I'm Swapping F150 to F250 Cooler - Need Efficiency Info Quickly
 

I was in the middle of swapping my stock F150 trans cooler for a 250 unit I picked up, got to mounting it, and noticed there doesn't seem to be that much size difference when you take into account total area of cooling fins. Maybe my logic is flawed. :confused:

F150 Cooler (Bad shot, but best I can do with the angle)
Measures 8.25" x 6.75" x 2" for total of 117 sq. in. (11 rows)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...0/IMG_1528.jpg

F250 Cooler
Measures 20.25" x 5.25" x 1.25" for total of 133 sq. in. (9 rows)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...0/IMG_1527.jpg

Is this F250 cooler going to be that much better than the F150 unit is already? Is it worth the hassle? (I'm going to have to cut the stock hard lines, and then there's really no going back.)

Any learned info will be greatly appreciated (and the quicker the better, because I'm stopping work until I figure this out).

Thanks to all.

Andy

its all gonna boil down to price. the sd cooler has a marginal increase in size, more surface area for cooling.

I personally got a Derale unit with an designated e-fan on it. they have several sizes, and passes available. mine was around $150?


plus I prefer tube and not plate coolers.

The one in the pic is the one I'm currently installing. I'm just wondering how much more efficient it will be compared to the factory one already installed.

I also need to know which line is in, and which is out on the new one if anyone knows.

Andy

in/out in my little mind really shouldnt matter? as long as it goes from one end to the other its gonna get cooled.


Sorry I don't have anything else for ya on this, I dont remember stumbling across any kind of evaluation between the two to get a efficiency difference.

I don't think direction really matters, either. I'd just prefer to set it up in the factory direction.

As for effifiency, it must be at least somewhat better than the F150 unit, or I'd guess they would have used that in the 250 as well.

Either way, it's got to be worth the $40 I'll have into it.

Andy

Definitely worth $40 imho. where its mounted even the mechanical fan will help keep temps down.

They both look small compared to the unit I have on my '07 4x4. I wondering if they changed the size for greater efficiency...

I didn't even think of that. That's a great point. I was concerned that my in-grille lights and the center latch area would degrade performance, but the fan will be pulling bunches of air in, as well.

My temps on the highway were usually in the 175-180 range while cruising, so long as I kept the TC locked. If I got sloppy and let it slip, though, it would immediately start to climb. My temps would also climb quickly around town where the TC is usually unlocked, as well. Maybe the new position with some fan-fed air will help with that, as well.

Here's a pic of the unit mounted up. I had to extend the lower brackets to reach the body, but I usually enjoy a challenge. ;) Going to NAPA tomorrow to get an in-line filter, then it should be ready to go!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...1531Medium.jpg

Andy

Just out of curiosity, what are the measurements on that one? Any pics, as well?

Andy

Nice setup IMO... I would think that a trans cooler spec'd for the SD that has a GVWR several thousand pounds more and a much higher GCWR (#20,000) then any F150, has to be more efficient then what is spec'd for the F150.... ;)

Now, I'm only running the stock cooler on my '97 and my trans temps are in line with yours (my trans temp gauge IS taken from the trans output line..)

When I'm towing my #5000 TT, I've seen a high trans temp of *210 and that was pulling a 5-6% grade on a 90* + day. I even had the A/C running in the cab!

Once I got to the top and started down, the trans temp went back down to around 190*.

You may see the same trans temps on your empty day to day driving, but when you are towing, that's probably when you'll see your temps stay lower...

Only a guess, but since you've gone this far, I'd say go for it...

I would question the trans filter, as you don't want to disrupt the fluid flow, as that could cause higher temps and higher line pressure, which could affect the actual trans operation??? Dunno on that, but I've "heard" that could be bad??

But, I've got over 208,000 miles on my trans and have been towing my TT since 2002 and all I've ever done is change the trans fluid on a regular basis....:)

Mitch

Under normal cruise towing our 4000 pound trailer, I think it was settling in about 180°. On hills with an unlocked converter, my temps would spike over 220° if I didn't get it locked back up. (I have my sensor in the same place as you do.)

As for the filter, THIS TSB states the filter should be added any time a trans is rebuilt, etc. to avoid possible contamination of the new/rebuilt unit after cleaning of the rest of the system. I can't see it as being too detrimental to flow if Ford is putting it in on warrantied work. The main reason I'm going to put it in is because I got this cooler used, and can't be sure it's totally "gunk free." I'll feel better installing a $23 filter to protect my $1900 rebuild. :thumbsup:

Andy

EDIT: HERE is info on the filter itself. It's specifically designed for transmission (and power steering) use.

Interesting info on that filter... I had it in my mind that it was one of those adapters that then used a standard engine oil filter... I've seen them where they are spec'd to use the big FL1-A oil filter...

And using a 'used' trans filter, it would be wise to 'bench flush' as much as you can on it too.

I think you'll see a difference, as that part of the grill area does draw in a lot of air, even at idle. Mine will suck in a large beach towel flat up against the grill and hold it there! Shut the engine off and the towel will falls to the ground....

Good luck with it all and report back your towing temps... I'd be interested to see if there is a drop, especially in stop and go traffic... Mine will get to 210* in those situations as well...;)

Mitch