Most Frequently Asked Transmission and Torque Converter Questions

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  1. Should I use an external transmission cooler in conjunction with the oil cooler supplied in the radiator?
  2. What is the correct size cooler for my application?
  3. Where should I mount a transmission cooler?
  4. What type of clearance should I have between the torque converter and flexplate before pulling the converter forward and bolting it to the flexplate?
  5. What is the difference in the terms "Flash Stall" and  "Foot-Brake Stall"?
  6. What does the vacuum modulator do?

Should I use an external transmission cooler in conjunction with the oil cooler supplied in the radiator?

Answer: Unless operating in an environment where the outside temperature is below 0ºF, you should cap off the radiator cooler line openings and run your cooler lines directly to a new cooler mounted in front of the radiator. This allows the transmission to have its own cooling system and doesn't allow the engine water temperature to heat the fluid.

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What is the correct size cooler for my application?

Answer: Unlike a lot of items you buy for your vehicle, bigger is predominately better when it comes to transmission coolers. The answer would be as big as you can get or to run multiple coolers in series, again staying away from the factory radiator cooler lines.

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Where should I mount a transmission cooler?

Answer: Protrans Performance Automatic Transmissions recommends mounting your external transmission oil cooler in front of the radiator. This allows for adequate airflow. If this is not possible then you should mount it in a location where the cooler can receive airflow. In extremely tight quarters, you may also mount the cooler and build an air dam that would allow the cooler to have air pass through it.

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What type of clearance should I have between the torque converter and flexplate before pulling the converter forward and bolting it to the flexplate?

Answer: You should have 1/8" (.125") to 3/16" (.1875") between the torque converter and flexplate before pulling the converter forward and bolting it to the flexplate.

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What is the difference in the terms "Flash Stall" and "Foot-Brake Stall"?

Answer: Of the two measurements of stall, "Flash Stall" is the most accurate. Foot-Brake stall is dependant upon too many variables. ( i.e. type of braking system, disc or drum brakes, how well adjusted the brake system is, ring and pinion rations effect foot-brake stall more dramatically, idle characteristics of engine, cam installation for low end torque as needed by automatic transmission).

Flash Stall can be determined a couple of different ways:

  • With the vehicle sitting still and idling in low gear, apply full throttle. As the vehicle begins its motion forward, notice the RPM hand on the tachometer. That is your Flash Stall. (Engine should be very responsive from idle. If not, camshaft timing and/or carburetor adjustments may need to be made in order for engine to be crisp from idle).
  • With the vehicle in forward motion in high or drive gear and at its lowest mph where it will not kick back to a lower gear, apply full throttle while noticing rpm hand of tachometer. (This measurement of flash stall is best achieved with a full manual transmission).
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What does a vacuum modulator do?

Answer: The vacuum modulator is a canister that contains a diaphragm and a calibrated spring. The diaphragm senses changes in engine vacuum due to throttle position/load changes and transfers the diaphragm motion to the modulator valve in the transmission. The calibrated spring opposes the diaphragm movement. This provides the means for the transmission to adjust internal pressures based upon torque demand by the engine.

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