ATF to Fluid Cooler for my 2003 Centennial

[2000StreetRod]

My 2003 Centennial (Ford 100th anniversary Explorer Limited) is equipped with an ATF to air cooler located behind the A/C condenser and in front of the radiator.

The stock ATF cooling is adequate for normal driving on moderate days. According to my Scan Gauge II the external cooling loop opens when the internal ATF temperature is 170 deg F. When the ambient temperature is below 80 deg F the ATF temperature stays below 180 deg F even during moderate acceleration. However, I suspect on a hot day here in South Carolina with aggressive driving or mountain driving the ATF temperature will exceed 180 deg F. So after pulling my stock 4.6L SOHC V8 and before installing my modified 4.6L DOHC V8 I want to add a liquid (engine coolant) to ATF cooler that has greater heat transfer capacity than an air to ATF cooler. My 2000 Sport double core radiator on a typical summer day maintains an average temperature of 150 deg F. Since that is greater than ambient temperature the ATF flow should be:

5R55S > liquid-to-ATF cooler > air-to-ATF cooler > 5R55S

The photo below from my RatioTek manual shows the 5R55W external cooling loop ports.

The ATF cooler flow test in my 2003 Explorer shop manual identifies the direction of flow for each port.

The upper port is the 5R55S ATF inlet (return line) from the cooler and the lower port is the 5R55S ATF outlet (supply line) the to the cooler. I purchased an F350 Super Duty ATF cooler for my liquid to ATF cooler.

I hope to move the power steering fluid cooler far enough toward the driver side of the cross member to make room for the cooler to be mounted on the passenger side.

I'll have to remove the oil filter splash shield.

 

[CDW6212R]

What fluid do you plan to cool the ATF with, in that cooler?

I'd like a best cooler system for my mail truck, but my low speeds make everything difficult. I've been planning to oversize as much as possible, lower the target temps, external filters, and the Super Duty ATF cooler. I bought another adapter made to control ATF flow to coolers, but it was an OEM unit with odd port shapes and sizes(no NPT etc). So the first one I bought to use a marine T'stat will have to do.

 

[2000StreetRod]

On my Centennial the engine external coolant flow is from the thermostat to the upper right corner of the radiator downward to the lower left corner.

From there the main flow of coolant is the return to the block oil filter/coolant adapter.

There's another port at the bottom of the radiator that connects with a tube and hoses to the degas bottle.

I plan to insert a 1 1/2 x 5/8 x 1 1/2 Tee (Kat's P/N 28115) into the main return line and connect the 5/8 port of the Tee to the ATF cooler coolant return port.

On the passenger side of the radiator the hose to the degas bottle is 1 inch diameter.

So I'll insert a 1 x 5/8 x 1 Tee (Kat's P/N 28113) with the 5/8 port being the coolant supply to the ATF cooler.

 

[CDW6212R]

Very good. I like the later model cooling systems, although filling one is interesting. I've thought about using the 94-04 Mustang parts for my 91 Lincoln, when I put in the 347 and Explorer accessories. The cooling system seems more stable in the few I've owned, 4.6 Crown Vics.

 

[2000StreetRod]

Below is a photo of the planned area for the transmission fluid cooler.

The ATF cooler lines will have to be relocated as will the power steering fluid cooler.

Below is a photo of the planned area for the power steering cooler with the oil filter splash shield removed.

The stock cooler takes a lot of space due to the long tube fittings. Also, the ports are on the wrong side if it is moved significantly toward the driver side. To make things fit I'll probably have to purchase a different configuration power steering cooler. The Derale 13310 shown below may be a good candidate.

It has -6 AN ports and built in mounts.

 

[2000StreetRod]

I removed the power steering fluid cooler and held the ATF cooler in position. It appears that there will be enough room for the ATF cooler and the Derale 13310 cooler so I ordered one.

I won't mount the ATF cooler until I receive the Derale PS cooler. I suspect that I won't have to relocate the rigid ABS brake line.

 

[2000StreetRod]

My local machinist determined that the ATF cooler quick release fitting threads are M18x1.5. I was able to find an M18x1.5 to 6AN adapter on ebay that fits.

It came with a crush washer but I'll remove the O ring from the ATF cooler fitting and install it on the adapter.

 

[2000StreetRod]

The installation of the replacement power steering fluid cooler is complete. With the new configuration there should be adequate room for the F350 coolant cooled ATF cooler.

I was able to use the stock hoses. I shortened the hose from the steering rack and attached it with a 135 degree -6 AN fitting. I used a 90 degree -6 AN fitting for the reservoir hose.

 

[Dono]

Please post the part number of that cooler. My searching has been a fail. This cooler might be much more free flowing than my current radiator atf cooler. It might help reduce back pressure in the ATF cooler line.

 

[2000StreetRod]

The OEM cooler is for 2011 thru 2016 F350 and PN is BC3Z7A095C. I purchased a new one for $60 listed on ebay from an individual who had purchased it new but never installed it. Here's a link to a current ebay listing: https://www.ebay.com/itm/FORD-OEM-11-16-F-350-Super-Duty-Automatic-Transmission-Oil-Cooler-BC3Z7A095C/162769285065?epid=1911169927&hash=item25e5ce2fc9:g:FngAAOSw99Ra1UyH&_sacat=0&_nkw=PN+BC3Z7A095C&_from=R40&rt=nc&_trksid=m570.l1313
You should be able to purchase a used one for a lot less money.

 

[Dono]

Thank you.

 

[2000StreetRod]

The photo below shows the passenger side plumbing for the ATF cooler. I inserted the 1x1x5/8 inch Tee and attached a 5/8 inch hose with a molded 90 degree elbow (Dayco 80404).

The lower left corner of the bottom photo below shows the coolant 90 degree brass elbow and hose with a molded 30 degree bend.

 

[2000StreetRod]

Initial plumbing of the ATF cooler is complete. The photo below shows the driver side plumbing after installation of the lower fan shroud. The lower radiator hose must be disconnected from the radiator for the shroud driver side mounting tab to clear the radiator port. I cut the lower radiator hose and inserted the 1.5 x1.5 x 5/8 inch Tee and attached a 5/8 inch hose with a molded 90 degree elbow (Dayco 80404).

The driver side is shown below.

The upper section of corrugation is to prevent hose abrasion from the power steering fluid cooler. The lower section of corrugation is to prevent the hose from flattening where it bends. When I finish installing the cooling mod upper radiator supply hoses I'll perform a leak check with my hand pump.