Trailer Towing (2012 OB 2.5i 4cyl)

[OutbackUFO]

Originally Posted by Bassman

I have thought carefully about installing an external transmission oil cooler. Both dealerships at which I have had service performed (both seem to be quite good) recommend against the installation, as it is not "called for" by the factory. One mechanic thought that since the car did not come with one (the 2010 OB / CVT did.....go figure) installation of one might void the warranty. As of this point, I have not installed one....

I have no idea why SOA removed the transmission cooler on CVT models after 2010 unless there was a modification to the internal oil cooler in the radiator...
Personally I would install a cooler as it won't hurt, provided the installation is done right of course.

[LensCap]

Originally Posted by OutbackUFO

I have no idea why SOA removed the transmission cooler on CVT models after 2010 unless there was a modification to the internal oil cooler in the radiator...
Personally I would install a cooler as it won't hurt, provided the installation is done right of course.

2010 had only the external cooler instead of the in-radiator cooler.

I've been told that in-radiator coolers are better for transmissions because the engine coolant will help bring the transmission fluid up to temp faster and the engine's cooling system will help to regulate the temp of the transmission fluid all the time.

Personally I'd be more comfortable with an external cooler, but that could just be my own bad logic. I'd think the external cooler would be simpler than in-radiator from an engineering (and thus cost) standpoint, so it's likely the engineers that moved it did so for a good reason. They certainly wouldn't want to increase the odds that Subaru would have to buy people new transmissions due to insufficient cooling.

[Pleiades7]

Wow, that's quite a change. I've got the cooler (2010). It's not very big, but you can see it through the grill in front of the radiator. In fact, a potentially bad rubber hose going to the cooler was the reason for a recall (WVQ27) shortly after I bought the car. So now radiator coolant circulates somewhere inside the CVT? ... is that the new design? thanks

[bradze]

is the european towing capacity quoted at 4,000 lbs for the diesel?

[YouSeeI]

Thanks everyone! This really helps my mindset to get a trailer tow installed.

[subiesailor]

Originally Posted by YouSeeI

Thanks everyone! This really helps my mindset to get a trailer tow installed.

Outside temps impact cooling capacity a transmission cooler which is integrated with the radiator can be good up till a certain point then you run into the issue of engine temps and transmission temps all working against each other to effectively cool either.

If your never towing in hot temps say 90 degrees and up then its really not a big concern assuming your not towing maX load at 75+mph which case you'll melt down the CVT and the engine either way.

The Euro towing capacities have ZERO to do with US towing Capacities so do not pay any attention to those if your in the US. Different roads - different distances - different speeds - different laws, and different trailer designs with shocks and brakes all play a role in that.

[LensCap]

Originally Posted by Pleiades7

Wow, that's quite a change. I've got the cooler (2010). It's not very big, but you can see it through the grill in front of the radiator. In fact, a potentially bad rubber hose going to the cooler was the reason for a recall (WVQ27) shortly after I bought the car. So now radiator coolant circulates somewhere inside the CVT? ... is that the new design? thanks

It's actually the opposite.

There's transmission fluid circulating through a small radiator mounted inside the tank of the engine radiator. I've seen it done on other vehicles and never known anyone who has had one leak internally, but if it did you'd end up with coolant (probably not a great lubricant) in the transmission and transmission fluid (probably not a great coolant) in your coolant.

[Pleiades7]

Jeremy (LensCap) - thanks for the info. I wish I knew Subaru's reasoning behind the change... was it to cut cost a little, or was there some weakness with the 2010 design...?

[subiesailor]

Originally Posted by Pleiades7

Jeremy (LensCap) - thanks for the info. I wish I knew Subaru's reasoning behind the change... was it to cut cost a little, or was there some weakness with the 2010 design...?

Probably neither - probably had to do with performance for the usual operator extreme cold temp performance and reduction in the number of parts ie reduce cost.

It shouldn't pose an issue for anyone except those who are pushing the limits of the car in hot temps to start with. Which case external or embedded it doesn't matter if you find the cooling limit - you've found it.

[mcbrew]

Originally Posted by bradze

is the european towing capacity quoted at 4,000 lbs for the diesel?

No, here's the Euro tow specs:

2.0 diesel: 1,700kg (3,740 pounds)
2.5 gas: 1,800kg (3,960 pounds)
3.6 gas: 2,000kg (4,400 pounds)

Max un-braked trailer load for all models in Europe is 750kg (1,650 pounds), and max nose weight (tongue weight) I'd 82kg (180 pounds).

European tow ratings are usually based on required manufacturer testing. US tow ratings are based on lawyers' opinions.