Transmission Cooler Recommendation for a 1999 Chevy Express Van

Question:

Have a 1999 Chevy Express 1500 with a v6 engine. Tow an open car trailer. The van has a transmission cooler installed about five years ago but leaking. 1 The bypassed the tranny cooler in the radiator. I do not believe that has a problem. Should I hook that back in the system with the tranny cooler? 2 I want the most cooling. I have room for this model. Is that alright for my van? Do I need any other fittings. Currently the rubber hoses are hooked to the radiator fittings. Thanks!

asked by: Paul N

Expert Reply:

If the factory cooler has been bypassed for several years now I would not recommend you try to use it again at this point. It could have been leaking and that is why it was replaced. Also because now there could be corrosion or dirt on the inside of the cooler that you wouldn't want running through your transmission.

The lines of the current transmission cooler could be the reason for the leak. I know on my car I had to tighten one of the hose clamps at one point because it was leaking there.

If the leak is from the current cooler I would recommend you replace it with a new one. The best way to pick out a cooler is to go with the largest one that will fit the available space in front of your radiator.

If you have room for it I would go with the part # D13503. It measures 11" Wide x 8-3/4" tall x 7/8" deep. I attached an install video for you to check out although all you would most likely need to do is loosen the hose clamps on your current cooler, remove it, and then replace it with this cooler.

expert reply by: Jameson C