Thread: Installing an R380 gearbox oil cooler - questions for the gurus

Originally Posted by 86mud

Hi all

I am wanting to fit an oil cooler to my R380 gearbox. I have sourced a thermostatic valve adapter and oil cooler (plus some fittings and hose).

Is there enough pressure to circulate the oil to the oil cooler with it sitting on the bullbar as per the photo? I looked at putting the oil cooler against the radiator cross member but was worried about hitting it on a rock, stump, animal etc.

I would need to fit a non-return valve I am guessing as well. Will the oil pump in the gearbox create enough pressure to push oil passed a non-return valve and up hill to the bullbar?

Cheers

Shouldn't be an issue. Mine was connected to the trans cooler part of the radiator and worked fine. Until it leaked that is. Pumped it's oil out and destroyed the box.
So, make sure it's well out of harm's way or it gets costly.

I would not fit a non-return valve as they're not fitted as std to D2s with the cooler.

Originally Posted by johntins

Pumped it's oil out and destroyed the box.

That was always a concern of mine - pumping oil with no indication of loosing it. I considered fitting a flow meter to monitor flow back into the box but when cold the bypass valve opens so not really fool-proof. I carried a bypass plate on remote area trips in case a pipe or the cooler broke and that I caught it before loosing all oil.

Originally Posted by Graeme

That was always a concern of mine - pumping oil with no indication of loosing it. I considered fitting a flow meter to monitor flow back into the box but when cold the bypass valve opens so not really fool-proof. I carried a bypass plate on remote area trips in case a pipe or the cooler broke and that I caught it before loosing all oil.

I was thinking to that too, my idea is to addapt to the cooler an adjustable N/C oil pressure switch set to minimum(as i dont know the pressure but there are switch versions starting from 5 psi) and wire it into the transmission temp warning circuit which is certainly there in C0668-4 under the console or C0048-1 under the steering wheel....then if the warning comes on while driving it's sign of some trouble

Hi Mud, I wouldn't worry about the NRV, some defenders came with a R380 gearbox cooler anyhow, so the back pressure shouldn't be a problem if the pipes are the right size. I currently have the thermostat housing fitted to mine and some hoses connecting to a Magnom magnetic filter. I'm using penrite gear pro fully synthetic, so I'm not so concerned about the temperature, more about how clean is the oil. The synthetic oil can maintain its viscosity and characteristics better over a wider temperature range, and filter in the transmission is a rock strainer at best. Yes it could pump the oil out, but I check under the car for leaks regularly , and check the hoses, the pressure is low, so yes a leak is possible but not likely if you have good inspection regime.

cheers simmo

Originally Posted by simmo

Yes it could pump the oil out, but I check under the car for leaks regularly , and check the hoses, the pressure is low, so yes a leak is possible but not likely if you have good inspection regime.

cheers simmo

That's all very well, but the R380 doesn't actually hold a lot of oil, so a leak could cause failure between fuel stops.

The reason for the NRV was false readings at the filler point of the gearbox with the oil cooler being slightly up hill of the filler point.

Un-monitored fluid loss whilst driving along is a huge concern. I'll making sure the flexible hoses are well installed and I think I will install a gauge of some sort to monitor pressure.

I was thinking of this VDO gauge...but does it have the correct range to suit the pressure rating?

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/VDO-52mm-...wAAOSwQItT4Mbp

This is requiring a lot of thought!

I'm not trying to re negative here; in fact, I want to reinstate the cooler, because the Ashcroft R380 in the car now deserves looking after.

But, here is the leak. AFAIK, it wasn't like this a couple of days before.

[IMG][/IMG]

And, this is the result.



So, as Simmo said, a careful eye is needed, but I don't know anyone who gets under their car every day. But, be meticulous in your fitting, and protect the lines and cooler as best you can.

I'm very interested in sierrafery's idea. Does that apply to D1's?