Major problem, Radiator leak?

[MrAl]

Hi,

Very interesting story.
I have read that the trans cooler has it's own chamber, made of metal, inside the radiator, so i would hope this water to trans fluid leakage is not very common.
I wonder if we could test for that kind of thing periodically by looking at the trans fluid.

My trans fluid looks 'brown' not red, so i was worried, but the garage guy said it's better not to replace it with new fluid.

[Clemens]

That is not true. If you ruin an AT by reacing the fluid it is almost dead anyhow. The only liquid known to man that doesn't need to be replaced periodically is human blood. Drain the atf, refill, drive it for a?week or two and drain again. Repeat as long as the fluid is red.

[beigg]

so I added a small external cooler for his transmission that I attached to the front of the radiator (looks like small radiator).

I have the trans, coolant, and engine oil all segregated. Going strong multiple years later. Just be sure to use properly rated high psi oil hose.

[beigg]

That is not true. If you ruin an AT by reacing the fluid it is almost dead anyhow. The only liquid known to man that doesn't need to be replaced periodically is human blood. Drain the atf, refill, drive it for a?week or two and drain again. Repeat as long as the fluid is red.

for a properly used, driven daily driver the fuel never needs changing. Adding in fuel is a must! lol

[tryingbe]

MrAl,

Drain and fill that ATF. You should be able to get 3-4 qt out by just undoing the drain plug on the transmission. Then fill it up, drive it for a bit than do it again. Then you should have 80% of new fluid in your transmission.

I have a custom all aluminum radiator with no oil nor atf cooler inside the radiator. I added an external engine oil cooler for the engine, and I have no need for ATF cooler since I have a manual transmission.

[PS78]

I wonder if we could test for that kind of thing periodically by looking at the trans fluid.

You can. Generally the atf level may rise, and the fluid consistency will be similar to when coolant mixes with motor oil. Since your radiator is being replaced with a new unit, you shouldn't have to deal with that.

[PS78]

+1 for the atf drain and fill. Just because fluid is worn doesnt necessarily mean a death sentence for a trans, it may just be time for a drain and fill. I would avoid having the trans "power flushed" though.

[MrAl]

That is not true. If you ruin an AT by reacing the fluid it is almost dead anyhow. The only liquid known to man that doesn't need to be replaced periodically is human blood. Drain the atf, refill, drive it for a?week or two and drain again. Repeat as long as the fluid is red.

Hi,

Yes that's what i thought too. He said if it works good then dont replace it.

[MrAl]

so I added a small external cooler for his transmission that I attached to the front of the radiator (looks like small radiator).

I have the trans, coolant, and engine oil all segregated. Going strong multiple years later. Just be sure to use properly rated high psi oil hose.

Hi,

That sounds good. I was misquoted here though, it wasnt me who did that custom cooler.

[MrAl]

MrAl,

Drain and fill that ATF. You should be able to get 3-4 qt out by just undoing the drain plug on the transmission. Then fill it up, drive it for a bit than do it again. Then you should have 80% of new fluid in your transmission.

I have a custom all aluminum radiator with no oil nor atf cooler inside the radiator. I added an external engine oil cooler for the engine, and I have no need for ATF cooler since I have a manual transmission.

Hi,

Oh yes, very nice. Mine is new now so hopefully it works for a while