Which direction to mount a transmission cooler?

[mike_nofx]

I'm sorry if this isn't the right section, I just wasn't sure where to post this.

Id like to know the correct way to install a transmission cooler
I'm asking in general, not for a specific vehicle (although I do plan to install on a non ford soon). I did google, but there is lots of conflicting advice, I trust this forum over others.

So - before or after the factory cooler? I'm assuming you would install an auxiliary cooler AFTER the vehicles factory cooler. Otherwise you'd likely cool the oil, then potentially warm it back up passing it through a hot radiator/ heat exchanger.

Orientation of the intel and outlet ports of the cooler? Mount both ports of the cooler down? To the side? Or facing up?
I'm leaning towards having both facing up. That way when the engine is off the oil will remain in the cooler and it will not require 'priming' on restarting.

BUT if the recommended install is both ports to the side, which is the inlet port, the upper or lower port? And why?

[gregaust]

You are correct , the extra cooler must go in the return after the radiator . There are many opinions on direction, TBH I don't believe it makes a lot of difference , but the theory of orientating the ports as to try to lessen drain back makes some sense

[foxtrot3]

Hi. Across the radiator, hot oil in at top, cold oil out to factory cooler in radiator (if it is being used, seems to be OK to use in anything pre BA falcon) and return to trans from factory cooler. Why? That way oil flow matches radiator flow (hot in at top, cold out at bottom) for the aux cooler and the return oil is temperature stabilised by passing it through the factory cooler (oil behaves differently at various temps so trying to keep it at a stable operating temp is a good thing). Cheers MD

[Blue Dog]

You are correct in assuming the auxiliary cooler is installed after the OEM cooler.
As far as which direction to mount the inlet & outlet hoses, it really doesn't matter.
You want to make sure you don't have any kinks that will restrict flow in the hoses.
I mounted my cooler with the connections on the side, with the inlet at the bottom & the outlet at the top.
That way there is no possibility of air being trapped in the cooler, which is highly unlikely in any case because the oil is pumped through the cooler.
When you cut the oil transfer lines, don't be surprised if the oil has drained out of them.

[jpblue1000]

Decent oil cooler manufacturers publish recommendations as to orientation.
Sideways and inlets facing up tend to be ok outlets facing down, hoses below is always a no no in my experience.
JP

[Itsme]

I was told to have cooler inlets side ways with the inlet to bottom pipe & outlet to top pipe, this stops air pockets & full utilisation of the auxiliary cooler.

As you mentioned auxiliary cooler connected after radiator cooler.

[Interceptor]

Ideally, bypass the one in the radiator