This is in a Jeep but I doubt it makes any real difference, my specifc setup has not caused too many issues with heat but some of the modifications in the future may well put me over the top.

What is an acceptable temp range and what isn't for saginaw setups?

The reason I am asking is I have a 5spd tranny and run a radiator from an auto, so I have this extra cooler just wasteing away. Is the PS fluid hotter or cooler then the coolant is when operating at 210*? I assume the PS fluid is normally cooler then the coolant but occasionally rises under strain.

Would I be cooling the PS fluid usually or heating it up? Is there a risk of overheating the engine because of the position of the auto tranny cooler in the radiator, I think the cooler is towards the end of the coolant's cycle, or at the coldest point before it exits.

Bump, just give me some ideas.

I already know unstrained the system gets into the 165* range. That is lower then 210* so I assume most of the time my engine's coolant will be warming the PS fluid, does anyone thing 210* is a bad thing for normal operation of the system?

I'd put some plugs in the radiator cooler fittings and add a seperate oil cooler. If you start out at 210 deg. and then work it hard it will only go up from there.

I agree with dirtrod, if i want a power steering cooler I will get a second AT cooler in front of my radiator.

I see no problem with running it at 210. You do want it to get hot so it will drive out the mosture that will acculmate in the system. Most ATF will start to breakdown at 280F and become very black at +300F

Originally posted by dirtrod
I'd put some plugs in the radiator cooler fittings and add a seperate oil cooler. If you start out at 210 deg. and then work it hard it will only go up from there.

So you think it will not transfer to the engine's coolant?

See what I am thinking is that it will transfer to the engine's coolant and stay at 210* but I am worried that it might transfer too much energy and overheat my engine due to the placment of the cooler in the radiator.



I don't have a clue how big that auto tranny cooler is or how much it can transfer.

Eh heh he..... (Your the one I wanted to chime in.)

Originally posted by Old Scout
I see no problem with running it at 210. You do want it to get hot so it will drive out the mosture that will acculmate in the system. Most ATF will start to breakdown at 280F and become very black at +300F

Okay so 210* is acceptable.

And ATF begins to degrade at 280*

Would you happen to have an idea of what temp PS fluid breaks down?

After installation of a ram do you still use PS fluid or go to an industrial hydro fluid?

Pretty much I have now lost all confidence in my OE setup and the whole thing will be redesigned, I have access to alot of industrial hydro stuff so pump and ram will not be an issue. If I chose to go that road would running regular fluid damage a saginaw box or am I stuck with PS fluid unless I go full hydro?

Myself and I'm sure most others use ATF in there PS systems!:D