Trans cooler install help

In the process of installing my new trans cooler.
Day 1 up on blocks.
Question. Frame level is very
different from trans level.I have read it both ways...which is best ?
Day 2 Install steel tubing. Done but what a batch.
Day 3 (today) Going to do the cooler piping on the trans.
Question . Two hoses with different part #s. Which is the hot (upper) hose. Also both hoses have a colored stripe on one end. One yellow and one white. What does the stripe stand for ?

 

Did you buy a kit or you sourced out all the parts? If it’s a kit them the instructions should say. If you sourced it out, then look on a parts diagram to see which hose goes where. I could tell you what hose is what considering how long ago I did it. There is a video on YT where the guy installs the kit and shows step by step. I will see if I can find it for you.

 

Here’s the install instructions
https://genuinecoolingsystems.b-cdn...Tundra-Setrab-15-Row-Install-Instructions.pdf

 

Here’s the video
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=5DLkja6vXvc

 

Thank you for your reply. I bought a kit from Nick @ Genuine Cooling Systems but instructions do not address the significance of the white & yellow stripes. I will watch the videos again.
The pictures in the instructions are also vague (to me ). Those stripes probably tell a mechanic how to point the hose....stripe towards front ???

 

being that you need to do the level fill check on the trans fluid, I leveled out the transmission from the pan. I will say that in my case at least, the frame and tranny were pretty close to the same level.

 

Mine are very different.

 

I just sent a email to Genuine Cooling...waiting for reply.

 

The hose should only go one way. They are molded to fit a specific way. Color should have no meaning since both are made of the same material and are side/position specific. If you know where each one goes then just flip it back and forth to see which way it fits better. Don’t over think it, it’s just a hose.

 

Ok. Thanks for your reply. I will figure it out under the truck...instead of at the kitchen table.

 

I think this photo should help, as it shows the hoses connecting to the thermostat.

 

Sure does help ! Your pic shows the yellow and white stripes that I have been talking about. Thank you !

 

Hope the rest of your install goes well. I'm glad I happened to have a photo from my install last year.

If you update your location, you may find some local guys willing to help out.

 

Looking for help with OBD connection to phone...Venice Fl

 

Same here. I put a magnetic level under the transmission pan and checked it multiple times. I rotated it in 90’s to make sure it was level left-right/front/back. I found they were both the same. I’m guessing the pan is more important as the frame has rivets which inhibit good checks.

 

Exactly what I did but i went further and used a digital angle finder and made sure I had the front to back and side to side within 1 degree (I dont recall where i read or saw this number of 1 degree but I imagine up to a few degrees wouldnt cause a problem)

 

I avoid all the leveling hassle. I drain it on level ground and add 4 quarts. That's what come out. My wife's NX300 is 2 quarts. In the end, a little here, less there, isn't going to ruin anything. When I first did the whole cooler install and got it all leveled out and up to temp, I couldn't tell when to put the plug back in since it will drip forever if you let it. So basically since there is not actual dip stick, it could be +/-. Now I just stick to the 4 quart rule. Others do the same.

 

Just a little nervous about the install...down the road who knows how I will handle it. But thank you for your response.

 

Agree, using an angle finder is probably better, easier and faster. The GCS instructions say a centered bubble level is sufficient too. I also read about the 1 degree somewhere.

FWIW, many bubble levels are within ~.5 degree or better practical accuracy. Mine says 1mm/m which is around .1 degrees. In use, I think if you get it centered, close enough.

 

Yeah a bubble works just fine. I had to use the digital because I didn't have my torpedo level handy lol

 

No reason to be nervous. It is pretty straightforward and the Tundra is pretty robust. In my opinion getting the thermostat on and making sure o rings are where they need to be is the most nerve-wracking part.

 

The o rings are scary. No way to check before 1st start up. Either going to be dry or very wet under there.
I am done up to the cooler install which is my last part.
1st start should be tomorrow.
Again I thank everyone for their help.

Incidently , the yellow stripe hose goes on the hot (upper ) out on the thermostat stripe facing up. The white striped hose goes on the bottom , stripe up. These can be clamped before installing thermostat. Thanks for picture DZ

 

Look at it from a manufacture point of view. Do you think Toyota drives the truck on a level platform and fills transmission or jacks up the wheels to get the pan level. Fill transmission on a level floor like a garage and you will be golden, on flip side I am sure either is fine but much seams safer to crawl under a running car with it on the ground vs jack stands or blocks.

 

They have a filler preset for the amount they specify. Levels vary because of the operator who pulls it out too fast or too slow.

 

Guess I was referencing a Toyota dealer procedure when servicing the transmission.

 

The yellow and white spots appear to be about the same width as the hose clamps. Perhaps they are to indicate the preferred location to place the hose clamps?

 

The only thing that I can think of from is that the manuf knows that a completely empty trans takes xx amount of fluid, so no need to check the level. But at the same time, if they were to check the level, I dont see them going out of their way to make it 100% level. This is why I do the 4 quart rule. I just did the wires NX, and 2 quarts came out, so 2 quarts went back in. No need to check level. Not rocket science. A little more, a little less, isn't going to break the trans.

 

Yes, but when you add a cooler, you have to add additional fluid and you don’t have the same baseline. The thermostat is pinned open and fluid fills the lines and cooler. For just a transmission fluid change, it’s OK to just measure what comes out and just fill back in.

For addition of a cooler, you should be using the check plug.

 

When you first add the cooler, yes, a level check is a good idea. After that, put in what come out.

 

Hope everyone that is going to do a trans cooler reads this.
There is a colored stripe (faint) on each hose at the clamp area.
The yellow striped hose goes on top with the stripe up. The white goes under it with stripe up. They can be clamped prior to the cooler install.
When the stripes are installed like this the other ends fall right in place. See pic from DZ this thread.