Detecting the milkshake

[KidVermicious]

Before it happens, I mean. The problem is rust and corrosion inside the stock trans cooler, right? How is moisture getting in there in the first place? Is this a result of waiting too long between coolant and transmission fluid changes? Is there a way to test those fluids periodically for rust?

Pardon if these questions have already been asked, there's so much noise on the milkshake issue that my googlefu has failed me.

 

[fish0281]

Before it happens, I mean. The problem is rust and corrosion inside the stock trans cooler, right? How is moisture getting in there in the first place? Is this a result of waiting too long between coolant and transmission fluid changes? Is there a way to test those fluids periodically for rust?

Pardon if these questions have already been asked, there's so much noise on the milkshake issue that my googlefu has failed me.

Well, it's an internal leak between the two flow paths and both the coolant and tranny fluid have inherent moisture in them, so I don't think it's an oxidation issue (I don't think either is all that corrosive either). I'm guessing that it's a fatigue failure due to temperature fluctuations over the life of the radiator, likely at a bonded or welded joint. Even if it were a corrosive thing, it'd be tough to preventatively detect that amount of "rust" in either fluid considering the large volumes... a pressure test would tell you, but it'd tell you by springing a leak. I guess that's better than springing one during operation.

Googlefu... I like it!

 

[mphudak]

Good write up on the details of the failure w/pics any body ever crack-opened up OEM rad, if not, here we go! - YotaTech Forums

 

[Atrox Caeda]

So who believes changing out the radiator completely is the best fix and who thinks installing a tranny cooler is a better way to go? I'm curious as to the best route to take.

 

[mphudak]

tranny cooler hands down. larger and more efficient the OE and no risk of the milkshake.

 

[kball]

I don't think there's a way to test for it. I think it happens quick enough that once it does you're shaked right away. I don't think it takes months or weeks, I'm thinking days or hours.

 

[PitbullRescuer]

So who believes changing out the radiator completely is the best fix and who thinks installing a tranny cooler is a better way to go? I'm curious as to the best route to take.

There's no question that an external tranny cooler, NOT run in series, is the way to go. It is your only GUARANTEE against the milkshake. A new radiator is certainly a good idea but new parts can and do fail.

 

[KidVermicious]

Good write up on the details of the failure w/pics any body ever crack-opened up OEM rad, if not, here we go! - YotaTech Forums

Cool link, thanks!

 

[BrianSD_42]

I think replacing the radiator with an OEM/Koyo should be required maintenance on these trucks at 175k miles.

The components break down over time just like the rubber on an LBJ.

 

[Atrox Caeda]

tranny cooler hands down. larger and more efficient the OE and no risk of the milkshake.

There's no question that an external tranny cooler, NOT run in series, is the way to go. It is your only GUARANTEE against the milkshake. A new radiator is certainly a good idea but new parts can and do fail.

Next up: tranny cooler. Seems like part of a Vice show on MTV or something.