Trans cooler bursts!

[HUM GOOD]

I own a 2005 H2 - with 58,000 miles
Here's the deal: Engine running great. I feel a slip in the trans shifting from 2nd to 3rd. Then notice antifreeze pouring out the overflow. I shut down the truck and had it towed to the dealer. The diagnosis is: The trans cooler bursted in the radiator mixing the antifreeze into the trans and blowing the trans. They say the entire cooling system needs to be changed, rad, hoses, clamps, heater core, etc. and then the trans plus the trans cooling system. cost $7600 AAGH!

The H2 is out of warranty. I called corporate and they are investigating the issue. The truck has never been in the dealer for any repairs. All maintenence has been done by me. Oil changes, greasing (the basics).
Corporate has been investigating for 1 week now because they claim that if the truck was taken to the dealer for maintainence this may have been avoided. I think this is bull**** and sounds like a part failure to me.

The truck has some mods: Intake, borla cat-back exhaust, shift kit and diablo programmer.

Wondering if anyone else has had a similiar situation. Also any feedback is appreciated.

[Big Z]

Shift Kit?....investigation will probably end there!


if the truck was taken to the dealer for maintainence this may have been avoided.


Like it or not, this is most likely true!

Doesn't sound like you had ANY of the Required Maintainence Done!...Like the Transmission! :violin:

[Dug]

Humgood- I would flush everything real ,real, real good and give it a try . You have nothing to lose if the tranny slips rebuild it. I would even use the old radiator again. Just use a external tranny cooler this time. Obviously this is a cheap fix and what i would do. But where your rig is so new you might want to do all new parts. Sorry about your problem , and good luck. doug

[AK47]

Hey dont like the sound of that ,what can you do to avoid this , i would rather spend 500 bucks now than a few thousand later , nasty

[HUM GOOD]

Thanks guys for all your attention.

Just got off the phone with the GM at the dealer that did the diagnosis.
He says he got me $4000 from Hummer corp. And now he will be able to bring my side down considerable. It seems like the GM was at bat for me. He has a radiator on the floor which will give me for have price. All hoses must be replaced because the trans fluid will eat the rubber. As for the core, flushing is sufficient. He suggested a brandie new transmission. The trans would have to be torn down completely and then rebuild, he says the difference would be about $1000 for the new one. And the new trans comes with a 3 years 100,000 mile waranty - that right there is worth the $1000 bucks.
So I have chose to stick with him and have the dealer do the repair. Seems as though it will cost me out of pocket tops $2000.

$2000 - New radiator with trans cooler, all new hoses, brand new trans with warranty. Flushing the systems with all new fluids. Seems reasonable to me.

On my own I will disconnect the internal trans cooler and run a larger external cooler:


quote PhilD:
This is quite common, you'll often hear references of Pepto Bismol, as that is what it looks like afterwards. I bypassed the tranny cooler section of the main radiator sometime ago to avoid this.


What cooler did u use?

[AK47]

Yes if you have some details on this and any photos i will do the same :mad:

[HUM GOOD]

I used a Hayden 405 Ultra Cool, but Michael Baker found a better one, Tru-Cool MAX transmission cooler #4739-1. You basically want the biggest one you can fit in.

Good news about GM footing some of the bill.

Thanks for the info.; I will be adding a external cooler as soon as it is returned.

No doubt on the $$$ thing. Plus a tranny with a 3 yr 100,000 mile warranty. I'll take that.

I also have spoke with many, and a tech from a delaer says keep an eye out for a recall....if one pops up, I can get re-embursed for the entire job - being it is recorded and repaired by the dealer.

Good thing I kept my cool and let this roll it's own way. :jump:

I'll post all info and some pics up when I do the trans cooler externally, for all that need it. I am home for the holidays so more than likely have this completed before the 1st of the New Year.

[ROADCAPT]

Thanks for the heads up on the tranny cooler and the potentual problem!! Just ordered a coolmax cooler #47391 from Bulkpart.com $115.00 shipped. will do this mod asap as I live in FL. My new to me 03 has 45.000 on her now and just starting to pull it all togeather for some trail time.

Thanks again for the Great Info.:grouphug:

Be Safe

[AK47]

HI ROADCAPT

Could you please take some photos of your cooler make dimensions etc , being over here in Czech Republic i need to so some pics and measurements so i can order one up

thanx

[AK47]

Hi Guys just so i know i am ordering the right one its this one yes ?

Tru-Cool MAX transmission cooler *WITHOUT external thermal bypass

Code: 4739-1








Tru-Cool # LPD47391 40,000 GVW rating, 45,000 BTU rating
8 1/2 x 22 3/4 x 1 1/4 inch
3/8 inverter flare (fittings are included for thread to hose barbs)
WITHOUT external thermal bypass. Lower cost for locations where there are mild winters!
the thing is i have bad winters and hot summers as well will this matter

[La.Swamp Lobster]

I own a 2005 H2 - with 58,000 miles
Here's the deal: Engine running great. I feel a slip in the trans shifting from 2nd to 3rd. Then notice antifreeze pouring out the overflow. I shut down the truck and had it towed to the dealer. The diagnosis is: The trans cooler bursted in the radiator mixing the antifreeze into the trans and blowing the trans. They say the entire cooling system needs to be changed, rad, hoses, clamps, heater core, etc. and then the trans plus the trans cooling system. cost $7600 AAGH!

The H2 is out of warranty. I called corporate and they are investigating the issue. The truck has never been in the dealer for any repairs. All maintenence has been done by me. Oil changes, greasing (the basics).
Corporate has been investigating for 1 week now because they claim that if the truck was taken to the dealer for maintainence this may have been avoided. I think this is bull**** and sounds like a part failure to me.

The truck has some mods: Intake, borla cat-back exhaust, shift kit and diablo programmer.

Wondering if anyone else has had a similiar situation. Also any feedback is appreciated.

Had the same problem...Thank God for extended warranty...it covered it all...rebuilt transmission, rental car for 2 weeks, and my dealer even paided my deductable...only one problem...the extended warranty would not pay to replace the overflow bottle, so even after flushing it 3 times, there is still transmission fuild in the rad....the honeycomb core of the overflow bottle doesn't allow for a total system flush.....make sure they replace yours!....good luck!....i will be putting an ext. cooler on first chance i get!

[HUM GOOD]

Had the same problem...Thank God for extended warranty...it covered it all...rebuilt transmission, rental car for 2 weeks, and my dealer even paided my deductable...only one problem...the extended warranty would not pay to replace the overflow bottle, so even after flushing it 3 times, there is still transmission fuild in the rad....the honeycomb core of the overflow bottle doesn't allow for a total system flush.....make sure they replace yours!....good luck!....i will be putting an ext. cooler on first chance i get!

Thanks for the heads up on the overflow bottle.

This seems to be a very common problem......i would think a recall is in order here!

[ROADCAPT]

AK47 Yes that is the right part Number however you will need the trans bypass system in you area. It allows cold fluid to bypass the cooler till it warms up. Need the bypass at below 32F. I have a write up on the install over on the H2 forum.

Be Safe

[pdsq99f4]

I would have them replace the water pump gaskets while they are in there. Have seen them fail shortly after due to the atf eating them away.

[HUM GOOD]

I would have them replace the water pump gaskets while they are in there. Have seen them fail shortly after due to the atf eating them away.

Thanks for the info.....I spoke with them. They said they would not do it unless I paid for it.....So I had them note my concern on the invoice, the GM said if it breaks through it will be noted and covered.


I picked up the truck today. Total invoice was $8300. Hummer picked up $5200. The balance was $3100. The dealer discounted me down to $2100.

[HUM GOOD]

That is amazingly good for a vehicle out of warranty, GM/Hummer did well!

Yes, i am not one for letters.....but I will be writing one to hummer and one to the dealer for their excellent service. They even returned ALL my calls with in one hour......AMAZING!

[HUM GOOD]

I finally got time to post -

I looped the tranny section of the radiator with a hose, closing it and elimanating the possible of the pepto bismal effect ever happening again.

With the information provided by Phil D (Thanks you the man) I purchased the larger of the 2 cooler Tru cooler #4739-1. I easily mounted it slightly off center towards the passenger side of the rig leaving the power steeering cooler in it's place.

The tranny now runs consistently at 150 degrees and the chance of the trans fluid mixing with the antifreeze is eliminated.

Thanks guys for all the awesome info.:jump:

39259
brand new silver tru cooler 4739-1



39260
Black hose is link to close off radiator section
Orange hose is feed to the new cooler

[HUMMERcustoms.com/TAZ]

I have been giving this some thought and like your idea. It appears though I may have to think of something different as it appears there is no room in front for supercharger cooler. It is hard to tell but, I think I would not be able to do this unless i moved SC cooler and added a fan to it so it does not have to have forced air from dual electric fans.

HUM GOOD have You seen the Magnuson SC cooler? Can You tell what would need to be done with this MOD to work with SC?
Thanks

As usual Phil is the man with the plan. Thanks Phil!!

TAZ

[HUM GOOD]

I have been giving this some thought and like your idea. It appears though I may have to think of something different as it appears there is no room in front for supercharger cooler. It is hard to tell but, I think I would not be able to do this unless i moved SC cooler and added a fan to it so it does not have to have forced air from dual electric fans.

HUM GOOD have You seen the Magnuson SC cooler? Can You tell what would need to be done with this MOD to work with SC?
Thanks

As usual Phil is the man with the plan. Thanks Phil!!

TAZ

shoot me a pic of it with measurements.....I'll measure it up with the tru cool and see if they can be mounted together.

[It\'s a Dry Heat]

Open up the fake top hood vent on the H2 like the H1. Place your coolers there.

Custom hood grill - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000KOSRHE?tag=ebuyitonline&camp=14573&creative=327641&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=B000KOSRHE&adid=0035N7BDX4R46K012N40&

[HUMMERcustoms.com/TAZ]

I run a functional cowl hood scoop over the hole we cut where fake vents use to be.

It would have quite a bit of header heat as well as radiator etc. heat going out the scoop. There are many places to add different sizes of coolers even if you need to add a fan if you do not get normal air flow.

TAZ

[IRA51]

from the picture it looks you also remove the small trans cooler and brackets to mount the 4739-1 . and use some the mounting holes of the old trans cooler to mount the 4739 .and than you need to plug all 4 lines to the rad. :confused:

[HUM GOOD]

from the picture it looks you also remove the small trans cooler and brackets to mount the 4739-1 . and use some the mounting holes of the old trans cooler to mount the 4739 .and than you need to plug all 4 lines to the rad. :confused:

Yes replace the smaller cooler with the 4739. I used one hole(top drivers side) from the old cooler. Drilled one new top pass. side. The bottom 2 used brackets that come with the 4739.
As for the radiator. I just by-passed completely. There are 2 lines (one in and one out) they are looped by just clipping the exsisting tubing and looping a short pc of the tubing which comes with the 4739. The 2 lines which came from the rad go to either end of the new cooler(cooler is not directional) this completes the 4739 loop and we are good to go. Very simple.
I found that keeping the connectors in place and clipping the tubing, the supplied rubber hose slid over the exsisting tubing as a perfect fit..

[IRA51]

what about the 2 lines on the drivers side of the rad ? my rad has 4 lines 2 on each side that go into the plastic tanks on ether side of the rad .

[nmu98]

I looked all of this over today and I would not just loop the oil cooler lines on the drivers side. There is so much room over there that you might jut as well add a small cooler, or clean out your factory tranny cooler and mount it over there.

On another note- how many of these trans coolers are bursting, and are they bursting on the 03-04? or newwer? We added a second tranny cooler and a fan on a 1500hd this weekend... the second cooler was unnecisary, but the small 8" fan rocks..... Set up on a thermostat....

[IRA51]

going to leave the oil cooler as is for the time being.

[HUM GOOD]

I looked all of this over today and I would not just loop the oil cooler lines on the drivers side. There is so much room over there that you might jut as well add a small cooler, or clean out your factory tranny cooler and mount it over there.

On another note- how many of these trans coolers are bursting, and are they bursting on the 03-04? or newwer? We added a second tranny cooler and a fan on a 1500hd this weekend... the second cooler was unnecisary, but the small 8" fan rocks..... Set up on a thermostat....

The issue is not in the trans cooler itself. It is in the side resi of the rad where the lines pass through. These are located on the passengeer side of the rig. The larger tubes are located on the drivers side, which go to the engine block....thinking some kind of oil cooler. I didn't touch them.....trying to investigate if anyone had any issues with this bursting, causing oil to mix with antifreeze......that would suck! If no issues I plan on leaving it alone.

[nmu98]

how many of these trans coolers are bursting, and are they bursting on the 03-04? or newwer?

Thats what I want to know!

[Tallowood_Air]

Thats what I want to know!

mine just did.

~14k miles

GM would not participate in any repairs, under any circumstances.

talked my way up to John Martin (regional guy for alabama and mississippi)
678.787.7200

~$2000 for a new radiator, external tranny cooler, and some other work.

pulling out the stops for a 4L80E - I'd rather blow a diff than another trans.

[nmu98]

mine just did.

~14k miles

GM would not participate in any repairs, under any circumstances.

talked my way up to John Martin (regional guy for alabama and mississippi)
678.787.7200

~$2000 for a new radiator, external tranny cooler, and some other work.

pulling out the stops for a 4L80E - I'd rather blow a diff than another trans.

But you are supercharged with a modified tranny...... How many burst stock...:(

[MONSTERMATT]

Just ordered the tru-cool, as my factory warranty is just expiring- looking forward to this install , ill let u know how it goes, thanks for the info:D

[HUM GOOD]

Just ordered the tru-cool, as my factory warranty is just expiring- looking forward to this install , ill let u know how it goes, thanks for the info:D

Your welcome......
I have put about 10,000 miles on it since the install. The trans is running great and the temp (with about 5500 lbs behind me) has only gone up to 165 highest and that is at about 3500 rpm uphill - as soon as I level off (rpm to 2500) the temp comes right back down. The average outside temp at that time was between 90 and 95 and humid......

i'M hApPY ......hEe.....HeE.......hEE!!!!!!!

[aj_111_78]

I know this is old But I have a 1 question

My trans cooler burst on me this week I am going to install external trans cooler. If I flush everything real good will I still need to replace the radiator if I hook up the bypass?

I cought this early enough that I think I saved the trans but I will find out from the transmission shop soon . Sounds like I have a 50 /50 chance the warrenty company will cover all of this mess. lets hope for the best.

:raar:

[H2R]

I have been giving this some thought and like your idea. It appears though I may have to think of something different as it appears there is no room in front for supercharger cooler.

:confused: Supercharger intercooler from magnuson goes in the front grille, I have the same tranny cooler too.

[HUMMERcustoms.com/TAZ]

I know there has been allot of discussion on bypassing the tranny cooler because of blended mix if tranny cooler fails.

I have been thinking about this (I must warn my very tallented daughter said " Oh no that means trouble when you start thinking Dad"). So take it for what it is worth.

Anyway I'm looking at getting a new trans cooler with fan and moving it somplace else (yet to be determined with health slowing me down). What I'm thinking of doing is routing the trans cooler after flushing it good in series or parellel with the main radiator to give the coolant more time to drop temp by double running it in series or just holding it longer with parellel connected way.

I have not looked it over hard as my time at the shop has been very limited for about a year or so. I hope that this will begin to change this winter as i have had some good news on some of my health fronts in the last few weeks.

Could i get some feed back on this and how you think it should be routed even with a PM to me with a drawing. If I can spend some time at the shop looking at the dog gone thing I could figure it out in minutes. I know there are some that will give me honest feedback with no bull and help me plan this if it seems that it would work. If tranny burst into the radiator someday it would not matter allot.

For those that have been listening to health issues i got good news on the Neuro front today and brain waves were normal while in Neuro ward of hosipital all of week before last. They were trying to help me figure out seizure area on the brain and what we would do. The Doc told me today thta all my brain waves are normal. Before i could if I was just crazy then as my family had witnessed them etc. He said no that there are many people who have what look like a seizure but, are a normal reaction of someone under allot of stress. He asked about things happening in my life and he said well you have been able to handle it well until the last couple of years and surprised i had not seen a seizure specialist early. He said most crack way sooner. I counted that as a complimant I guess. I told thanks but, it is just a good old country boy /farmer hard headedness. So we have by some tests with cardioligist and Neuro both new guys that we understand what is causing some short circuits and a Nueropathy which Doc said will still show up until some of the stress is removed. The cardio has run tests and found that my blackouts are not neuro but, I have heart problems which i mentioned in a talk with tower. I go in day after tommorrow for the EP with Abalation. My heart rythim is horrible is all the doc could say after recover from the headup tilt test. So good thoughts and Prayers that as doc said he may be able to go inside my heart during EP and zap nodes kill them and set my heart back in time. My heart problemd have been the cause of my blackouts and not neuro problems.I do not at this time have to see Neuro's anymore unless I call and want to come in. So a victory to Prayer and well wishers. Now I have to punch this EP in the gut and trust the right nodes can be shut down so my heart rate is stable and i get more oxyigenated blood to my brain and the rest of my body. Doc said he will be able to look at the enlarged valves and the leaking one. It is the main thing that is hurting the oxygen level in my body. So 4 doctors to start and now 2 down and 2 to go. One is my blood specialist and he has actually been acting as my family doctor because he put so much time in keeping me alive until they finally operated. I'm not just getting super excited about any of this as the Neuro said with low blood oxygen level going into my brain it does not mean that something could not arise later in life but, I know what to look for.

Well back to the radiator conversion and just adding the tranny cooler to the cooling situation and help temps. Buy the best tranny cooler and fan kit to use for that old setup from factory. It may not be doable but, i have learned do not rule it out until I have put it out to my Forum Buds.

So let me know what you think and send me some diagrams if You feel it would work and let me know where You think i should put fan cooled tranny cooler. As I mentioned I normally like to hunt that stuff out but if i do not get a chance because of the heart stuff i would like to have good directions to give Dragon and the shop Boss.

Thanks for all the help as well as the great support I have gotten while I'm fighting my way out of this health deal.

THANKS VERY MUCH GANG,

TAZ

[tcalz06]

I jut bought my first H2 2 weeks ago and I just did this mod. I have a 05 with 37k on it.

Has anyone else done this recently?

I'm curious if anyone else noticed when they un hooked the bottom line on the radiator if the fluid that came out had what seemed like some water in it.

The top line coming out was straight tranny fluid so I thought this was weird.
I checked the trans fluid when I bought it and just had it changed so I'm pretty sure mine hasn't burst but why the difference in the fluid from the top of the radiator to the bottom????

I'm curious to see what the trans temp does because I'm in AZ and I was already seeing 150+ trans temps at about 70 degrees outside
Thanks