Installing Fluid Control Thermostat Kit With Derale 8000 Transmission Cooler For Cold Climates

Updated 04/01/2021 | Published 03/30/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/Barb Inlets - Class III - Efficient

(867)

$96.64

Derale Fluid Control Thermostat Kit w/ 3/8" NPT Ports

(1)

$94.71

Derale High-Temperature Replacement Hose for Transmission - 3/8" Inner Diameter - 5' Long

(9)

$24.91

Mounting Bracket Kit for Derale Fluid Control Thermostats

$23.63

Question:

Recently purchased Derale 8000 Transmission Cooler from etrailer, item # D13503, for my 2020 Toyota Highlander with 3.5L V-6 engine. I will be towing a 3000 lb boat/trailer with this vehicle during the summer, which is why I decided to add the additional cooler. However, I live in Fairbanks Alaska and winter temps can and frequently do get to -50F. Is it possible at these temps for a transmission to get too cold with this added cooler in place? Should I consider also installing a Fluid Control Thermostat kit to allow the oil to bypass the cooler until the it reaches 180F. I havent installed the cooler yet so Id like to add this thermostat at the same time I install the cooler. If one is needed, what model number is appropriate with my cooler and do you carry this item? Thanks

asked by: Bill M

Expert Reply:

Yes you are exactly right, in very cold climates it is possible to damage your transmission if the fluid is not reaching the correct temperature. I recommend adding the Derale Fluid Control Thermostat Kit w/ 3/8" NPT Ports # D13011 in between the transmission and the aftermarket Derale 8000 Cooler # D13503. This will then allow the transmission fluid to heat up faster since this thermostat will restrict oil flow or allow oil flow depending on the temperature. You will also want to grab Mounting Bracket Kit for Derale Fluid Control Thermostats # D25793 and Derale High-Temperature Replacement Hose for Transmission - 3/8" Inner Diameter - 5' Long # D13016 to help out with the installation process. I attached demonstration videos for you to check out.

expert reply by: Andrew N