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Transmission cooler or not Thread

Discussion in '2.5 Gen Tundras (2014-2021)' started by Mad Max, Oct 12, 2020.

  1. Oct 14, 2020 at 3:35 AM
    #91
    Bammer

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    Axe in hand and ready to attack General. :infantry:
     
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  2. Oct 14, 2020 at 4:56 AM
    #92
    Dragracer_Art

    Dragracer_Art New Member

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    I'm not understanding why so many are worried about warranty coverage on the transmission ???

    We all know it's a very well-built and well proven, durable transmission.

    In all likelihood... the transmission will be well out of the warranty coverage period anyway if/when it fails... and eventually it WILL fail. They all do eventually. The question is... how soon do you want your transmission to fail ? 100k miles ? 150k ? 250k+ ?

    The average daily commuter won't likely ever use the truck hard enough to harm anything during the warranty period.

    For owners that pull a lot of weight or tow frequently... it would be wise to add the aux trans cooler. This is nothing new.

    In every instance and without question... it is ALWAYS better to run a transmission at or below engine operating temps. This has been common knowledge for as long as automatic transmissions have been built. If you want long or extended life from an automatic transmission, you need to control the temperature.

    Now since the internet came along... everyone with a keyboard is an instant armchair expert and wants to debate common knowledge and common sense.

    I cant believe we continue to beat this dead horse. (I am just as guilty by responding to another one of these threads.):rofl:

    And for the record... I have been building cars, engines and transmissions since 1982.

    I put the cooler on my truck and pinned the T-stat open for the most effective cooling capacity. My trans pan temps average around 170 degrees and fluctuate between 150-190 depending on driving conditions.
    Prior to the aux cooler, it wasn't unusual for pan temps to reach 225+ degrees.

    All these temps were taken WITHOUT any weight in the truck and WITHOUT a trailer.

    Screenshot_20201014-080440_Gallery.jpg

    Before the cooler install:

    Screenshot_20201014-080928_Gallery.jpg

    This is what it looks like at idle and parked a few minutes:

    Screenshot_20201014-081244_Gallery.jpg
     
    Last edited: Oct 14, 2020
  3. Oct 14, 2020 at 5:08 AM
    #93
    Robster80

    Robster80 New Member

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    Whwre d
    Where did u order the cooler from ?
     
  4. Oct 14, 2020 at 5:17 AM
    #94
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  5. Oct 14, 2020 at 5:51 AM
    #95
    Mad Max

    Mad Max [OP] New Member

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    I bought mine knowing it didn't have a cooler, and it didn't show one on the window sticker. If I had a 2018/2019 that showed a cooler on the window sticker the dealership which sold it to me would be served a petition from the court demanding $2500. (you bought from dealership not Toyota!!!! you are the third owner, Toyota first, dealership second, then you) Sounds real challenging, wrong, in Texas $119 for small claims, one page form you populate on-line. Court runs with it, court hires Constable to deliver, no response you win by default but trust me they will respond. Slam dunk case. You will never go in front of jury, If you did you win, my guess you will get free extended warranty, or they will install a cooler. You will sign a non-disclosure so you wont be able to brag.

    Screw customer service, screw opening a case with Toyota, pay $119 and sit back and wait.

    I have wasted countless hours with insurance companies, jerking off. No more, they offer I reject, small claims. $1400 to $8500 in 22 minutes worth of work using the courts.
     
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  6. Oct 14, 2020 at 5:56 AM
    #96
    Cpl_Punishment

    Cpl_Punishment Young men never die.

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    I think this was asked earlier but I'm not sure if we got an answer or not: any risk of running the transmission too cold? (Obviously more of a concern for me in Canada than for you in GA.)
     
  7. Oct 14, 2020 at 6:00 AM
    #97
    Mad Max

    Mad Max [OP] New Member

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    If below 100F you will accumulate moisture in your transmission, your engine has to work harder to overcome the higher viscosity, at minimum I would GUESS you want 160f or above. My guess no data to support. Optimum for longevity is 180F with synthetic old transmission 170F.

    Again if I have a transmission problem the cooler will be removed before going to dealer. Then again if truck proves problematic it will be gone, highly unlikely, i can already appreciate the refinement over GM and Ford!
     
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  8. Oct 14, 2020 at 6:03 AM
    #98
    timsp8

    timsp8 Former Tundra owner for 13 years

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    The thermostat has a wax type substance in it that opens when it gets warm. Mine is around 190/195. It seems like it’s a little different for different trucks. When your transmission is cold, it’s closed and the fluid bypasses the cooler.

    Plus you still have the “warmer” running coolant to the transmission next to the thermostat.

    2A53DCE4-7B91-4509-86CB-10C3D00ED166.jpg
    D9B01389-F5CA-48DC-8986-BA1C4F50DDC1.jpg
     
  9. Oct 14, 2020 at 6:05 AM
    #99
    Cpl_Punishment

    Cpl_Punishment Young men never die.

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    So ideally someone with a 2019+ would install the cooler and thermostat but not pin the thermostat open.
     
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  10. Oct 14, 2020 at 6:08 AM
    #100
    timsp8

    timsp8 Former Tundra owner for 13 years

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    I edited my post above and added the diagrams. I pinned mine, and it ran around 170-180. I read posts of 19+ owners saying don’t pin it, just let it do its job and they were running 30-50 degrees cooler than before, at around 180-190.

    If you live in a cold climate, I wouldn’t pin it.
     
  11. Oct 14, 2020 at 6:13 AM
    #101
    timsp8

    timsp8 Former Tundra owner for 13 years

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    The issue with that is part #33490-34010, which used to be called a warmer as in the diagram above, is now called a cooler by Toyota. It’s retroactive too as it says it fits 07-20. While the effectiveness is in question, technically they did sell you a truck with a transmission cooler.

    https://toyotaparts.mcgeorgetoyota.com/oem-parts/toyota-trans-cooler-3349034010
     
  12. Oct 14, 2020 at 6:32 AM
    #102
    Mad Max

    Mad Max [OP] New Member

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    There you go, Toyota has their own attorneys. You wont be successful it says "cooler". Sorry I didn't know that. I thought about the extended warranty and its a incredible option, problem is I am not giving anymore money to Toyota. I bought the kit and gave the money to him. On the flip side I am older and have disposable cash and time. If I was younger and had house payments, credit card payment, no I wouldn't be installing a cooler. Even though the warranty cost more it adds to resale if you do sale.
     
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  13. Oct 14, 2020 at 6:35 AM
    #103
    timsp8

    timsp8 Former Tundra owner for 13 years

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    I completely agree and think they shouldn’t have removed the real cooler or figured one out even with the new freon and condenser. They could’ve even added it as a package for $1000 or so and no one would even be talking about it.
     
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  14. Oct 14, 2020 at 6:43 AM
    #104
    Dragracer_Art

    Dragracer_Art New Member

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  15. Oct 14, 2020 at 11:32 AM
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    Robster80

    Robster80 New Member

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  16. Oct 14, 2020 at 11:34 AM
    #106
    timsp8

    timsp8 Former Tundra owner for 13 years

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  17. Oct 14, 2020 at 11:39 AM
    #107
    Bammer

    Bammer I'm disinclined to acquiesce your request.

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    Or adapter plate.
     
  18. Oct 14, 2020 at 4:53 PM
    #108
    Jtundra81

    Jtundra81 Just a member

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  19. Oct 14, 2020 at 5:56 PM
    #109
    Jtundra81

    Jtundra81 Just a member

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    Dropping my truck next week at the dealer for fuel pump recall, I will check if they are willing to install the cooler and for how much
     
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  20. Oct 14, 2020 at 6:00 PM
    #110
    sask3m

    sask3m New Member

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    The only reason for pinning the thermostat open is to allow trans fluid to flow through the cooler when adding fluid, otherwise just leave it unpinned.
     
  21. Oct 15, 2020 at 7:21 AM
    #111
    Jtundra81

    Jtundra81 Just a member

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    Hey guys , saw one YouTube video posted by a gentleman who installed Hayden 679 cooler on his 19 tundra
    https://youtu.be/NY1y2GsQsC8

    He used push pins that comes with the cooler to secure the cooler to the condenser to note that spacers are also provided to keep a bit of a space between the cooler and condenser.
    No impact to AC / coolent temps the way it is mounted and seems to be very secured .
    He now runs 185-190 average after cooler installation.
    What do you guys think about the way it is mounted

    E569038C-E5EA-4710-8500-CFEC718B53C7.jpg
    FB34134F-91F7-4AA9-B16B-8620126FC341.jpg
    5B2E8A65-4F11-49A8-ABB3-3FD35F164101.jpg
     
  22. Oct 15, 2020 at 7:33 AM
    #112
    shawn474

    shawn474 Lego connoisseur

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    I guess my question was more related to the fact that I am confident with the transmission and Toyota's explanation.....BUT I do tow a travel trailer, utility trailer and sometimes long distances with steep grades multiple times a year. IF the transmission IS IN FACT a liability as some are suggesting, it would be under warranty IF it was untouched. Once we put the cooler on it, we COULD be denied warranty coverage regardless of if you remove it or not.

    I KNOW i want to put the cooler on my truck to hopefully prevent long term issues.....but not at the expense of voiding a warranty that would potentially cost me thousands. I am actually going to call Jennifer at Wolverine Toyota - I am exploring the option of installing the cooler and purchasing the platinum warranty to see if they will cover transmission work with the purchase of the extended warranty after installing a cooler. Sure it may be wayyyyyyy overkill, but peace of mind is worth it to me.
     
  23. Oct 15, 2020 at 7:35 AM
    #113
    Dragracer_Art

    Dragracer_Art New Member

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    Thats how it was done years ago... but no way I would trust that going through both cores (AC + radiator)
    Eventually the plastic zip-ties will wear through or damage the cores.

    The best way to mount the aux cooler is independent of everything else, on it's own mount/brackets.
    The Tundra fan is way overkill and pulls a ton of air through the grille. Mount that aux cooler anywhere behind the grille and it will work fine.

    Just stand in front of your truck with the engine running. You can feel it pulling a ton of volume through the grille.

    So many try to overthink this... but it just isnt that critical. The most important thing is to mount it securely and somewhere in the airstream behind the grille.

    I'd be more concerned with all the uninsulated, unprotected rubber hose running from the thermostat to the cooler. They are routed through some risky territory and he should have opted for the OEM hoses and lines through there.

    The OEM stuff is routed tight against the engine/pan area and will end right under the serpentine belt. Then you only need to run rubber hose a short distance.
     
    Last edited: Oct 15, 2020
  24. Oct 15, 2020 at 7:49 AM
    #114
    Dragracer_Art

    Dragracer_Art New Member

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    Again... I don't think this transmission will expire while under warranty... I think instead of seeing a lifespan of 300k+ miles (with cooler)... you could see heat related problems between 100k-150k instead... and usually that mileage is well beyond what any warranty will buy anyway. The transmission wont be a liability until it's in the 100k+ zone and out of warranty. This was my point in the post you quoted.

    Bottom line is... the sooner the cooler goes on your truck, the longer the transmission will last. That is proven fact, time and time again for decades with any transmission brand.

    And for the record... I have no skin in this game and nothing to gain if someone does/doesn't install a cooler.

    It's just painful and frustrating to see folks arguing over something so obviously beneficial. After 38 years of wrench-turning, this cooler upgrade is an obvious no-brainer to me... regardless of any possible warranty implications... and with that said... a properly installed and functioning aux cooler will have ZERO negative impact on a transmission. I dare anyone to prove otherwise or show a transmission warranty claim denied as a result of an aftermarket cooler installation.

    After learning of the '19+ transmission temperatures... I immediately purchased the OBD bluetooth device and software to monitor my temperatures... and added the cooler before my truck had 2500 miles on it.
    I have complete peace of mind and the temps are perfectly normal now.
     
    Last edited: Oct 15, 2020
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  25. Oct 15, 2020 at 8:10 AM
    #115
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    :amen:
     
  26. Oct 15, 2020 at 8:24 AM
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    Mad Max

    Mad Max [OP] New Member

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    I watched the video above, what a disaster waiting to happen. It was summarized at the end where he was "topping" it off with a guess of aftermarket transmission fluid. 2019 Tundra and he cant afford the Toyota fluid at $9.99 quart. I hope he wasn't complete on installation as one of his 3/8" rubber hoses was 1/4" from his exhaust pipe. Bottom line with hose, thermostat, and cooler he is at $350 would have been $355 but he got aftermarket fluid, lol. Easier ways to save money.
     
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  27. Oct 15, 2020 at 8:35 AM
    #117
    Dragracer_Art

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    The WS Aisin fluid is easy to find.
    I ordered mine here:
    https://www.summitracing.com/parts/asn-atf-0ws

    My aux cooler install took exactly 1qt of WS fluid to top off and correct the trans fluid level... and it was done "by the book".
     
    Last edited: Oct 15, 2020
  28. Oct 15, 2020 at 7:57 PM
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    14burrito

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  29. Oct 16, 2020 at 7:43 AM
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    betotundra

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  30. Oct 16, 2020 at 10:03 AM
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    ColoradoTJ

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