OEM Trans cooler blocked by bumper cover?

[benman]

I have a 2007 Mountaineer Premium V8 with the tow package. While replacing the radiator, I noticed that the stock trans cooler that comes with the tow package is almost completely behind the bumper cover. Only about 2.5 inches sticks up in the opening of the upper grille. It WOULD be exposed in the opening of the bottom grill, but the bumper cover actually covers it completely.

Has anyone else noticed this? There is no way the bottom two thirds of the cooler is getting any direct airflow.

 

[tripplec]

Poor placement, whether the fans are pulling air through it or not is also a question. since they have to space away from the AC condensor. Thing is you're not going to be able to move it without redoing the hoses etc. Unless you tow a lot or heavy towing it should not be a big deal for small 1 -1.5 ton tows as the vehicle is rated to at least 3 tons.

 

[benman]

Right -- I'm not sure where there would be room to move it anyway.

The lower half, even though it extends into the lower opening, is behind a part of the bumper cover that curves out from the opening to seemingly deflect air away from the trans cooler.

The curved part set back in and seems noticeable only if you're looking from a point down level with the opening. I'm considering cutting off the piece that bumper cover to allow direct aiflow to the bottom half. Actually, since the cooler is slanted, air flowing in from the bottom would flow over the entire thing.

Any thoughts on whether that's a good/bad idea? I think it would be barely noticeable when looking at the vehicle.

 

[tripplec]

If its slanted there must be a pressure difference and air is drawn through it. OEM's don't do anything the don't need to especially at the cost of a tranny.

 

[08EddieCA]

It's possible to place a fan and a larger aux cooler - at least on my V6. We did have to fabricate a few minor items and cut out some of the fiberglass support in front. I have a thermostat that controls when the cooler fan kicks on. Some folks think it's overkill. I sort of agree. But, since I just put down a bunch of cash for a new trans, radiator, etc. and the trans guy said heat kills 5R55S transmissions, I opted to install a larger cooler vs stock and us fan. I've had no leaks and in stop and go traffic, the trans temp remains well within the temp range.

I forgot who mentioned this to me but you must plumb it correctly so the output line from the trans goes to the radiator first and then the aux cooler. It isn't pretty but it works and it's practically invisible behind the bumper. Hardest part of the install was removing the front bumper cover to expose the front of the radiator and support.

I didn't cut anything on the bumper or the grill. Granted it isn't pretty while you're getting these items to fit and function. Note there are different types of aftermarket coolers. Some have fins and some have thin plates. If I were to redo this project I would buy the version withe the thin plates.

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[benman]

Thanks for sharing your setup. There's just so little room up there, but it looks like you figured out something that works.