Transmission Cooler Recommendation for a 1997 Honda CRV with Best Cooling and Ease of Installation

Question:

Would this unit work in the vertical position (with the inlet/outlet facing off to the (drivers) side, or would this position fail to cool or operate properly? Id have to make a very simple pair of brackets but have a piece of metal that I could easily do this with. Would it matter which way I plumbed it (hot on the top or bottom?) Please let me know as this would be WAY EASIER than a horizontal mount.

asked by: John A

Expert Reply:

I would recommend the Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit, item # D13502, for your 1997 Honda CRV. This cooler will be more than adequate for towing the weights you will be towing. You can not cool transmission fluid too much so the larger the cooler is, the better. We have a video installation of this cooler on a 2006 Honda CR-V that will be very similar to the installation on your 1997 model, see link.

If you would like a smaller cooler you could go with the Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit, item # D13501, which would still be adequate for your towing needs.

All of the installation kits for your vehicle will have the same parts, the size of the cooler and attachment of the hoses to the cooler are the only differences, so they will install basically the same. Coolers with NPT fittings are available, see the Derale Series 9000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/ NPT Inlets, item # D13611. These coolers offer a different style of hose attachment to the cooler but do not offer increased cooling capacity or easier installation of the hoses to the vehicle.

expert reply by: Robert G

John

3/24/2011

Bob G.

3/24/2011

Glad to hear from you again. You are correct that you would be able to mount the cooler, # D13502, in any position that facilitates an easier installation. The cooler is a flow through device and the inlet or outlet can be on top bottom left or right, there is no direction of flow so either hose connection can be used for inlet or outlet. So if it is easier to mount the cooler and route the hoses with the inlet and outlet facing the drivers side the cooler will still preform as designed. I would probably attempt to install the cooler with the inlet on the top and the outlet on the bottom, if there was no reason that it would be easier to install it the other way. The fluid pressure from the transmission will force the fluid through the cooler with the inlet in either position. If you fabricate a mounting bracket be careful that it does not interfere with the AC condenser or any other parts. If the bracket rubs it could cause a problem. There are 4 plastic zip-tie like devices and rubber spacers that can be used to securely mount the cooler without damage, so if you do not want to go with a custom bracket you could mount the cooler in this fashion.