Transaxle Fluid Cooler and Tubes

When internal wear or damage has occurred in the transaxle, metal particles, clutch plate material or band material may have been carried into the torque converter and radiator. These contaminants are a major cause of recurring transaxle concerns and must be removed from the system before the transaxle is put back into service.

Whenever a transaxle has been disassembled to replace worn or damaged parts, the radiator must be cleaned by using a mechanically-agitated cleaner, such as Rotunda Torque Converter/Oil Cooler Cleaner 307-F011 (014-00028) or equivalent.

The lack of a drain plug in the torque converter increases the amount of residual flushing solvent retained in the torque converter after cleaning. This retained solvent is not acceptable and a method of diluting it is required. The following procedure is to be used after removal of the torque converter from the cleaning equipment.
1. Thoroughly drain remaining solvent through hub.
2. Add 1.9 liter (2.0 qt) of clean Motorcraft MERCON(R) Multi-Purpose ATF Transmission Fluid XT-2-QDX or equivalent MERCON(R) approved fluid to torque converter. Agitate by hand.
3. Thoroughly drain solution through torque converter hub.

Inspect cooler tubes and fittings for damage and leaks. Tighten fittings to specification. If leak persists, replace fittings and tubes as necessary.

When one or more of the transaxle fluid cooler tubes must be replaced, each replacement tube must be fabricated from the same size steel tubing as the original tube.

Using the old tube as a guide, bend the new tube as required. Add the necessary fittings and install the tube.

After the fittings have been tightened to specification, add MERCON(R) Multi-Purpose ATF Transmission Fluid XT-2-QDX or equivalent MER(,ON~ approved fluid as necessary and check for leaks.

Whenever a transaxle has been disassembled to replace worn or damaged parts or when contamination is suspected, the following procedure should be used:
4. Conduct backflushing with a Rotunda Torque Converter/Oil Cooler Cleaner 307-F011 (014-00028) or equivalent. Test your equipment to make sure that a vigorous fluid flow is present before proceeding. Replace the system filter if flow is weak or contaminated.
5. To aid in attaching the cleaner to the transaxle steel cooler tubes, connect two additional rubber hoses to the transaxle end of the steel transaxle cooler tubes as follows:
^ Connect the cleaner tank pressure line to the steel transaxle cooler return tube (longest tube).
^ Connect a tank return hose to the steel transaxle cooler pressure tube (shorter tube). Place the outlet end of this hose in the solvent tank reservoir.
6. Turn on solvent pump and allow the solvent to circulate a minimum of five minutes (cycling switch on and off will help dislodge contaminants in cooler system).
7. Switch off the solvent pump and disconnect the solvent pressure hose from the transaxle cooler return tube.
8. Use compressed air to blow out the cooler(s) and tubes (blow air into the transaxle cooler return tube) until all solvent is removed.
9. Remove the rubber return hose from the remaining steel cooler tube.