OT GM auto trann cooler

We use a grumann step van on a Chevy chassis for market. On Fri the radiator overheated and there appeared to be oil in the coolant overflow. My mechanic says that the transmission cooler is in the radiator and if it gets a leak or breaks tranny fluid can get into the radiator and does not cool the engine prpoerly. I have several questions

1. Does the tranny fluid flow through the radiator or does coolant flow back to the tranny?

2, How much damage can this do to the tranny?

3. Any one have a good dependable and cheap 10 or 12' box van for sale?

The engine is a 350 if this helps any and the truck is a 1988. We only put about 2000 miles a year on it but we need a way to get to market 3 times a week. I'm renting a 15' box van now and that is too big and too expensive but I'm looking at some other rental offers also.

Thanks for any info

Phil

Phil

That's a somewhat common occurance, not all that serious and a simple repair. It looks worse than it really is because of all the mess.

I'd just yank the radiator and send it out to a radiator shop for repair; they can clean that radiator and replace the bad cooler along with the tank gaskets.

While the truck is apart, I'd for sure replace the thermostat along with any belts/hoses that it needs and you might as well check that fan clutch hub for oil leakage out the front while you're at it because you can get a good bird's eye view of it with the radiator out.

If the internal transmission cooler oil leak was real bad, you'll want to flush the engine cooling system before refill too.

It hasn't hurt your tranny; doubt if the coolant even got to it. Pull the dipstick and see if the oil is a real faggy pink color instead of red. If it is, just service the transmission and you're on your way.

This breakdown isn't all that bad as ya might think.

Allan