Adventra - Fit a Trans Cooler! RECOMMENDED UPGRADE

[routier1642]

Thanks, Nick, but that still doesn't tell me how to *top it up* (not fill it ) from the top radiator connection.
(Which is what I was actually asking about)
The trans is already mostly full - I just wanted to compensate for the extra volume of the trans cooler & hoses.

Don't want to do it from below - I have the full sump/trans bash plate / guard & removing & replacing it is a PITA when it's not on a hoist.

Does it need to be running?
Will oil go everywhere?
Do I just fill it until it spills out?
Never done this.

cheers.

 

[ozNick]

Bash plate - you are serious

Make sure it is off!
Unscrew the top return transmission hose from the radiator (careful not to loose the copper washer).
Attach a flexible hose over the return hose. There is a collar on the return hose which you can stretch over or clamp on to.
Slowly add your transmission fluid via a funnel.

Let me know if that makes sense.

 

[routier1642]

Bash plate - you are serious

Make sure it is off!
Unscrew the top return transmission hose from the radiator (careful not to loose the copper washer).
Attach a flexible hose over the return hose. There is a collar on the return hose which you can stretch over or clamp on to.
Slowly add your transmission fluid via a funnel.

Let me know if that makes sense.

Ah. Thanks - that makes perfect sense.
I was going to try to pour it into the oil cooling part of the radiator!
Glad I asked.

QUESTIONS

1) For expansion/volume purposes, should I make sure the fluid is warm first, or does it not matter that much?

2) When do I stop adding? When the fluid comes back at me?

 

[ozNick]

1) no, just add it from the bottle.
2) good question - I would say about 500ml would be about right for the cooling kit. A bit extra won't hurt.

Use a good Dexron III (synthetic) or Dexron VI.

The only way to really tell that it is full is to have it all the plumbing connected, warm, running via the transmission fill plug. But that is a bit of an issue in your case. I can check my Adventra with the car on the ground.

 

[routier1642]

1) no, just add it from the bottle.
2) good question - I would say about 500ml would be about right for the cooling kit. A bit extra won't hurt.

Use a good Dexron III (synthetic) or Dexron VI.

The only way to really tell that it is full is to have it all the plumbing connected, warm, running via the transmission fill plug. But that is a bit of an issue in your case. I can check my Adventra with the car on the ground.

Thanks. That should do it.

Yes, this is the first car I've owned where I can't check & fill the trans fluid from the engine bay. Odd development.

 

[Adventra_15]

About to attempt the same Trans Cooler fit and would really appreciate your photos that you have.

Thankyou

 

[ozNick]

Do you have the VZ kit recommended in the first post?
If so it comes with all brackets, fittings, hoses and fitting instructions, including photos.

 

[routier1642]

It did take a bit of fiddling, even with the VZ kit.

Unfortunately, I didn't take any photos of the lower parts of the brackets.
Here's a photo of the upper half before the hose fitting.
Some drilling is required -use a nice sharp bit.
You'll figure it out.

http://i1284.photobucket.com/albums/a565/routier1642/Adventra/trans-cooler2_zpsy3lush5g.jpg

 

[Adventra_15]

Thanks for the info and image.

I am installing to an Adventra - so where the instructions say - "remove front bar via 2 screws on outer corners just forward of front wheels" will mean I will have to remove the front plastic undertray section - is that correct.

Thanks guys.

 

[ozNick]

Yeh that's the fun bit.
Removing the two part front bumper is fun and there are quite a few screws.
Look at adding a grill in the lower opening while you're at it,