TD5 Torque Converter Lock-up

[surfingooner]

I have recently been driving in 3rd around town, and have been wondering what the science is in when the TC locks up. Speed is obviously part of the equation but lock-up can occur anywhere from 65 to 85. Throttle position has to be about 65% minimum for lock up, but too much throttle can delay lock-up and easing off can assist lock up.

Then gradient seems to also play a major factor, or load on the engine. Often when mine does lock up, the truck shoots off, speed rises rapidly. I am left wondering why the TC didn't lock up seconds before as nothing was happening fast, ie rev or speed gain.

I am sure I am over-simplifying this and welcome the wisdom of wiser members ?

Matt.

[PhilipA]

Funny mine locks at 70KMh in third nearly all the time and on light throttle. If you are say going along a straight at 70+ and ease off it will smoothly lock up.
I have had it lock under 70 on a steep hill with lots of throttle when I had a stock ECU.
It stays locked down to 50Kmh, when it will release and you start again.
Regards Philip A

[Rok_Dr]

Temperature as well.

Lock up won't occur till the transmission has warmed up

Cheers
Steve

[PhilipA]

Lock up won't occur till the transmission has warmed up

To be absolutely pedantic I think it depends on engine temperature which I guess implies a transmission temperature.

In a TD5 anyway AFAIK there is no temperature sensor for the transmission other than the overheat switch in the cooler circuit.
Regards Philip A

[surfingooner]

Funny mine locks at 70KMh in third nearly all the time and on light throttle. If you are say going along a straight at 70+ and ease off it will smoothly lock up.
I have had it lock under 70 on a steep hill with lots of throttle when I had a stock ECU.
It stays locked down to 50Kmh, when it will release and you start again.
Regards Philip A

Thanks Philip, does it lock up in 3rd when in D ? Mine only locks up in 3rd when in 3rd so to speak. When it does I try to keep it there for as long as possible as the car is beautiful to drive when locked up. Foot down and instant and powerful acceleration pretty much regardless of the incline.

Guess I am back to the point where something in mine is not working properly then. Think I am trying to avoid the fact that I need to get the box serviced, but then I refuse to do this without upgrading the converter, and then I cannot afford to do that for a while and back to square one which is here where I am trying to learn more about what I can do in my driving style to encourage lock up as quickly as possible. Bugger, other than this the car is going so well, but the area I live being so hilly and spending so much time on gradients cursing 'lock up you bugger' foot down harder / ease up, nothing nothing, then eventually does it and bang I am off again, and would run out of revs in 3rd in no time if I keep my foot down. It is like there are two cars in my car, evil Jekyll (but sweet) and lame Hyde !

When accelerating onto the freeway for example, the car is quick off the mark in first and second, I am matching the cars next to me, but then in 3rd I get left behind, even by the corolla's and jazz's etc, pretty much everything. But once have locked up in 4th, it surprises a lot of cars when I foot the pedal down and good gust of turbo acceleration from 90 to 120 in no time at all. All so very annoying.

[rick130]

Thanks Philip, does it lock up in 3rd when in D ? Mine only locks up in 3rd when in 3rd so to speak. When it does I try to keep it there for as long as possible as the car is beautiful to drive when locked up. Foot down and instant and powerful acceleration pretty much regardless of the incline.



They only lock up in third when you select third, get to 70km/h, back off a little, etc.
It fells like that when you are locked in fourth, then manually select third it stays locked in third, which is nice.

[PhilipA]

AFAIR when I had a stock ECU, I would enter a freeway flat out and it would change 1-2-3unlocked-3 locked-4unlocked-4 locked. That was in position D and was with the accelerator flat to the floor.




Regards Philip A

[rick130]

AFAIR when I had a stock ECU, I would enter a freeway flat out and it would change 1-2-3unlocked-3 locked-4unlocked-4 locked. That was in position D and was with the accelerator flat to the floor.




Regards Philip A


Aah, that makes sense. I thought I was imagining a six speed. [biggrin]

[Tins]

Aah, that makes sense. I thought I was imagining a six speed. [biggrin]

Imagination was all it was.... shame, really. A six speed behind a TD5? Wow.

[rick130]

Imagination was all it was.... shame, really. A six speed behind a TD5? Wow.

Yep, and compound turbos and a bigger I/C with a little tickle on the mapping.
It'd be a cracker of a setup.

[Pedro_The_Swift]

stop thinking about TD5's and start dreaming.
1.45AM?? really?[bigrolf]

[rick130]

stop thinking about TD5's and start dreaming.
1.45AM?? really?[bigrolf]
Sleep is so overrated !
(Only when I can't....)

Actually ****ed off I couldn't watch the MotoGP, so I was checking the results.

[Bluetoes]

Sleep is so overrated !
(Only when I can't....)

Actually ****ed off I couldn't watch the MotoGP, so I was checking the results.

Missed a cracking race go Vinales

[surfingooner]

So I am making progress and have decided to bite the bullet and invest in an upgraded torque converter. I am following the advice given my members on the forum and are going to use TCT in Springvale, they have been a pleasure to deal with to date.

With the freight charges etc to ship one out from Blighty and send the old one back, there is not a lot in it, and as has been suggested, it is a good idea to work with people who are local who you can go and see.

This is the biggest investment I will have made (or had to make) in my 4 years of owning my beloved beast, so I want to make sure I try to get everything right.

So once I have the TC, I need to get fitted, and have been speaking to a gearbox specialist to do this. With 275k kms on the clock, they strongly recommend I get the transmission serviced, so my question is what gets serviced, checked or replaced in a gearbox service ?

I recently did a service on it, replaced the filter and gasket, and replaced about 4 litres of oil. Gear changes have been much smoother since. Other than hitch it up to a diagnostic computer, is there anything else they do. I am getting quoted between $330 to $500 by various garages and am still trying to work out what I get for that money ?

When a gearbox is serviced, I am guessing it doesn't not need to be removed, so seems like a nice little earner !!

Final question, does $1,000 to remove and fit a new TC and service the gearbox seem reasonable ?

Any comments greatly appreciated as I feel out of my depth here so to speak.

[Tins]

Personally, I would, budget permitting, get it stripped and get new clutches through it. I've recently been told that a trade price for that, while it's out, is around $800. But then it's done. At least get the "A" pack changed, as that would appear to be the weakest point.

I'm keen to hear how the T/C goes.

[strangy]

Firstly $1k for the box removal and tc is normal.
You won't want to hear the rest but here goes..
Output and input seals and idler shaft oring in the transfer are easiest do at the same time.
Likewise the trans seals- but...
consider the remaining life in a 275k transmission before putting it back. It's possibly getting close to a rebuild.
The transfer Case won't be a problem.

[PhilipA]

I recently did a service on it, replaced the filter and gasket, and replaced about 4 litres of oil. Gear changes have been much smoother since. Other than hitch it up to a diagnostic computer, is there anything else they do. I am getting quoted between $330 to $500 by various garages and am still trying to work out what I get for that money ?

AFAIK specialists don't do any more than you have done.

If I were you , I would just do another fluid change so that you have about 80% or so new fluid.

If the "service" included a full transmission flush with new fluid it may be worthwhile but I doubt it.

I run Castrol Transmax Z full synthetic in mine so really a flush is out as I doubt they would use $90 for 4 litres oil..

I plan to do a service soon and refill with more Transmax Z.
Regards Philip A

[Tins]

Firstly $1k for the box removal and tc is normal.
You won't want to hear the rest but here goes..
Output and input seals and idler shaft oring in the transfer are easiest do at the same time.
Likewise the trans seals- but...
consider the remaining life in a 275k transmission before putting it back. It's possibly getting close to a rebuild.
The transfer Case won't be a problem.

Hard not to agree, only strangy said it better than me.

[Vern]

If the lock up clutch is dead/dying then it is know to go through the transmission and take out the rest of the clutch pack! This has happened twice to me. Be prepared

[surfingooner]

Thank you all and would love to hear more. I spoke to TCT and they have said to go to the gearbox specialist and get them to take it for a drive before they start the service / fitting as they will be able to pic up any faults, but from what I described to them, they think the issue I have had could be all within the current converter (I am again out of my depth here so taking their word for it).

The guy I started dealing with at the gearbox place who was helpful a couple of weeks back was not in today, and the guy I did talk to was very unhelpful. Book it in and when we take it for a drive we will call you and tell what is wrong if we pick anything up. He could not provide an details of what they in a service other than new oil and filter / gasket and a go on the computer, and seemed to want to get rid of me as quick as possible. Quite frankly I do not want to give this man my business as his attitude does not deserve my hard earned dollars, so will call again tomorrow and speak to the other guy who was more helpful.

Amazing how a quick conversation can influence where we spend our dollars. Please keep the recommendations coming, but sadly I am not going to have sufficient dollars for the re-build, but can possible extend for a few bits of what has so far been mentioned here.

[Vern]

A good mate of mine who had 2 transmission shops in eastern suburbs used to use tct, so you are in good hands there.

[Tins]

but sadly I am not going to have sufficient dollars for the re-build, but can possible extend for a few bits of what has so far been mentioned here.

Always a problem. But, at 275 km, you will need to start saving for the rebuild, and remember, the $1K quoted to r&r it will apply that time as well. I went out of my way to save a buck on mine for the same reasons, and boy, do I regret that decision now.

[sierrafery]

Find somebody with nanocom or similar and reset the autobox ECU's addaptive values, that's compulsory if the TC was upgraded...also i'd change the oil agai dos 4l out of 9.7 is less than hald so at least you'll have about 70% renewed oil

[Tins]

Find somebody with nanocom or similar and reset the autobox ECU's addaptive values, that's compulsory if the TC was upgraded...also i'd change the oil agai dos 4l out of 9.7 is less than hald so at least you'll have about 70% renewed oil

I.m not far if you choose to do that.... Maybe SF can kinda help with the procedure though....

[sierrafery]

Select the autobox from nanocom start screen then go to UTILITY ... it's the only option there:

Reset adaptive values: This function causes the GS887X ECU to reset all adaptive values thatthe ECU has learned from the vehicle. The adaptations should be reset if the gearbox mechanical components or gearbox ECU have been renewed or rectified.

[Tins]

Select the autobox from nanocom start screen then go to UTILITY ... it's the only option there:

Cheers. I've had the Nano for around 18 months, hoping the car itself will come home. Happy to let others use it, but feel stupid when I don't know how it works.

[Pedro_The_Swift]

how could you?
no car, no practice.

[Tins]

how could you?
no car, no practice.

I get to meet people....:BigCry:

Of course, when I ordered it I expected I'd have my D2 back a little earlier....[bigwhistle]

[surfingooner]

Done the deed, TCT are doing it and will pick up next week, will pick up myself as want to see what they look like in the flesh and how heavy they are. I have also decided to use the garage TCT recommend to fit it.

i did a few calls to garages and feedback I got was that it gets ugly if anything goes wrong and the supplier and fitter blame each other. The service will be for a diagnostic check, flush and full change of oil and new filter and gasket.

that is all the budget I have, but on basis I feel very confident about the car generally as very little else has gone wrong in 4 years and believe it was Sam good'un. It spent first 10 years owned by a professional pilot, all servicing done on time and not one invoice even had a crease on them. So I believe in her and hope all works out. This is my forever car, so whatever happens in the future I will save and fix. So,here goes, all very exciting.

[Tins]

Hope it works out for you. Please let us know how the TC goes.

[damienb]

While your TC will likely need work at 275, particularly new input splines, better check the lockup solenoid as well. This can be done box in but easier box out.

[surfingooner]

Picked it up,yesterday and wow they are heavy. I was told to also get a new flex plate fitted which is also being done. So typical, when the guy started it up for test drive, the m & s lights started flashing and car in limp mode, hasn't done that for months !! After messing around a bit it cleared, but the comment was made by the fitter that you might as well throw these things away at 200k kms, I took great offence. That said on the test drive it became very apparent he knows his stuff very well and Land rovers very well. Reckon he has just had a bad run lol.

Maybe ready tomorrow arvo hopefully, maybe Monday. Missing my car already, drove the missus XC-90 this evening, diesel, nice when you use the box manually and having 6 gears is fun, but the Discovery is so much more comfortable and enjoyable to drive. Bus and train in the morning :(

[Tins]

Picked it up,yesterday and wow they are heavy. I was told to also get a new flex plate fitted which is also being done. So typical, when the guy started it up for test drive, the m & s lights started flashing and car in limp mode, hasn't done that for months !! After messing around a bit it cleared, but the comment was made by the fitter that you might as well throw these things away at 200k kms, I took great offence. That said on the test drive it became very apparent he knows his stuff very well and Land rovers very well. Reckon he has just had a bad run lol.

Maybe ready tomorrow arvo hopefully, maybe Monday. Missing my car already, drove the missus XC-90 this evening, diesel, nice when you use the box manually and having 6 gears is fun, but the Discovery is so much more comfortable and enjoyable to drive. Bus and train in the morning :(

Volvos. Ugh.[bigwhistle]

[loanrangie]

Picked it up,yesterday and wow they are heavy. I was told to also get a new flex plate fitted which is also being done. So typical, when the guy started it up for test drive, the m & s lights started flashing and car in limp mode, hasn't done that for months !! After messing around a bit it cleared, but the comment was made by the fitter that you might as well throw these things away at 200k kms, I took great offence. That said on the test drive it became very apparent he knows his stuff very well and Land rovers very well. Reckon he has just had a bad run lol.

Maybe ready tomorrow arvo hopefully, maybe Monday. Missing my car already, drove the missus XC-90 this evening, diesel, nice when you use the box manually and having 6 gears is fun, but the Discovery is so much more comfortable and enjoyable to drive. Bus and train in the morning :(

I grew up in Warrandyte in the 70's/80's, you think the buses and trains are bad now, they were next to non existent back then.
Miss the only bus home and it was a long walk home.

[surfingooner]

I grew up in Warrandyte in the 70's/80's, you think the buses and trains are bad now, they were next to non existent back then.
Miss the only bus home and it was a long walk home.

Coming from UK I think the buses and trains in the area are very good, no idea why people moan so much about it, I thought us poms were meant to be the whingers !!

That would have been a long walk home !!

[Tins]

Miss the only bus home and it was a long walk home.

Huh. Up until about five years ago, the last bus left Belgrave for Gembrook at 19:15 ( well, not quite, there was one at 21:50 ). The train got in, supposedly, at 19:12. Trains being trains, that often didn't happen. Busses being busses, that meant that many people were left contemplating a bit of a stroll to finish off their day. Although, why people from Gembrook would choose to commute to the city is beyond me.

[surfingooner]

Picked the Disco up, today and wow, what a difference Haven't driven much, but it is a totally different car, gear changes smoother as to be expected, but such a more pleasant car to drive, revs always lower, put foot down accelerates loads quicker, but it's effortless, smooth, something I would never describe about the car before. Then it changes gear what seems like a lot earlier than expected and off again she goes, and hardly notice the actual action of the gear change.

less noticeable in 3rd and 4th, but as expected as have been playing around before in 3rd and 4th and know what the lock-up does and how it affects acceleration.

I only went hard from stand-still once and was totally blown away, bloody hell it was fast, fist pump followed, I never thought a Disco could be so quick, felt like I was in a TD GTI !!

Think the economy going to be a lot better as well, car seems so much happier all the time, just not having to try so hard at all to go at same speeds as before.

Just by home there is a very steep hill after Warrandyte Bridge, left turn and steep incline, I had a Subaru Outback behind me who was keen, gave it some gas and was gone before his revs had a chance to get going. Cue smile.

So pleased, as people who have done have said, best mod you can do to an auto TD5 (but also most expensive at $2,400 all up)

Sell the wife, sell the dog, stick one of these on the Xmas list, you will not regret it.

Ps a big thanks to TCT as they were very helpful all the way, and used their recommended fitter who whilst grumpy has done a great job. It needed some additional metal work done to fit, something to do with spigots needing to be altered to get the fit perfect, but believe it has been done properly. Happy days and a very happy TD5 and owner.

[AK83]

.... best mod you can do to an auto TD5 (but also most expensive at $2,400 all up)

....

Was that for the converter, flex plate and install labour?
Sounds like the auto service to have been done as well.
Nothing else?

Transfer case seals?

[surfingooner]

Was that for the converter, flex plate and install labour?
Sounds like the auto service to have been done as well.
Nothing else?

Transfer case seals?

That included service but not new seals as far as I know. I am going back today for a test drive with them as the car is 'klunking' a bit too much for my liking when slowing down, it is like being in a manual going through the gears.

Just want to sure all is ok. But life is sweet living between 1,000 - 2,500 and having torque available at all times. I got a re-map from Jose a couple of years back and am wondering whether this will need upgrading in view of the mods now made ?

[loanrangie]

I know that bit of road well, i always boot it up there to the corner. Much better on my Daytona than in the Disco.

[AK83]

I know that bit of road well, i always boot it up there to the corner. Much better on my Daytona than in the Disco.

LOL! if that's Jumping Ck road .. try coming down in an E1600 Mazda van with a ton of paint! :eek2:

A pogo-ing front end and a lack of brakes makes those downhill curves .. interesting!

[loanrangie]

LOL! if that's Jumping Ck road .. try coming down in an E1600 Mazda van with a ton of paint! :eek2:

A pogo-ing front end and a lack of brakes makes those downhill curves .. interesting!

No, Research - Warrandyte rd just over the bridge. I know JK rd very well, spent my youth fanging it along that rd in car and on bike :)

[AK83]

No, Research - Warrandyte rd just over the bridge. ...

Aha!

Well if you ever noticed another youth(misspent of course) following behind in either a Mini(proper mini, not the latest junk!) .. P6B's, SD1's, RZs, FZ750, or CB900 .. that may or may not have been me! :D

Sorry to go off topic(but surfingooner did start it! :p) .. my personal fave (in the area) has always been Skyline Rd, behind Sugarloaf reservoir .. Kangaroo Ground to Yarra Glen [thumbsupbig][thumbsupbig]

[loanrangie]

My hunting grounds :)

[Tins]

Aha!

Well if you ever noticed another youth(misspent of course) following behind in either a Mini(proper mini, not the latest junk!) .. P6B's, SD1's, RZs, FZ750, or CB900 .. that may or may not have been me! :D

Sorry to go off topic(but surfingooner did start it! :p) .. my personal fave (in the area) has always been Skyline Rd, behind Sugarloaf reservoir .. Kangaroo Ground to Yarra Glen [thumbsupbig][thumbsupbig]

Try the other side of the Eltham Yarra Glen road. Still called Skyline Road. Gravel, of course. My folks had the last but one house up there, survived Black Saturday. They built in 1972-3, and I know the roads around there quite well.

[Tins]

Try the other side of the Eltham Yarra Glen road. Still called Skyline Road. Gravel, of course. My folks had the last but one house up there, survived Black Saturday. They built in 1972-3, and I know the roads around there quite well.

Butterman's track used to be fun once as well.

[loanrangie]

Butterman's track used to be fun once as well.

Its now fully sealed.

[Tins]

Its now fully sealed.

Is it? Strewth.

[surfingooner]

Morning all, now a couple of weeks on, still loving the 'new car', it still 'klonks' when slowing, when changes into 2nd and 1st, but I went for a test run with the fitter and he said that is what you get with HD TC. I have no problem with that other than sometimes it is slightly more violent than other times, and I like consistency !

Over the weekend I cleaned the MAF / MAP and oil in the ECU, and when I drove after up some hills, my EGT gauge was suddenly going up much higher than usual, right up 700 up heading up a hill towards Research (hill from Stony Creek Road to top of the hill on Research Warrandyte is great test hill). What would have caused this ? MAF / MAP or oily ECU, or mixture of all 3 ?

My first guess is a tired MAF that needs to be cleaned regularly to get the best out of it, but the temps were unusually high ?

Secondly, Jose has said he wants to update my re-map in light of the HD TC, does anyone in the area have a nanocom and I can pop over and install it ?

Cheers,

Matt.

PS Skyline road the far side, will have to try that out.

[PhilipA]

My guess is that the MAP was under reading and the ECU was supplying more fuel in response to the increased boost seen.

Regards Philip A

[Tins]

Secondly, Jose has said he wants to update my re-map in light of the HD TC, does anyone in the area have a nanocom and I can pop over and install it ?

I'm in the Dandenongs, if no one bobs up closer.


PS Skyline road the far side, will have to try that out.

Nothing special. Used to be a good way through to St Andrews, but I gather it's built up now. Skyline road itself has a locked gate. It shouldn't, really, but it's been there since 1972 to my certain knowledge. Mum and dad had the last house before that gate. Theirs was one of the few to survive Black Saturday, although mum had left before that.

[loanrangie]

Morning all, now a couple of
Secondly, Jose has said he wants to update my re-map in light of the HD TC, does anyone in the area have a nanocom and I can pop over and install it ?

Cheers,

Matt.

PS Skyline road the far side, will have to try that out.

Pop down and see Kerry in DC, make it a Saturday and i'll come down too.

[surfingooner]

Thank you Gents, I am waiting for the changed map from Jose and will sort something out when I have it. I am still trying to work out how the map changes for the HD TC ? Jose knows his stuff, so looking forward to the changes, but not at all unhappy with how things are. Still loving it, never have to put foot hard down, always seem to be just touching lightly the gas pedal and if anything I am driving slower as never any 'lock up ya bastard' frustrations, and trying to make the old girl work, just glide along. Am I boring you all yet......

ps hoping to take the kids camping somewhere in the Alps next weekend, camping just for a night with the goal being to be in snow and for it to snow as they have never experienced it before, any ideas ?

[PhilipA]

Take lots of warm clothes (mittens , beanies, thermal socks) and sleeping bags rated to at least -10.!!

I remember a RRclub trip when I took my son whose sleeping bag was not adequate. We wrapped him in a blue tarp and the rustling kept us awake along with below.
You also know I hope that below zero your breath will freeze on the inside of the tent and drip on you all night.
Take boogie boards.
The campground downstream from Thredbo might be a go, but I think it closes for winter.
Regards Philip A

[AK83]

Take lots of warm clothes (mittens , beanies, thermal socks) and sleeping bags rated to at least -10.!!

....

I actually do it differently in the cold.
Instead of having multiple sleeping bags, I just use what I have, but I get some decent quality polarfleece blankets to use as extra covering over the sleeping bags.

A while back I got two cheap($10-15) fleece blankets from Target or Kmart or some large department store.
They're warm as hell, in fact in the house it's too warm!


ps. if you have kids in the 5-10yo range, I have two pairs of snow boots(used once) .. free to a good home. Kids outgrew them the next year.
I know nothing of sizes, but they say 31/32 on one and 35/36 on the other. Basically brand new condition.
I think I still have some gloves and their two jackets as well(again used only once).

[surfingooner]

I actually do it differently in the cold.
Instead of having multiple sleeping bags, I just use what I have, but I get some decent quality polarfleece blankets to use as extra covering over the sleeping bags.

A while back I got two cheap($10-15) fleece blankets from Target or Kmart or some large department store.
They're warm as hell, in fact in the house it's too warm!


ps. if you have kids in the 5-10yo range, I have two pairs of snow boots(used once) .. free to a good home. Kids outgrew them the next year.
I know nothing of sizes, but they say 31/32 on one and 35/36 on the other. Basically brand new condition.
I think I still have some gloves and their two jackets as well(again used only once).

Have some of those blankets from target and they do a great job, went to Dargo about 6 weeks back, sleeping bags plus duvet plus blankets and we were all fine, until wet dogs were freezing so had them under the duvet where they snored happily and warm. Boogie boards a great idea, and my sis has given us the old snow gear from her children so we are fine in that department - thank you for the offer. Going to do more research this week on where to go. Matt.

[Tins]

Thank you Gents, I am waiting for the changed map from Jose and will sort something out when I have it. I am still trying to work out how the map changes for the HD TC ? Jose knows his stuff, so looking forward to the changes, but not at all unhappy with how things are. Still loving it, never have to put foot hard down, always seem to be just touching lightly the gas pedal and if anything I am driving slower as never any 'lock up ya bastard' frustrations, and trying to make the old girl work, just glide along. Am I boring you all yet......

ps hoping to take the kids camping somewhere in the Alps next weekend, camping just for a night with the goal being to be in snow and for it to snow as they have never experienced it before, any ideas ?

Don't bother with any of the resorts, like Buller, Hotham or Baw Baw. Mount Stirling could be worth a look, but check if it's open first. Or, maybe head out from Dargo, or perhaps Licola.

Bear in mind, if you do go to any place controlled by the ARC you will be required to carry wheel chains, 4WD or not. You won't get in without them.

[AK83]

.... Or, maybe head out from Dargo, or perhaps Licola.

....

Marysville(ie. Lake Mountain) to Woods Point can be nice when it snows up that way.
Closer to home, you could find nice areas to play in up near Warbuton.
If you know Powelltown at all, and the Ada tree site, there's a few camp grounds around that side.
If snow is down to 800m, there'll be heaps for the kids to play in.

[Tins]

Marysville(ie. Lake Mountain) to Woods Point can be nice when it snows up that way.
Closer to home, you could find nice areas to play in up near Warbuton.
If you know Powelltown at all, and the Ada tree site, there's a few camp grounds around that side.
If snow is down to 800m, there'll be heaps for the kids to play in.

Very true. Lake Mountain is controlled by the ARC however. Even Donna Buang could give you what you want, or Matlock if it gets down that low.

[surfingooner]

Thanks gents, sadly didn't happen this time due to my cooling woes, not risking any long journey off-track till sorted. Still waiting for the updated map, so will be in touch when received and new water pump fitted.