auto trans cooler on 80 vx

[pressy]

Hi guys need some help. how bigger trans cooler do you need for a ext cooler for towing and hill work, as I have as small cooler and in the weekend the trans got to 130c. i read some where the trans temp light comes on about 140c ....... thoughts please........

Thanks in advance

[wjw]

Have a look at this and let me know what you end up getting

http://www.automatictransmission.com.au ... wsId=12319

[surfer x2]

The bigger the better you won't over cool one of them. We fit x-large coolers in them (trans shop) and sometimes they still get hot you need to run them with the radiator. Give ATP (auto trans parts) 3792064 chch they have a huge range of coolers.

[Diorama]

I have done alot of work around this as I tow a 3.5T boat with my landcruiser and ran into alot of overheating trans problems. The factory trans light comes on at 300F (149C) and goes out again at 240F (115C). I figured that if I could keep the temp below what the factory light goes out at then I should be safe. Firstly fit as big a cooler as you can fit on one side of the centre bonnet support. Fit a good quality Trans gauge. I have fitted an auber digital gauge which is really good as you can set an alarm at what ever temp you like. I have done the mod so that I can engage low range without activating the centre diff lock (it still engages with the button on the dash). On any major hill climbs I select low range which enables me to sit in 4th gear all the way up the hills at about 60km/hr. Trans temp stays right down as its not working at all. If I stay in high range I end up down in second gear still with a max of 60km/hr but with a hot trans. If you decide to do the hill climb in high range don't let it sit in 3rd for too long as this really gets the temp up. Better to go straight to 2nd which dosen't work it as hard and the trans temp dosen't climb as quickly. If I do this the temp usually levels out at about 110C. Whereas if I go to low range it sits at about 90C. I have also fitted an aux fan in front of the trans cooler that I can switch on manually if needed as at low speeds there is not much air flow to provide the cooling. I find I don't really need it but its there if I do. The next issue you will run into is EGT. Fit an EGT gauge and drive to it. Again I have fitted an Auber digital (sensor pre turbo) with the alarm set point at 720C. As soon as it alarms I back off the throttle untill it clears. Believe me you will hit temps up around 850 even 900C if you keep your foot down. 720 is the maximum sustainable temp but short bursts over that is acceptable. Be aware holding it above 720 for too long is getting into danger zone of melting pistons and turbo blades, cracking heads and warping manifolds. Also consider an intercooler or water injection. I haven't done this but I do drive to my gauges. I have also installed an Auber boost gauge and increased the boost to 14psi but haven't touched the main fuel. This also provides extra engine cooling. I have increased the off boost fuel which gets me rolling easily with a load on as with being on 35" tyres and the boat on the back I had trouble getting it rolling.
I did all these mods as it cost me $4500 for my trans rebuild after i cooked it and I ended up having to get my exhaust manifold machined as it blew off two studs due to it warping from excess heat. If you want any more info let me know.

[pressy]

thank you, very informative read. all very useful. will look for a larger cooler.running egt pre turbo already but wasnt sure on the alarm setting as only had the truck 8months now still learning,