Dave’s Holiday 55

Does the 1955 Hydra-matic Transmission have any kind of fluid cooling apparatus?

Tedd Thompson

No it doesn't, but it does have 91/2 quarts of ATF and a cast iron body that keeps it cool. Transmission coolers came in with the Jet-a-way in 1956except in the post cars 88 which still had the slant pan. I have seen exceptions to that though, but I don't know if it was a factory installed or later installed....Tedd

madmax442.com

My buddy installed a trans cooler on his '52 98. It was pretty involved and included an external pump and filter. He likes doing over the top stuff, but he drives his '52 everyday and loves doing that stuff. He is an aircraft mechanic. I will post some pictures when I see him next time.

Dave’s Holiday 55

Thanks for that. I asked about the transmission cooler because I keep seeing a reddish oily drip under the front of my engine and thought maybe a cooler line was not tight. But, nope, no cooler, no loose fitting. Keep looking.

madmax442.com

My Hydra-matic leaks like a sieve, so a little drip consider yourself lucky. I am eventually going to pull my engine and trans and re-do the oil pan, rear main, fluid coupler (30 bolts yay) and the trans pan gaskets. My wife will kill me after that blood bath! Take care!

Tedd Thompson

Mine has to be paper trained, leaks a little from the front and middle, some day I'll get it fixed.. Ya you bet....Tedd

DFitz

Like Ted said, consider yourself lucky. I'm pulling the trans again, for the leak, which is horrific. Runs fine, but requires an investment in fluid.

Dave’s Holiday 55

I don’t notice a drop in fluid level on the dipstick, so I guess I’m the lucky one with just a tiny leak.

coldwar

B&M offered a cooler kit for the Hydra-Matic. In many years of looking I have not found one, a installed example, or any ad for the kit. I believe the reference to it is found in the 1961 Hot Rod annual. How to connect pressure and return, etc.

People routinely towed heavy loads with the Dual-Range HM and within limits and with proper maintenance, the unit did the job. Quite a few of the cars I have and have had show up with older trailer hitches. Good enough for WWII tanks, good enough for heavy duty automotive service.

Dave’s Holiday 55

Good information. I’m not really looking for a transmission fluid cooler, only trying to decide where the leak is.

Tedd Thompson

What generally works is a lift along with a pressure washer. Mine is hard to find just looking.... Tedd