XJ Transmission Oil Coolers

[carvesdodo]

Originally Posted by junglejuice

Let us know how you go with the temp testing both before and after and if possible can you include ambient temperature as well or at least try to test both on similar temp days and similar times of the day if possible to try and get a reasonble comparison....

X 2 ..... would be good to have a collection of results from various vehicles on the forum .... as a basepoint for others to work from.

Originally Posted by tazwegion

I wondered if anyone made brass t pieces that a sensor could fit into with the transmission oil running past it?

* off to a plumbing supply *

http://www.earls.com.au/ ...... but most hydraulic / gearbox places have what you need.

Just ensure the sensor length is a match for the t-piece if you do an inline setup ... as short and long sensors are available.

[rainman]

That being said putting in a oil temp gauge as a start, so you know how hot the oil is getting with out any cooling would be easy relatively cheap way to begin.

http://www.crazysales.com.au/car/gauges_c322

[ChrisXJ]

Wouldn't it be better to sense the oil temp in the sump and not the oil temp after or before the cooler.

[junglejuice]

Originally Posted by tazwegion

Well I've semi mounted the transmission cooler in the only place available (once I tossed the original Jeep one) partly in front of the radiator but 90% below sitting in the air flow from the bull bar vent through to the engine bay (via cut outs below radiator), according to Davies Craig line orientation isn't a big deal so this should work relatively well (I hope) and still have sufficient room for an aftermarket (motorcycle) thermo fan if necessary

A few different angles from the camera shoved under the bullbar




Yes you may have noted it's off-centre somewhat... that'd be because of the front chassis "cut outs" the cooler is sitting directly in front off


EDIT: well it's been properly fitted for 5 days, flaring the ends of the pipe sections (with the tip of a closed pair of pointy nosed pliers) and fitting 2 hose clips to every connection (opposing clamp configuration) has been very effective at preventing leaks in the transmission lines... highly recommended, it also appears to be keeping the transmission more adequately cooled with sufficient airflow being directed through the factory bullbar's lower intake venting (mounting in front of a factory frame/chassis cutout would also be contributing to effectiveness)

To maximise the flexibility of this cooler I installed it in series with the existing heat exchanger (located in the hot side of the radiator), thus the transmission wouldn't spend longer below recommended operating temperatures than necessary yet had a greater capacity to reduce the transmission oil before returning to the AW4 transmission, thanks to carvesdodo for the doing most of the graphical leg work




Additional post note: After traveling up to the Victorian/NSW border and back I can say without reservation this configuration made a definitive impact on improving the transmission operating temperatures even in what I would consider extreme sweltering conditions, my method of comparison was as "unscientific" as you can get utilizing the sensor pads in the tip of the fingers, crazy you say? not at all... previously whilst motoring about town the transmission shift lever would get "so hot" as to be untouchable, after the #678 had been fitted the hottest it reached was extremely warm and seeing as the shift lever is in contact with the transmission heat would obviously be radiated though it as well

Future planned upgrades

• Motorcycle thermofan for #678 (and auxiliary switch)
• Method of monitoring transmission temperatures

Um there is a slight flaw in that thinking re the temp measurement via the shifter as it is connected to the trans via a cable not a direct mechanical connection.....

[junglejuice]

Originally Posted by ChrisXJ

Wouldn't it be better to sense the oil temp in the sump and not the oil temp after or before the cooler.

I would think that the temp of the oil in the trans is more important as that relates to the temp of the trans itself rather than the fluid in the lines....

[rainman]

x2
I agree, I have trouble understanding the value of the inline oil temp.
What do you do with the information? it would be constantly changing any way, hot when you put the boot in less hot when you are not.
maybe you could put one on the out line and one on the return then see how efficient different cooler setups were?
So now you would be looking at 2 gauges???


I just wanted to know when to stop and let the trany cool down.

[del97td]

yes ive fitted an engine oil cooler to my td , i had a borg warner filter adapter that ive used on and off on diffferent cars from about 1980 , ive coupled it to a mitsubishi pajero oil cooler (which is the same as a magna trans cooler) ive got a mate who uses them in his race cars, in the td there is a small block mounted cooler about the size of a teacup ive left that connected and mounted the cooler behind my bar,you can pick up these adapters from autobarn for about $25 (seen just before xmas)