Thread: towing tdi auto temperatures and coolers

Hi DiscoDevil,

I used to think the same about a buggered sensor but learned the hard way after the transmission died with only 120k on it. Others may argue but in my view the existing cooler is inadequate when towing and even when driving in sand. The fluid lifespan is significantly reduced once the light has come on as it triggers at 135c from memory which is way to hot for regular mineral based transmission fluid. After the rebuild I switched to full synthetic fluid, fitted the P38 cooler, modified the front grill to improve airflow and fitted a digital temp monitor on the cooler outlet at the gearbox (hottest point). Needless to say it runs a lot cooler now and a recent 25km trip on Stockton beach it never went over 60c whereas the light would always usually come on at some point with the stock setup.
I've also learned to drive in low range on the beach to reach lockup as the temp drops significantly once lockup is achieved. Its also worth doing if you get a really steep hill and can get away with driving at 40kmh ; )
BTW, Some brand new Saudi Grills on UK ebay at the moment which is a rare event.

Check out this fluid temp chart. At 135c (275F) The fluid life is reduced significantly http://www.digi-panel.com/trannyoil.htm

Cheers
Mark

slight technical hiccup in my preparation it would seem.
im getting a cooler sent over that runs 3/8 pipe. 255x280


ill get enzed to modify pipes to fit, and replace temp sensor.

i think i might even replace the brand new tyres with standard size to improve time spent in lockup. thoughts anyone?

cheers

Just be careful with the after market coolers as the ZF4HP22 are said to run full pressure (200psi) through the cooler during lock-up, hence many after market coolers (and hose couplings) are unsuitable as they are not rated high enough. This is why the P38 coolers are a popular choice as they are rated for these sorts of pressures with the appropriate couplings.
Is that a Davies Craig cooler in the pic? I looked at these initially and when i rang them they said they would handle 200psi but I decided to go with P38 one after doing further research.
Cheers
Mark

the auto guys said they have never had a problem with these for twenty years. Australian made in Qld.

I just have to pull the pipes off now and get fittings sorted, cross my fingers, hold my eyes in acertain gaze, wave at the right landies and hold my dot at the right tension whilst traversing sand, hills or traffic and all will be fine!

[QUOTE=DiscoDevil;1657791]

i think i might even replace the brand new tyres with standard size to improve time spent in lockup. thoughts anyone?
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I find that with standard tyres mine reaches lockup at about 80KMH in high range. Its hard to hit 80kmh on a big hill though in a tdi which is why I sometimes drop to low range if i'm off the beaten track, not really practical to do this on a major road though as you top end is only around 40KMH. I'm not sure how much you will benefit from changing the tyres and if they are new it seems quite an overkill for the potentially small gain.

BTW, Assume you are leaving the existing cooler in place as well as the aftermarket? I would if space permits.

I'll try to get them both in there.

You know the more I think about this the more I'm thinking this vehicle simply isn't up to the task I've intended it for. ( towing one ton camper around oz) Now that I know what a lock up is in an auto trans and this only has one in fourth, well I'm kinda screwed either way. I have to go over eighty or in low range at 40 kmh! To keep the heat out of the trans. So crawling around at sixty is a no go! Great!!

Oh well, I'll see if the coolers change things, but really land rover, what were you thinking!

I might even sell it and get a pootrol.

Originally Posted by DiscoDevil

I'll try to get them both in there.

You know the more I think about this the more I'm thinking this vehicle simply isn't up to the task I've intended it for. ( towing one ton camper around oz) Now that I know what a lock up is in an auto trans and this only has one in fourth, well I'm kinda screwed either way. I have to go over eighty or in low range at 40 kmh! To keep the heat out of the trans. So crawling around at sixty is a no go! Great!!

Oh well, I'll see if the coolers change things, but really land rover, what were you thinking!

I might even sell it and get a pootrol.

Make sure you get the 3.0

In my D2a, the auto will lock in all 4 gears, not sure if a D1 is any different.

Regards. Gordo