There’s More To Transmission Coolers Than You Think: It’s no secret that heat kills automatic transmissions. And in high-performance street-strip applications or commercial vehicles, the problem is especially acute. Small diameter torque converters coupled with stop-and-go traffic greatly increase the heat level in an automatic transmission. In most cases, the extra performance heat under the hood generated from stop and go driving in hot weather can have the same effect as heavy loads, and trailer towing.
How hot is too hot? The ideal operating temperature for automatic transmission fluid is between 175 and 225° F. At approximately 240° F, important additives in the ATF begin to cook and breakdown. The result is the formation of varnish inside the transmission. At approximately 260° F, internal transmission seals (which are typically manufactured from a polyacrylate material) begin to harden. The end results are leaks, both internal and external, simply because the seals lose their elasticity. At approximately 295° F, transmission clutch plates begin to slip because the oil is breaking down further. At approximately 315° F, seals and clutches effectively burn out. Carbon forms in the oil and for all intents and purposes, the transmission is junk. Just for your information, a typical transmission will die within 2000 miles if subjected to 300° F+ heat.
Perhaps the most common reason for transmission failure is overheating. The second most common reason for failure is related to the first reason. Lack of maintenance. Not changing burnt fluid ASAP, or never having your transmission serviced. Either way is a guaranteed recipe for failure.
If you have had a failure and already installed a replacement transmission, my recommendation is to have your favorite transmission shop install one for you. If you are in need of a remanufactured transmission because of overheating the transmission may I suggest GotTransmissions.com as the best source of transmissions in the continental US.
My tip for anyone with who has a car or truck. Invest in a transmission cooler, have it properly installed and eliminate a big time concern. And have your transmission serviced every year or 30,000 miles. Request Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid. If it is not available at the shop your at, go somewhere else..
GotTransmissions.com @ 866-320-1182.
