Trans cooler LINE question
 

I've searched and not found a definite answer-- for the stock trans cooler that's internal to the radiator, which line comes from the tranny and which is the return line? One line attaches to the right side of the bottom of the radiator and one to the left. Mine's a '94 with no external filter, so no help there!

Re: Trans cooler LINE question
 

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The line FROM the transmission connects to the radiator on the passenger side.

The return line FROM the radiator TO the transmission connects to the radiator on the driver's side.

http://www.subaru-svx.net/photos/files/How-To/14330.jpg



Just disregard the external ATF filter as external cooler

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Re: Trans cooler LINE question
 

The diagram that John posted can be misleading.
The important part is that the fluid out of the transmission comes from the line that exits the transmission just behind the bell housing.
The line that returns fluid to the transmission goes back farther along the transmission on the drivers side near the tail housing.
The only way to be sure of your cars CURRENT routing is to start at the transmission, and follow the lines.

Re: Trans cooler LINE question
 

Thank you SVXfiles-- That's more helpful since I think my lines into the cooler may have been switched when the previous owner had the tranny rebuilt. I was about to ask the question again in reference to where the lines connect to the tranny, but you beat me to it! (and John, thanks for the diagram, too)

Re: Trans cooler LINE question
 

You are welcome.:)
Any time a person installs a one way only transmission filter, they have to follow it from the transmission lines because its very easy to switch them at the rubber connections.
More than one transmission has been starved of oil because of this easy mistake.

Re: Trans cooler LINE question
 

Ok, so here's my follow-up question: My research on the site seems to be that it's best to install an aftermarket cooler in between the tranny and the stock cooler so that fluid goes from the tranny, into the aftermarket cooler, then into the stock cooler, and back to the tranny. Is that correct?

Re: Trans cooler LINE question
 

Any answer to that question is an opinion.
And my opinion,(and that of LAN) is that if you do anything at all regarding the transmission cooler is to REMOVE THE FACTORY TRANS COOLER FROM THE EQUATION!
If you try to blow air through a stock in-rad trans cooler, you will see just how restricting it is.
Bypass the stock trans cooler and run an aftermarket cooler mounted anywhere you like.

Re: Trans cooler LINE question
 

The problem with that is that in cold climates the stock in-rad trans cooler also heats the trans fluid so it reaches proper operating temperature.

Not doing so causes other problems.

See: http://www.subaru-svx.net/forum/atta...3&d=1270929226

Re: Trans cooler LINE question
 

Then keep track of your transmission temperatures with an SSM.:)

Re: Trans cooler LINE question
 

How does that help?

Re: Trans cooler LINE question
 

For proper transmission opperation you want at least 150°f and less that
200°f.
If you can moniter the temps then you can fit a cooler that is correct for your climate/location.
An SVX in hill country would need a bigger cooler than an SVX where there are no hills, for example.
An SVX in a big city with bumper to bumper traffic would need a bigger cooler than an SVX in "Mayberrry."

Re: Trans cooler LINE question
 

You'r totally missing the point about bypassing the in-rad cooler in cold climates.

Re: Trans cooler LINE question
 

No, I am not.
If you use the proper sized aftermarket cooler, sandwiched between the factory radiator, and the factory AC condenser it works fine, without placing a restriction on the transmission pressures,LIKE THE FACTORY COOLER DOES!

We live just outside Cumberland Maryland and see below 0°f during our winters.
We drive SVXi every day.
With the proper sized cooler it is not a problem, but a way to help our transmissions.

Re: Trans cooler LINE question
 

Thanks for the info, will the trans fluid get to the proper operating temp. on those 0 degree days with that set up?

Re: Trans cooler LINE question
 

Yes, if you located as OT has noted. It will pick up heat from the radiator.

-Bill