Looking for a good ATF cooler for 2006 accord 2.4

[mitsuman47]

We'll be going on a trip from East Texas through the Rocky Mountains this summer. The car will be loaded down with 3 people, two of those being women....so, lots of luggage. I figured this would be a good time to install a trans cooler and maybe even a remote trans filter.

Anyone know of a good kit that installs relatively easy (little to no modification to the car) and is reliable?

 

[EricZoom]

I put a B&M ATX cooler on my Mazda6 from Summit Racing, that installed easy, and works great. Should be fine for your Honda.

 

[mitsuman47]

Thanks for the reply.

Does that kit come with a thermostat?

 

[rshaw125]

Originally Posted By: mitsuman47
Thanks for the reply.

Does that kit come with a thermostat?


Why would you need one? Filter. magnefine.

 

[mitsuman47]

I've always been under the impression that trans fluid operates in a specific temp/viscosity range just like engine oil. So, I'd hate for the trans to never get to operating temp during the cooler months of the year.

 

[rshaw125]

Originally Posted By: mitsuman47
I've always been under the impression that trans fluid operates in a specific temp/viscosity range just like engine oil. So, I'd hate for the trans to never get to operating temp during the cooler months of the year.


The only time I have heard of this being an issue is for people in very cold areas like Canada. My Intrepid has a factory cooler and no thermo. never a problem.

 

[Dave Sherman]

I put on on my ex-wife's Subaru, and it came from Summit Racing. My brother in law (who worked at Summit) and I agreed that if you put the new cooler BEFORE the stock cooler in the radiator, then it will work best since the fluid will be hottest coming right out of the transmission. That way, even if it the extra cooler ends up cooling things too much, the fluid will then go to the one in the radiator and get warmed up.

That said though, I think it would be overkill unless you plan on towing something.

 

[SteveSRT8]

Lots of modern cars run a thermostat in the cooler lines now. As stated above, the trans likes a specific temp for best operation. Many PCM's will alter trans performance when cold, so too cold can cause a host of issues.

My car actually segregates the trans fluid from the coolant even though the radiator is all one piece. Better make sure yours doesn't do the same!

 

[unDummy]

A thermostat is required to prevent over-cooling, especially if cooler is over-sized. If no thermostat, pick the smallest member of the line of coolers you choose.

Some of the ATF coolers use 'viscosity' as a pseudo-thermostat. If the ATF is too thick(cool), it can't flow through the cooler and takes an easier un-cooled route out of the cooler.

If you buy a cooler, typically it WON'T have a thermostat. It is for you to plumb in an H-type oil/ATF thermostat.

Does your model offer a factory tow option, or improved AT cooling depending on drive-train? If so, pick the cooler up at the salvage yard. No thermostat is needed because its not 'over sized'.

The best option is to flush the transmission with a full synthetic ATF. 3 people and some luggage isn't too much work for a typical vehicle.

Research whether your Honda already has a inline filter. Many do and dealers are clueless about it until you give them the PN. If it does, replace it before your trip.

And, if you get a Permacool/B&M type remote ATF filter, it'll use a ~quart sized 'oil filter'. Its usually provides all the added cooling that some need. And, you have the option for using the so-called 2-quart filter too. If there is no space, then use a 1/2-quart sized filter.

 

[wiswind]

Make sure that your vehicle does not already have an auxillary transmission fluid cooler.
I ordered my cooler from the bulkpart website.
I ordered the "TruCool LPD" Transmission cooler.
THIS is the type of cooler mentioned above that will flow the cool fluid through the bigger tubes and thinner, warm fluid through the smaller tubes.
This gives you MORE cooling for warmer fluid and LESS cooling for cooler fluid.
LPD stands for "Low Pressure Drop".
I installed mine so that the fluid flows from the transmission, through the in-radiator cooler, through the auxillary cooler, through the Magnefine filter, and back into the transmission.
This is how the coolers are set up on my vehicle if it had the factory auxillary transmission fluid cooler......2003 Toyota Sienna.

I also ordered and installed a Magnefine filter.
You will need to know the size of your hose in order to select the correct size filter.
However, as mentioned above, make sure that your vehicle does not already have a filter installed.

 

[Ken2]

Long Mfg. (division of Dana), makers of the Tru-Cool coolers, also make the same cooler with labels for B&M, Tekonsha, and others. The "Made in Canada" is the tell-tale. I have one of these and it works well.

I know of no thermostat for ATF. It should work in about the 140°F range, while an engine oil thermostat is set for 180°F (yes, that is the correct normal engine oil temperature leaving the engine).

All that said, I'm not sure the Accord needs the additional cooler. If in doubt, change to synthetic ATF. If the fluid looks cooked when you return from your trip (which I'll doubt), change it again.

 

[SuperDave456]

+1 For the changing your fluid.

I have installed Magnefine's on 2 Ford Taurus's, a small bus, and a B&M in line filter that takes Quart sized filters.

On all of them I did a line flush followed by a pan drop.
After cleaning the pan I would do any mods, like adding the magnefine or B&M.

I would suggest you change your fluids to a full synthetic first, then if you still have an itch get a magnefine for extra filteration.
If you are still worried look into the B&M filter. That extra quart will absorb a LOT of heat and will provide extra fluid capacity for your transmission.

Even if your passengers are heavy, and your luggage is heavy, I think your transmission will be best off with fully synthetic fluid. Everything else is just bonus, possibly overkill, for the solution that you are looking for.

As it is also the easiest way, and most reliable way, to extend the life of your transmission that would be the first step to take.

 

[wiswind]

The cooler that I have in my post above is for my Toyota Sienna minivan.
Minivans use a car engine and transmission and are known for being hard on transmissions.
While the Sienna is one of, if not the best, on transmission reliability among minivans, a cooler is a nice add on a minivan that will be used to haul a load and/or a trailer.
I installed mine before leaving on a mission trip, towing a rental trailer that was over 900 pounds empty.
Needless to say, the trailer was not empty, nor was the van on the 1300 mile trip.

I agree with the above, that a synthetic ATF is a great idea, and one that I do myself.
Make SURE to get a fluid that meets the specifications called for in your owners manual.

The Magnefine filter is a nice addition because the BEST of the internal transmission filters will filter down to about 80 microns.
This is those that have more than a simple screen.
If they filtered to a smaller particle size, then they would have to be replaced more often.
The Magnefine filters down to about 30 microns, which has been shown (I don't have a link to the article that another member linked a while back that stated this) to greatly improve transmission reliability in the modern electronic controlled transmissions with all the fluid solenoids/valves.

The Magnefine has a internal bypass valve that will bypass the fluid past the filter media in the unlikely event that it should become clogged.

It also has a nice big magnet that catches a LOT of stuff, since most all the ATF will pass over the magnet on each pass.
The recommended service life of the Magnefine is about 1 year.
It is about the easiest external filter to install.

I am not qualified to state if a auxillary cooler will be of help on your vehicle in your application.

 

[onion]

I've had a couple of threads on this same modification for my 2004 Accord with a 2.4. Here's where I asked advice:

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubb...417#Post2139417

And here's my cooler installation:

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubb...417#Post2139417

I also just did a 3-quart drain and fill with DW-1. From now on I'll probably continue with DW-1 every 20K.