Issues with B&M 70268 ATF Cooler

[DK327]

Last summer I finally got around to installing the B&M 70268 ATF cooler I had purchased about a year ago. Everything went well with install and it's been performing as expected...

This morning I noticed the bottom of condenser was wet with transmission fluid. I checked across the bottom of the B&M 70268 and sure enough it was all wet. I think its safe to assume one or multiple rods that circulate the fluid internally may have failed.

My question is has anyone ever had something similar happen? Would it be a good idea to get the same cooler (if this is uncommon) or get another brand or model?

Thanks in advance!

 

[jgue467]

Haven't read of them failing, really at all.

But are you Sure it's failed in that manner? Sure it's not just leaking from the hose connection points? :cowboy:

 

[DK327]

Haven't read of them failing, really at all.

But are you Sure it's failed in that manner? Sure it's not just leaking from the hose connection points? :cowboy:

You're right, I should remove the grille and thoroughly check both hoses while the vehicle is running to see if I can tell where exactly it's leaking from... I noticed it right as I was about to leave for work so didn't get a chance to remove the grille and test with vehicle running...

Will update with findings....

 

[Airmapper]

Please do, considering I got one in the mail planning to install this weekend.

I hope it's just a loose hose for your sake.

 

[Road Bull]

My guess is double check fittings and hoses. And.. transmission fluid level while running. It could be that if a fitting wasn't tight, perhaps even with cold weather, (I am sure it's not very chilly where you are : ), that perhaps something needs to be tightened.

Did you use the radiator zip tie clips? Or did you mount it up. If you used the zip ties, make sure a connection point isn't leaking. Good luck.

 

[DK327]

My guess is double check fittings and hoses. And.. transmission fluid level while running. It could be that if a fitting wasn't tight, perhaps even with cold weather, (I am sure it's not very chilly where you are : ), that perhaps something needs to be tightened.

Did you use the radiator zip tie clips? Or did you mount it up. If you used the zip ties, make sure a connection point isn't leaking. Good luck.

Right on, I used the zip ties and they went thru the fins pretty easily; from what I understand the fins just dissipate the heat from the pipe that runs thru the cooler so no chance of leaking but I will definitely double check the whole set up.

I'm hoping it's just a loose hose connecting to the lower port (inlet) of cooler. If I can't see where it's leaking from I'll temporarily bypass the cooler and connect the transmission send line directly to radiator.

The icing on the cake is I have to do this tonight after I get off work at midnight since It's going to snow tomorrow and I'll need to use the 4runner to give the girlfriend a ride to work then myself... And here I thought having discovered grease puking from right front CV axle boot was inconvenient...

The fun never ends! :AK47:

 

[DK327]

Update: Just got done working on the cooler, it was the best case scenario where it was leaking from the cooler inlet hole. The clamp screw was extremely loose and i could move the hose back and forth. Just for safe measure I removed the hose, inspected it to make sure it wasn't compromised and used a pair of new hose clamps. I also inspected the cooler nipple to make sure it was structurally sound, solid and no cracks.

Final result, no more leaks. I let the vehicle run for 15 mins, the engine temp got up to 190F but trans never made it above 80F, I checked the dipstick a couple of times and both times it was a bit above "cold" line which indicates it's PROBABLY ok. I'll check it again tomorrow after driving around a bit and let it heat up as much as I can.

 

[mtbtim]

Looking at the hose, you can see the witness marks where you had the clamp on the hose. For my taste, you had it too close to the end, at least on that one edge. When I put a clamp on, #1 - I make sure the clamp is not capturing the flared nipple of the fitting and #2 - I make sure there's some hose extending past the clamp on the inside side. Basically, I make sure the clamp is riding only on the flat even part of the fitting so it will tighten evenly and I make sure there's some hose extending past the clamp so I know I completely capturing the hose.