OldnDecrepit
Current the auto in my 1990 740 is cooled by the oil going through both the radiator and a small cooler sandwiched between the radiator & the ac cooler. I want to improve on this setup so what should I do?
Do I bypass the radiator part and install a bigger cooler? This option seems relatively straight forward and has the advantages of better cooling for both the engine and transmission. Also stops the auto getting ruined if the pipes in the radiator leak.
What are the best options?
Vee_Que
Yes. Bypass the radiator cooler. Its what I do to every auto car I own. Remove the stock extra cooler, buy a 6 cylinder spec pwr trans cooler and fit that.
egads (she/her)
The rad heater is only needed in cold climates to get the fluid up to temp and keep it there. Nowhere in aus would need that (excluding people who live in the alpine villiages).
deleted_user_160
to keep it at a nominal, consistent temp. as apposed to cooling it.
alex has a good set up on his.
i needed a temp fix for mine when i fried the fluid and the radiator cooling core was leaking into my coolant (the factory external cooler wont cut the mustard alone, if you give it some steam)
so given that i had two factory coolers. i added a second into the loop. worked exceptionally well. but was a temp until i did the aussie T5 swap
OldnDecrepit
Vee_Que,
any particular cooler you could recommend?
Vee_Que
OldnDecrepit
Thanks Vee_Que.
OldnDecrepit
By the way Vee_Que, there's a version of that cooler with standard 3/8 barbs and another with Dash6 fittings.
Which would you suggest?
Vee_Que
You will need the one with barbs. Not seen the dashy fittings ones. You will need to do some work to make it fit the piping from the stock one and bypassing the radiator cooler too.
OldnDecrepit
Yes, I've been looking at what's required. I was thinking that the Dash6 fittings might make the connections easier, assuming I could find hoses with the appropriate fittings.
It looks like my 960 doesn't have a cooler at all (just the internal radiator one) so I might pick up the 8 cylinder one for it while I'm buying.
deleted_user_160
from memory only 740T got the coolers.
having a large 6cyl external cooler will be sufficient.
OldnDecrepit
Jay, there a very small transmission cooler on my 1990 740 GLE but none on my 1996 960. Both cars have the cooling going through the radiator but I intend to bypass this. There's $8 difference between the 6 (280mm x 150mm x 19mm) and 8 (280x200x19) cylinder coolers.
deleted_user_160
grab the bigger one then. $8 is much of a muchness.
yes they are a small tank type cooler. by them selves they dont have the capacity to cool under spirited driving. how ever with two they do very well. as i did for a short period before i swapped to manual.
OldnDecrepit
Yes, I think I'll buy the 8cylinder version for both cars.
I don't think the transmission oil will get too cold here in sunny Qld.
Vee_Que
Yeah you won't have an issue.
And most Volvos have the oil coolers in the 7s and 9s Jay.
deleted_user_160
didnt see one in your 760? is there one in our 9?
Vee_Que
It came off when I upgraded it years ago to a giant one....
OldnDecrepit
This kit is now on the way for installation in Inga (my 740). If it proves to be good quality, I'll order another for Sofia (my 960).
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/AUTOMATIC-TRANSMISSION-OIL-COOLER-HEAVY-DUTY-KIT-/121602163989
It should easily handle the cooling with the radiator bypassed.
