Radiator swap - trans fluid question

[T4R_Finally]

New Koyo on the way. No problems, just swapping out for some milkshake prevention. When I remove the old radiator, how much tranny fluid might I lose? The tranny was serviced not too long before I bought the T4R so it shouldn't need to be drained and filled again anytime soon. But I'll want to replace what I lose in the swap. If anyone has any experience with this, please let me know. I don't know if I'll be able to cleanly recover most of the fluid and pour it back in or just make sure to have enough new stuff on hand to replace it.

 

[PitbullRescuer]

I'd buy 2 quarts to be safe but I doubt you'll use even 1. We installed a cooler on mine yesterday and hardly lost any.

 

[T4R_Finally]

Thanks PBR. Does whatever you lose show up on the dipstick right away or do you have to drive it a little bit for the level to even out? Any issues with air pockets getting in there?

 

[Nelsonmd]

Thanks PBR. Does whatever you lose show up on the dipstick right away or do you have to drive it a little bit for the level to even out? Any issues with air pockets getting in there?

If you lose enough to need to add more, you will probably know as soon as you try to drive it, it will not shift, or will be jumpy (mine snapped hard into gear when I had too little ATF). Definitely ease into gear when you first drive it so you don't damage the tranny. It should show up on the dipstick right away. but you have to cycle the transmission through all the gears for a few seconds (with the brake on, you don't need to move) and leave the engine running when you check, otherwise the level will be off.

Also, once you have a good enough level that it is shifting properly, you want to drive around to warm the fluid up and check the dipstick again. It is better to do your final check on warm fluid than on cold. I don't think air bubbles will be an issue, but you may need to add more ATF after you first run the engine as it will have to fill up the new cooler.