trans cooler out of AC

[madhat]

Ok, so I have this old house AC...it has a huge like 30 pass condenser(?) and the piping on it is just as big as a transcooler line. Would this make an awsome transcooler or would it be too long of a distance to pump for a stock pump, as opposed to the 6 pass transcooler I have yet to install?

 

[Shane]

I always wondered about this too. I've thought about modifying the stock AC condenser to be a tranny cooler.

TTT

 

[RBE17]

I've sold AC condensors at swap meets to people wanting to use them as tranny coolers. Quite a few people told me it works great. I plan on trying it in my truck.

Later,


Steve.

 

[Shane]

Would the pressure drop be too much though?

 

[RBE17]

Originally posted by Shane
Would the pressure drop be too much though?

I'm not sure. How much of a pressure drop is too much?

One guy told me he had a slipping tranny in a car. The AC didn't work and he used the condensor as a tranny cooler. The tranny never slipped again. He then went on to tell me he blew the motor before the tranny.

Later,


Steve.

 

[madhat]

tell you what...I'll go ahead and do it and I'll let yall know.

 

[Shane]

I thought about doing it today, but I didn't for two reasons:

I woke up late because I'm wicked lazy.

I think you would have to thouroughly (sp?) flush out the R12. Being as it's a CFC it will thin out the tranny fluid quite a bit. Anyone think of a good way to flush it out?

 

[madhat]

Auto trans fluid itself? What do the trans shops that glush coolers/etc use...I learn in my auto trans class, but forgot...maybe its in one of my manuals.

 

[Shane]

So what are you saying? Run it for a while in park, and change the fluid?

 

[WE4]

Great Idea..

We used to do it with Chryslers all the time. Ac condensors work great. Big tho. On Small ones, it passes through too quickly. They are designed to hold a HELLUVA alot more pressure than a trans will ever see. And, there is no effect on the flow or large path. Just more fluid required but volume area stills stays at the same pressure, if you understand the theory.
Anyway, best deal going actually and easy to plumb.
Now here is the bad part.
If you live here out west, and have no a/c , tranny cooler is not your biggest problem
LOL

Bruce
WE4

 

[Shane]

Bruce,
You'd be an expert on this... how can I flush out the condenser? I figure you would know how to do it right.

 

[WE4]

Brakeleen and lots of air. Blow it out REAL good.
No big deal.

Bruce
WE4