B&M supercooler "low pressure" feature. Real or gimmick?

[Jesda]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...ZWDVW

"B&M's SuperCooler automatic transmission low pressure drop coolers reduce the risk of lube system failure. A controlled amount of ATF is allowed to bypass the stacked plate core, passing through a self-regulating orifice which monitors resistance to flow. Controlled by viscosity, the thicker ATF is returned directly to lube through two open bypass openings in the stacked plate core. As operating temperatures increase, more of the ATF flow is directed through the core. Resulting in a highly efficient cooling technology that combines improved protection against lube system failure with the required levels of optimal heat transfer."

It seems perfect for the midwest where summers are very hot and winters are very cold. Does this actually work?

[heywier427]

makes sense, but i thought i read that our trannys have this feature already built into them?? maybe im wrong.

[elwesso]

thats just a standard B/M transmission cooler that many people install on their Q. I dont see how it makes any difference, but I installed that EXACT model on my old Q.

Seems like some sort of marketing gimmick?

[maxnix]

No gimmick.

The stacked plates are byupassed when ATF is cold and not viscous.

When it is viscous and it flows, then it is cooled.

[elwesso]

wow, very interesting, learn something every day!

[maxnix]

This is a common feature on all B&M stacked plates, except maybe the new ones I haven't seen.

[Skibane]

It's a cooler with two different-sized flow paths in parallel. When the fluid is cold (thick), it doesn't flow well through the smaller path (which passes through the cooling plates), instead flowing through the larger path (which goes around the cooling plates).

Several disadvantages:

1. Some of the fluid always passes through the larger path, which doesn't get cooled.

2. A small-diameter path increases the chance of obstructions.

[maxnix]

2. A small-diameter path increases the chance of obstructions.

Which is why there are filters and frequent mechanical exchanges of fluid.

[qship96]

who here on this board has replaced the factory installed external ATF filter near the radiator? never hear that mentioned much,even though it filters to a much smaller particle size than the internal screen and will clog way before the screen ever would

[captainluigi]

somewhat related. i installed a Magnifine inline trans fluid filter. i thought my tech would bypass fact. filter but later learned it still is in the loop. not my idea. i asked same question previously. joe the az. parts guru said that they are replaced when front end collision occurs.

[captainluigi]

bump

[maxnix]

who here on this board has replaced the factory installed external ATF filter near the radiator? never hear that mentioned much,even though it filters to a much smaller particle size than the internal screen and will clog way before the screen ever would

Joe has sold a few.

[Jesda]

So... I guess the verdict is that if I keep my fluid fresh, this is a good cooler to go with. I shall place an order.