online. The current coupon code of LC123 gives a $24 discount on a $60 purchase- list price of $62.99 comes down to $38.99 with the coupon. Of course, none of my local stores have the item in stock and shipping comes to $17.23 and final price of $56.22- go figure!

But a good deal if it's carried locally for anyone out there and you can get in-store pickup. Great write up, thanks!

BigFishAllDay · Jan 29, 2011

I'm glad to see this write-up is still helping people out.

:gun6: the Pink Milkshake!!!

quicksilvr · Jan 31, 2011

Just installed a B&M 70264 (the thick one) on my sisters '97 Limited with 235k miles. I bypassed the stock cooler completely, and mounted the B&M directly onto the A/C condenser using the method BigFish did in the writeup.

I also installed a Magnafine in-line filter, so here's to hoping this transmission lasts a long, long time!

durrell · Feb 1, 2011

I got the TruCool 4544. Hoping to install it this weekend using this guide. Debating whether or not to go ahead and grab the Magnafine filter too and get it shipped in this week.

Edit: Score, found an eBay seller selling brand new Magnefine filters for 16 bucks and I had a 4 dollar eBay Bucks certificate. 12 bucks shipped to my door.