Re: 55 Packard Transmission Cooler Mockup ?

Posted by HH56 On 2009/12/13 13:14:32

Also think the aux is a good idea and have one similar to KevinAZ's choice mounted in front of radiator.

According to a couple of AC websites, the average drop across a good downflow radiator is 20-35 degrees depending on ambient temp and if car has AC running or not. Assuming no AC, good flow in radiator, a 160 degree thermostat and 80 degree day, then min water temp out should be in neighborhood of 125-140. Obviously best case scenario. At any rate, if those numbers correct whether cooler is in radiator or external path, trans fluid will never be below 125 assuming best case.

Have no idea of how hot trans fluid gets--probably in 200+ range-- and how much flow there is but would assume it moves fairly quickly across the cooler. Probably not much time for transfer. As I recall, the cooler is essentially 2 or 3 flat chambers spaced about 1/4 apart with fluid going in what appears to be in parallel and water surrounding. Fairly large surface area but again, unknown flow rate.

With an aux cooler after the water cooler, then water could remove part and air part so should be fairly cool yet still warm enough when going back to trans. Anyway, even the water cooler beats none at all which was the way a lot of 50's cars came.

EDIT: Haven't heard of that many failing due to leaks between fluid and water but more because the radiator inlet and outlet connections rust away to nothing and spring a leak.