Installing trans-cooler 0n 83 mc9

[Busnut83]

Hi jack,,, this is michael about to install a trans-cooler??
Wanting your or this boards opinion and expertise..... Found a cooler at napa--$125.... have a couple of auto radiator fans....
which trans line do I need to run and which way is the air flow.... Thank for the 3 pics !!!! do you have any more especially the trans line.

[JackConrad]

   There are 4 large hoses coming out of the transmission. 2 are for the cooler and 2 are for the filter.  The output from the transmission for the cooler is near the top of the transmission on the drivers side near the vent. I ran this to the new cooler I installed. From the new cooler I ran a hose to the OEM cooler (where the other end of the hose I removed was connected). The hose from the OEM cooler to the transmission can be left in place (unless the hoses condition is questionable). It was probably overkill, but I had hydraulic hoses made for the hoses I replaced. I know they will last.
    I connected my fan to bring outside air in, but found that my fan would shut down. I finally determined that the fan was fighting the natural air flow. I reversed my fan direction so it now pulls air out and have had no further problems. In actual use, I rarely run the fan except on long pulls. I have found that all temperature stay about 10 degrees cooler than before the cooler was added without the fan.
    Jack

[Busnut83]

Thanks Jack,,,
I think I can do this and feel this will work,,, (stand by)  I know i'll have some stupid question later !!!!!!!

[TomC]

I just bought a Hayden transcooler with an electric fan that is 24" wide x 19" tall and is rated to remove 33,000btu.  Also got a 180 degree thermostat that will be mounted on the cold side coming out of the cooler.  The cooler should have 1 inch fittings, be high flow for specific use with Allison transmissions.  The main way you can tell is most coolers have the single line curve back and forth in the fins to the end.  The Allison rated coolers look like a metal pipe on each side with the cooling tubes going straight across to the other pipe.  It is very important that you get a cooler that is rated for the high flow that an Allison requires.  I know my transmission (V730) is creating more heat since when my engine was turbo'd by Don Fairchild, he took the engine cradle without the transmission and had it dynoed without any heating problems with a full throttle run up for 30 minutes.  Putting the air to oil supplemental trans cooler on the hot line between the transmission and the factory shell cooler is the way I am going to do it.  Then when it is cold, the shell cooler will actually keep the transmission from getting too cold.  Good Luck, TomC

[busnut104]

Tom where did you get you hayden cooler. Thanks.

[JackConrad]

Tom,
    That is the same cooler we used. I was amazed at how much difference it made. We did not add a thermostat because I was afraid restricting the flow when cold might cause some problems in the transmission. With the fluid going from the Hayden cooler to the OEM cooler before returning to the transmission, we have not seen any noticible delay in the transmission coming up to operating temperature. NOTE: we have not spent anytime in cold weather, that might make a difference in warm up times.  Jack

[TomC]

You can find the cooler at www.bulkpart.com and pull up Allison transcooler.  The one I have is at the bottom-part #DB-341DC-12.

As to the thermostat that is provided, you have to install a T fitting so the thermostat is not obstructing the flow, but can still "feel" the fluid temp.  I will also install some vents on the engine door and on the side where the transcooler will go. I have all the parts for my mister system now, should get that in this weekend.  Good Luck, TomC

[Busnut83]

Again this is what makes this forum so great.... ex. the time I was spending trying to make or guess the size,fan, etc... someone here has been there or already done that!!!!! I will order mine first thing come morning!!!! Thanks to all and  Jack ...

[ChuckMC8]

here's mine on the drivers side rear most door on my MC8-It has 24Volt Hayden fan.
Cooler is 18" x 24"x 3".
I need the switch to turn the fan on automatically........Jack, did you install one? If do, what temp and where to get one?

[Busnut83]

Chuck,,, great looking bus,,, should be a centerfold in the busconversion mag!!!!!

I am thinking of running the top line from the top of the driverside trans to the cooler---new line... then the bottom of the cooler to the old line I took from the top---- less work is the only reason... What do you or Jack think?

[JackConrad]

Chuck,
   I just have a switch on the driver's left switch panel with a red LED indicator light. I rarely even turn on the fan. I am quessing that all the air the squirrel cage fans shove into the engine compartment and possibly a low pressure area on the outside of the bus create an adequate air flow. Remember the louvers in the side doors on the MC-7?

Busnut83,
   I don't quite follow what you are asking.  If you replace the line coming off the top of the transmission to the cooler, then connect the bottom of the cooler to the old line, where do you plan to attach the other end of the old line?  Jack

[Busnut83]

Jack,,, that line is still attached to the engine cooler ?