Which cooler line is the output? (fluid change)

[lifespeed]

I'm tired of paying $150 - $250 for trans fluid changes or "flush". I figure I can do just fine disconnecting the cooler line, pumping out fluid, and then pulling the pan. Bonus points for installing a drain plug pan with a magnet (mag-hytec) and O-ring seal to further ease this job going forward.

Anybody know which line is out from the trans, in to the cooler?

[fastblackmerc]

The one that is less hot than the other one.

[lifespeed]

The one that is less hot than the other one.

Wow, I couldn't have figured that out. Can you tell me who is buried in Grant's tomb also?

I'm sure my calibrated fingers will have no problem distinguishing between hot, and slightly less hot, when I pull the properly-warmed-up transmission into the garage to change the fluid.

Wait, maybe somebody here has done it before, knows which line it is, and can answer the question directly.

[EMAS]

The bottom one is the output. However I do not recommend pumping out the old fluid in that manner, you will run the pump dry and that just doesn't help it.

Bite the bullet and make the mess this time, and install a drain plug for the next time.

[lifespeed]

The bottom one is the output. However I do not recommend pumping out the old fluid in that manner, you will run the pump dry and that just doesn't help it.

Bite the bullet and make the mess this time, and install a drain plug for the next time.

I bought the pan w. plug, but plan to also use the trans pump to blow out a little more fluid not accessed with the pan drop. Done judiciously and for a brief time it won't hurt the pump.

[EMAS]

I bought the pan w. plug, but plan to also use the trans pump to blow out a little more fluid not accessed with the pan drop. Done judiciously and for a brief time it won't hurt the pump.

You'll get a whole extra 2 or 3 drops out "blowing it out" with the pump. Not worth the potential issues in my opinion.

[TFB]

I've pumped them out for years, never a issue... Most of the time I won't even pull the pan, just pump the fluid into a bucket and once the flow slows, start dumping in the new fluid... At the amount specified for a dry fill I shut it down, connect the cooler line and top off, finished...

[lifespeed]

I just swapped in a Mag-Hytec (http://mag-hytec.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_in fo&cPath=1_6&products_id=12)pan. Excellent piece. I was surprised how heavy it is, for aluminum. Very thick and heavy duty piece. It could probably withstand minor contact with speed bumps or other obstacles. ;)

However, the thick casting makes it more difficult to install. To snake the pan between the front of the crossmember and the rear of the valve body you have to unbolt the trans mount from the CM and gently jack it up with a block of wood. Getting at the rear allen pan bolts is tight, also. I could barely do it in my car without dropping the CM from the frame. That looked ugly.

It took just under 5 quarts to fill it back up. I saw that the old fluid was pink and smelled right after 50K for the fluid, 100K on the trans. I didn't bother with pumping fluid out the cooler line out of laziness as much as anything.

[MOTOWN]

Oh cool! I have their double deep pan on my car worth every penny!
I didn't have to unbolt my trans though mines bolted right up
You got a great pan

[lifespeed]

Oh cool! I have their double deep pan on my car worth every penny!
I didn't have to unbolt my trans though mines bolted right up
You got a great pan

And I was concerned about the 1/2" of added depth on their "standard" pan . . .