Thread: Towing with a 300TDi Disco Auto.

My car has a larger cooler fitted to tow a 1 tonne camper to Cape York from Wagga, i would say definitely go for it, if you have a larger cooler and the light never comes on don't worry about a guage, what are you going to sit there and read it and pick your nose??? Just get to know the car and when you're pushing too hard just come off the go pedal a bit and take it slower.

I like the idea of lock up in 3rd, but then i'd rather spend the money putting a manual in my car which is on the cards depending on what i decide to do with it.

Cheers
Will

Where'd you get the larger cooler?
I need to make the modification too.

ZF 4 speed Auto gearbox overheating can be a problem as a consequence of towing, apparently for every 7C over the target temperature (80C) the ATF half lives meaning if you schedule an auto service at 50K it suddenly becomes 25K etc if you don't you will head straight into trouble with burnt oil flakes collecting in the valves.

Ashcroft among others recommend without hesitation to use a full Synthetic ATF, Castrol Trans-max Z synthetic, claims to raise the working temperature by 20C and is a Dexron3 replacement.
I would think this path would be the best to start with rather than replace hardware.

Wholesale Automatic transmission, in Melbourne are right into this stuff, including gearbox temp gauges, they have an excellent online help line.

Originally Posted by tomalophicon

Where'd you get the larger cooler?
I need to make the modification too.

Not sure was fitted by my aunty and uncle when they owned the car, i'll ask, but i know it was a place in Wagga

yes yes yes - instal a larger cooler. after you have spent $4000+ you will know why. i also recommend a tm2 engine saver on the gearbox so you can see the operating temp. a&b autos in dandenong melb repaired my box and installed a cooler. tm2 engine saver on the engine is also a good idea, being cheaper than engine repairs.

I'd definitely fit an engine monitor
Never had the light come on on my AT though so can't see the point of a temp monitor IMO.

Definitely go with a bigger cooler and synthetic fluid, well worth the effort. I'm using a PWR 280x255x19mm cooler with 1/2" barbs. Got it on Ebay for $132 plus shipping. Mounted it on the left side in front of the radiator with some home made brackets. Hooked it up to the existing steel lines with Enzed blue hose - Silver soldered barb connectors on the metal lines, incorporating the temp warning sender. Enzed will help with the lines if you don't have your own tools. I tow a heavy trailer for work, no cooling issues any more with this set up. Otherwise they say that a RR P38 cooler works well, but I couldn't find an affordable one. Simon

gear down slow down on the over heat warning, get off to the side of the road put it in neutral and hold 1500 RPM if the warning light is not out in one minute shut it down, you may have a bigger problem.


Fit a pre cooler temp gauge or a sump temp gauge and you'll be surprised at how much the temperature changes during normal use.