Transmission cooler actually cooling?

[Frobisher]

I recently found my transmission cooler leaking on my 95 Disco. Not the lines but the actual cooler - so I replaced it with a cooler from Will Tillery. Mine was really shot and rusted through, so I'm curious if my replaced one really is cooling way more or if it's just my imagination. The trans tunnel area (shift selector, parking brake, etc.) doesn't seem to be nearly as warm after a 3 hour drive as it used to be.

Granted, it's 20 degrees cooler air temp now, but is it working that much better? I also did a partial drain and fill with 6 quarts of Valvoline MaxLife ATF. It seemed to mix nicely with the coffee-colored ATF I've been working with for a bit. At 194,000+ miles, we'll see how it does with a little new fluid.

 

[luckyjoe]

ZF trans? I always replace the cooler lines if I’m this far in (helps drain even more fluid). And despite contradictions on the internet, I do replace the ZF filter at recommended intervals. My RRC is filled with Mobil1 synthetic ATF (which I may not have used had I paid attention to what it cost!) and it seems to run a little cooler since last service.

 

[Frobisher]

Yes, it's the ZF trans. I thought about trying to swap out the cooler lines, but I was pinched for time. I may yet need to drop my Y pipe and replace a cat. If so, I'll probably do the filter and the lines at that time. Those lines are a real pain! I removed one off a parts car this summer, and I have no idea how I'd get the one back on. Ouch.

 

[luckyjoe]

Yes, they are a right PITA. If you drop the Y-pipe consider doing all that work at the same time (maybe add sump seal and oil cooler lines too).

 

[Frobisher]

Yes, they are a right PITA. If you drop the Y-pipe consider doing all that work at the same time (maybe add sump seal and oil cooler lines too).

Yes, the old "while you're in there." That's a good call, and it makes a lot of sense. I'm hoping the oil lines are a little easier.