HI All, I have a 1989 Itasca class C motorhome, it has a 460 Ford motor with auto trans. I had the air conditioner in front evacuated and new refill fittings installed. In front of the radiator is the air conditioner coils and in front of that is the transmission oil cooler, all blocking air to the radiator. The motor gets very hot when using the air. I am looking for an remote transmission oil cooler, can anyone suggest the best one to use. I would be looking for size, cfm,cooling rows and brand. I would like to mount it under the floor close to the trans. Or is there another way to fix this problem.Thank you for your help. Jim

Or is there another way to fix this problem.Just something to think about. In a way you're trying to outsmart the OEM that probably has done lots of testing to see what works best. Not saying that is bad. When I researched mine (different model) I found out that I should get what is called a "flow test" to see if cooler is OK. Flow test measurers how restricted or plugged up your cooler might be.However...Ford wanted about $180.00 for test (I didn't know how to do the test) A new replacement cooler with me doing the work was only little bit more. So I just replaced original cooler. Didn't have to mess with new plumbing hoses or other stuff, just replaced cooler. Fixed my problems of running OK most of time but on long upgrades my temps used to get really high.Haven't seen him post in awhile but a retired Ford trans engineer used to comment on here. If I could think of his name you could search his postings.

A cooler like this with its own fan. They come in varying sizes. I'd go with a large one - go big or go home.ClickyBill

I say using the air makes the motor run hot and to want to move the tranny cooler.I don't understand your thinking.Make sure the external of the radiator and condenser is clean. That may be what is blocking the air flow.Also, make sure all openings around the radiator are blocked, forcing the air thru the radiator.

Did you flush your radiator lately? Maybe it's partly clogged.I would make sure the cooling system is working properly before I changed or modified anything.

Thanks everyone, here is my thinking on this. The trans cooler and the air conditioning core is mounted in front of the radiator, all of the heat from these two cores are sending heat through about 1/3 of the radiator core. If I would move the trans cooler to a location under the frame, that would reduce the heat coming from the trans and cooler. The only heat in front of the radiator would be the air conditioning core and would let the motor run cooler when driving around town and up grades. Hope that makes sense. I think I will do more research on remote trans coolers and mounting positions.

Transmission oil cooler | Good Sam Community

jimsretirementf
Explorer
Feb 21, 2016
Sounds good everyone, I'll check out all of your information.
Thank you for all of the information. I am sure this will help.
Jim
Dakzuki
Explorer
Feb 21, 2016
Radiators aren't all that expensive and at that age it has to have some flow degradation. You might be able to get one with a bigger core too.
Gale_Hawkins
Explorer
Mar 13, 2016
JD you make a good point about working OEM parts. I forget what part it was that I said something about changing out when we were doing some repair and the shop owner said just run with the old part because so often NEW aftermarkets failed quickly.

It was not a radiator because about 20 years will mean the old copper ones are going to start having some seam failure possible.
samven1
Explorer
Mar 16, 2016
As was already suggested I would check that the thermostat is opening all the way and that the fan clutch was operating normally. I have heard of people pulling the belt driven fans and installing electric fans like most newer cars use. They can give you better air flow and dont use any horsepower when you need it most, climbing hills.
time2roll
Nomad
Mar 16, 2016
jimsretirementfun wrote:
I did flush the radiator and everything is woking fine. I used an evac system to remove all of the old coolant and put in new coolant, the motor will run at about 180 to 190 when running through very hot temps and up grades if I don't use the air.
Thanks
Should run close to 190 in all conditions afaik. Did you replace the thermostat? I am thinking the thermostat is failed and stuck half open. Seen plenty like this and run fine in normal conditions. A bit slow to warm up.

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