What are L400 owners running in their transmission?

[RickJ]

The title is self explanatory. After purchasing a year and a half ago I have done 2 trans fluid changes. I have been using Valvoline Max Life DEX/MERC which lists SP2 and SP3 on the label and I have experienced no issues with this in the 40K I have put on the Delica since purchase. I am planning on adding an Aux tranny cooler and figured I should also pick up some fluid and do a flush and change at the same time. I thought I'd call Mitsi in Victoria and see about purchasing the Diaqueen that the vehicle actually calls for. The parts guy was pleasant, even though he mentioned that mitsi has been told not to work on Delicas. I don't have an issue with this. From past experiences with new cars from other manufacturers, I have found at times its best they don't. He informed me that they are now at SP3 and it is no longer branded as Diaqueen but simply ATF. He says that it only comes in 1 liter bottles priced at 16.38/1L but could go down to 14/1L. Wow...

Being that the Valvoline is under 20/4.5 L at walmart it seems like a steal. I can change my fluid monthly and still be cheaper. Any other suggestions or warnings as to why not to run this?

On another note, has anyone on here found a great Auxiliary transmission cooler and a great place to mount it on there vans? Anyone towing a trailer add one? I am aiming for behind the round aux light holes beside the radiator but worry how much airflow it may get through the 2-3" grill in place of the light.

Thanks in advance for any info.

Rick

[Big-Bird]

There are several tranny cooler systems out there. I grabbed one from an early 90's Explorer and it will be mounted later this year. Its about 6" tall and 9-10 wide with dual flow channels. It will be installed inline with the current heat transfer tank in the radiator so that will keep it close to the nose in much the same place as you have indicated.

There is little space elsewhere for the thing. The only real problem is getting a stone jammed in the cooler but that can happen with any radiator type cooling system.


Have fun! Take lots of pics.

[RickJ]

Thanks BB. We are heading out to Calgary around the 15th of July until the 20th. If I see you I'll wave!