Re: '50 Ultramatic Trans Cooler Lines

Posted by Fish'n Jim On 2024/1/24 10:47:24

I suspect that running them together is suggested because the internal rad mounted also warms the fluid at cold start-up.
With a front exchanger only, may not get to operating temperature and cause sluggish shifting for a while or for the duration. No direct experience, just engr'g practice.

Personally, if your trans is 'overheating' or requiring additional cooling beyond factory, it's due to service/load changes, towing, hilly, etc. or fault in the trans. If that's the case and not just exploring available period options, I'd first opt for a thorough machine cleaning and fluid change depending on the maintenance history. Particulate settles out in the radiator trans coolers, too. Just servicing the trans won't get that and it just recirculates leading to excessive wear.

They did a lot of things in those days that today don't make much sense on inspection. You'll see a lot of new items that come and go each year as the technology was being perfected. Automatics are in their infancy in this period. P was a little more sluggish in that regard with sales lagging expectations while sticking to outmoded, but proven, designs compared to competition. They were more conservative and high end historically.