Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Transaxle New trans cooler and line filter for ATX

After reading all about the poor design of the filtering and cooling aspects, I fitted a Ford Focus ATX cooler in front of the power steering cooler. An ebay seller was selling brand new for $10. This is a stacked plate efficient cooler, much better than tube and fin.
I also installed an inline filter. You can buy this filter at car quest for $22, OR you can use an inline fuel filter. AutoZone sells an decent sized can filter made by Bosch that looks like it would flow well. I actually took a fuel canister filter ment for a Buick Roadmaster wagon, slightly enlarged and flared out the ends using a needle nose plier (just press it in and turn) and put this in the line. Flaring the end gives a little bump on the end of the metal 3/8 line and opens up the slightly closed end of the filter.
The Bosch fuel filter has screw fitting ends, an easy hook up.
You want to cut the bottom transmission line. This is the return line and comes off the bottom of the radiator. Installing in the return line will give the best cooling. The filter fits nicely in the space in front of the AC drier under the car.
The Ford Focus cooler is 23 by 5 by 3/4 inches and fits well enough right in front of the power steering cooler. I tied mine in place using some heavy cooper wire. Air will easily flow thru the bottom opening in the front rubber bumper.

Using a Focus cooler has been discussed before. You might be the second one that has done it. I know of a few others that were suppose to do it, but never got back with me about the install details. Congrats on getting it done. I would like to hear if there were any problems or things that you had problems with.

As for using the fuel filters for an in-line filter, I would be very careful about that. As an example, a Contours fuel filter was designed to withstand constant pressure of around 45psi @ idle and upwards of 60psi @ WOT. If you have the filter placed before the cooler, it would have to withstand pressure upwards of 110psi. After the cooler, you are probably looking at anywhere from 0-90psi. So, just a warning.

No trouble fitting the cooler and it fills the space well.
I just knew it would be perfect for the car, right in front and down low, no trying to fit it between radiator and AC condenser. It fits in at a slight angle and I simply tied it in with some copper wire. I installed the filter after the cooler. So far no troubles with it.

I was wondering how to monitor the filter, and how often to replace it.

The only concern I had was if the filter material would fall apart, but I have cut apart filters like these before and they are all really the same inside. I figure gas filter must be built tough to withstand the solvent effects of fuel so I am ok there. When I found out about the filter issue with these ATX, I just had to do it. The large GM cars I have never had any trouble with ATX , But I read about Fords and if you dont change the oil frequently they fail. Mostly due to poor cooling and filtering?

Here are some pictures of the new cooler and filter and shows where it fits