Better/Worse: Cold Trans or SMS Risk

[aontkos]

I installed the Hayden 679 transmission cooler to avoid getting a strawberry milkshake. It is currently working solo rather than in series. I went with a large unit because I live in South Florida and frequently drive in stop and go traffic.

I replaced my radiator a few months ago, so my risk of the milkshake should be minimal.

I've always noticed that it takes a while for my transmission to reach a reasonable temperature after startup. During my normal work commute the fluid never reaches >150F (I don't think I've ever seen it >160). What do you guys think about driving with a cold-ish transmission purely to avoid the milkshake? Is the trade-off worth it?

 

[JayRolla]

I installed the Hayden 679 transmission cooler to avoid getting a strawberry milkshake. It is currently working solo rather than in series. I went with a large unit because I live in South Florida and frequently drive in stop and go traffic.

I replaced my radiator a few months ago, so my risk of the milkshake should be minimal.

I've always noticed that it takes a while for my transmission to reach a reasonable temperature after startup. During my normal work commute the fluid never reaches >150F (I don't think I've ever seen it >160). What do you guys think about driving with a cold-ish transmission purely to avoid the milkshake? Is the trade-off worth it?

If radiator is replaced I would run in series. I would replace the radiator at 100k miles just like my LBJ's.

 

[aontkos]

If radiator is replaced I would run in series. I would replace the radiator at 100k miles just like my LBJ's.

Sounds like a plan. I'll probably do that soon. Thanks.

 

[absalom]

Second what JayRolla said. The temperature is much more consistent when coolers are ran in series.

Also, warm ATF heats up the engine MUCH faster via the shared membrane in the radiator.