Odyssey trans questions??

[atl3128]

Even if its overkill I look at it as insurance and pretty cheap at that.

[redmondjp]

@alt - I'm definitely no mechanic; although, I play one on weekends. I've been doing the "drain and top" since getting the advice on this forum at around 100k miles on my 1996. I have 170k with no issues thus far [knock wood]. Of course, being that I own a "1st Gen" 1996 Odyssey, I don't have near the same concerns, but it gives me a little extra peace doing the 'top off' every 5k or so also. I just keep a case of Honda ATF in the garage. It increases my oil change cost about $10, but since I do those myself also...it evens out. Last service I had done by a mechanic, he said the engine/transmission was the cleanest/tightest he'd seen on a 1996...ever. Even if we DO find our new/used Odyssey to take this ones place [due to size only], it will be tough to part with my 1st Gen.

I'm pretty sure that on your transmission it is perfectly fine to run Dextron III fluid (check your owner's manual), which you can get inexpensively ($26/case of 12 quarts at my local Sam's Club). No need to spend the extra $$$ on Honda fluid IMO. It may make you feel better but the transmission isn't going to notice it!

[MindEddy]

@redmond - Again, I am no mechanic. Also, I have ZERO scientific and/or personal experience to contradict anything you are saying. I've seen MANY a thread arguing the value/or lack of - Honda ATF. I just decided to pick a side one day, and went with the extra $10 per oil change with the Honda ATF topoff. I pay $60/case and very happy to do so. Since I never buy new cars and do most of my own maintenance, I have lots and lots of extra money.

Seriously, I also convinced myself that my Accord [which came with Dextron] actually shifts better with the true Honda ATF. The owner's manual on the 1st Gen 1996 does actually ask for Honda ATF. Point is, to me it is worth the peace of mind. Accord 214k and Odyssey 170k, both shift like new. Probably has nothing to do with Honda ATF, but just like the lies I tell myself in the mirror...it's something I just gotta do.

Thanks for sharing. I do value your opinion.

Chaz.

[Motsyball]

Welcome to the forum, BenI'm actually trying to copy your setup without knocking off my PSF cooler

Can you please explain what you mean by "knocking off PSF cooler"?

[0dyfamily]

Motsy, I had both of the Honda OEM ATF & PSF (power steering fluid) coolers. It took me a great deal of effort to fit the Tru-Cool MAX (p/n 4739) high enough so that I could keep the stock finned tube PSF cooler in its original spot and also still have most of the Tru-Cool item not obscured by the bumper bar. Here's a pic of me almost finishing it.



OF

[Motsyball]

Motsy, I had both of the Honda OEM ATF & PSF (power steering fluid) coolers. It took me a great deal of effort to fit the Tru-Cool MAX (p/n 4739) high enough so that I could keep the stock finned tube PSF cooler in its original spot and also still have most of the Tru-Cool item not obscured by the bumper bar. Here's a pic of me almost finishing it.

Thanks for the quick reply. If you can click this link and then you will understand why I asked this above question.

Quick question on trans cooler install

[0dyfamily]

dvpatel is correct in that thread. What he is talking about is the stock setup without the additional OEM coolers that Honda wants one to install when we install a tow hitch.

The pure stock setup (no hitch) has a stand-alone PSF cooler that is simply a loop of metal tubing with no cooling fins. The ATF cooler in that setup is only the in-tank radiator cooler; it's just a "tube-in-a-tube" setup with hose nibs that stick out the bottom of a radiator end cap (known as "tank" in the radiator repair world).

Below is a pic of a 1998 Accord radiator bottom tank I dissected for picture purposes after I replaced it (previous owner's mechanic cracked the top tank while removing the top hose). The brass "tube" is the standard ATF cooler that resides in the radiator. The Odyssey setup is nearly identical:



Here it is after I removed it from the plastic bottom tank of the radiator; note that it is a "tube-in-a-tube" for more surface area for heat exchange:



Now, here is a pic of the bottom of the new radiator before I installed it; see the brass hose nibs? Those attach to hoses taking ATF to or from the tranny:



Below is a pic of the variety of ATF coolers one could add to the Odyssey when installing a trailer hitch. As well, it also shows the PSF coolers one would use to replace the simple stand-alone loop of tubing that the van came with:



Hope that helps.

OF

[Motsyball]

Amazon.com: B&M 80277 Universal Remote Transmission Filter Kit: Automotive

Anyone have any long term luck with this B&M tranny filter? How much are the replacement filters and where do you buy them?