What is Correct Placement of Derale Dual-Pass Heat Sink Transmission Cooler # D13265
Question:
Does the d13504 have to be placed where there is a lot of air flowing over it, such as a lower frame member, or can it be placed in the engine compartment to keep it more protected from flying road debris?
asked by: Robert
Expert Reply:
Maximum air flow will increase the heat exchange performance of any oil or transmission fluid cooler. This is true for flat plate-fin and tube-fin type coolers that typically mount in front of the air conditioning condenser as well as for heat-sink-type coolers intended for mounting on the frame rail.
If mounted in a location that does not provide maximum air flow the cooler will still help to reduce the fluid temperature to some extent but it will not function at its best. If you prefer to mount a cooler in a remote location without much air flow you may prefer a fan-assisted cooler such as one of those shown on the link provided.
This particular Derale cooler, part # D13265, is intended to mount to a frame rail and to be oriented in the direction of travel to maximize the air flow over the aluminum heat sink fins. Since this unit uses a cast-aluminum housing it will be very durable.
If you prefer a cooler that can mount within the engine compartment you can select one as large as the space available to mount it (in front of the air conditioning condenser). Coolers are not vehicle-specific; you can use the largest size that will fit (but keep in mind that you also need to allow for the space taken up by the fittings and attached hoses). The Derale # D13504 is a large plate-fin cooler of this type. I have linked an installation video for your reference.
You can use the link provided to review transmission coolers that mount in front of the condenser. Start by measuring the open space in front of the condenser. You can use the filters at the left-hand side of the product page to select coolers of the appropriate size. You can also select the type of fittings to match those on your vehicle.
Please take a look at the two linked articles which cover the types of coolers and their installation.
Products Referenced in This Question
Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/Barb Inlets - Class IV - Efficient
- Transmission Coolers
- Plate-Fin Cooler
- Full-Size Truck
- SUV
- Standard Mount
- 11W x 12T x 7/8D Inch
- With 11/32 Inch Hose Barb Inlets
- Derale
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Derale 20" Dual-Pass Heat Sink Transmission Cooler with Installation Kit
- Transmission Coolers
- Frame Rail Cooler
- Frame Mount
- 20-1/4L x 2-3/16W x 3-1/4T Inch
- Dual-Pass
- With 1/4 Inch NPT
- Derale
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Transmission Cooler
- Shop: Reese Weight Dist Shank - 12-1/4" Long - 2" Drop to 6-1/2" Rise - 1,500 lbs TW
- Shop: Blue Ox TrackPro Weight Distribution Shank for 2" Hitches - 7 Hole Adjustment
- Shop: Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution Shank for 2" Hitches - 9" Long - 7 Hole Adjustment
- Q&A: Comparison of Plate and Fin Style Transmission Coolers and Tube and Fin Style Transmission Coolers
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class IV - 2"
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Shop: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Shop: Radiator Fan
- Shop: Derale 25-5/8" Dual High-Output, Electric Radiator Fan w/ Aluminum Shroud - 4,000 CFM
- Search Results: weight distribution hitch shank
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Article: Frequently Asked Questions About Transmission Coolers
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Search Results: 25580
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Video: Tow Ready 4-Pole Mounting Bracket Installation
- Search Results: 44649
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller
- Search Results: 68149
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: Recommended Lithium Battery Compatible Power Converter For Parallax 7355
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Q&A: Adding Brakes to a Mobile Home Axle
- Search Results: dust cap