Using motorcycle radiator as trans cooler

[kbushnz]

Ok as per the title... Can anyone see any issues with using a motorcycle radiator as a trans oil cooler.
I understand the factory lines that run thru the cooler are the return loop and back to the sump so to speak and are more about flow than pressure.
We are talking the Toyota A340 style auto's
I have several near new radiators.... Shame to see them gather dust.

[churchill]

Never heard of it being done, doesn't mean you cant do it. I would measure the line pressure of the trans cooler line and compare it to the 1 or so bar that the radiator operates at.

I think the galleries on the water radiator are a lot smaller due to the lower viscosity of water, be careful of the pressure drop you might get if running oil through it.

[QUADRACER]

Works fine, and easy if you need a fan.

[tweake]

only problem i can see is pressure. just check what the line pressure is. i know its a low pressure line, just don't know how low.

[kbushnz]

only problem i can see is pressure. just check what the line pressure is. i know its a low pressure line, just don't know how low.

Yes thats my concern too... Going to drop my torque converter off to Auckland Trans and will talk with them also...

[3VILC]

I know its still not exactly what you want to know, but often hydraulic returns are not very high pressure at all, I've seen plenty of forklifts and other machinery where the return hoses from the factory are only held on with those little single wire spring hose clips, even seen a few with garden hose on there (not factory fitment of course haha)! And thats probably in excess of 2000psi input pressure. Not sure if the same would apply in an auto trans tho..

[QUADRACER]

return line low presure hence only a hose clamp used.
used on my winch truck without any issues.

[ChurchurDan]

I cant see any issues with doing it. The extra volume of oil will be an added bonus and if you use the side that has the rad cap on it it will make top ups much easier than pouring it down the dipstick tube ( just don't try it with the engine running).

[mudlva]

I think this could be the biggest issue. As pressure us generated though resistance verse flow as the rpm increases adding flow thus back flow pressure will it start to release pressure via the radiator cap? Potentially dumping the fluid.
Also i dont think you will be able to top up the fluid level as effectively the rad will always be full

[tweake]

i assume he would fit a blanking cap rather than a radiator cap.

[kbushnz]

i assume he would fit a blanking cap rather than a radiator cap.

Yeah I was going to blank it off...