Gearbox and transfer case coolers

[sierrajim]

Is there such an item?

I've seen auto transmission coolers which obviously use the transmissions oil pump. But is there such a thing for cooling manual transmissions and transfer cases? would need an external pump of some description.

Secondly would it be worthwhile? I have been known to somewhat pound the crapper out of my vehicles and figure that every bit helps to the reliability of the setup.

Any help or comments appreciated.

James

[LuxyBoy]

Just use a good oil matey and yes it would need an external pump and going over bumps you could get air locks through the pump; BAD.

[sierrajim]

I always use quality oil, all of the oils get changed after no more than every three trips.

However oil has an operating temperature, beyond that it looses its viscosity and doesn't work too well. The cooler it is the better it is.

But if nothing is available, nothing is available.

[hienuf]

Off the top of my head.

powersteering pump.....I think worth a try.......

[LuxyBoy]

The problem still is that to make sure you never get an air lock you would need to either use the drain plug and hope for the best (possibility of hose being ripped of on a rock and losing all oil) or have a drain made at the bottom pointing sideways out of both ends and join them before reaching the pump; that way on steep hills you won't starve the pump and kill it, then have it return to the top.
Sounds like alot of stuffing around; if you change your oils that often it is probably the best box in the country anyway.
If you do get one hooked up deffinantly post some pics

[scout392]

I wouldn’t think the g/box or t/case would get hot enough the warrant a cooler.
The oil is not getting heated by the motor or under the same pressures the auto is and thus stays cooler.

My 2c any way.

Eric

[pongo]

I wouldn’t think the g/box or t/case would get hot enough the warrant a cooler.
The oil is not getting heated by the motor or under the same pressures the auto is and thus stays cooler.

My 2c any way.

Eric

Agreed. Even IF heat is an issue, Just run a thicker oil to compensate.

Cheers

[just cruizin']

Heat shouldn't be too much of a problem, if you do want to run this sort of setup use a positive displacement pumpm either diaphragm or gear. Small electric diaphragm should work OK just make sure the diaphragm is suited to transmission oil. PD pumps self prime so even if it gets air in it it will just push it out.

[Tiny]

Heat shouldn't be too much of a problem, if you do want to run this sort of setup use a positive displacement pumpm either diaphragm or gear. Small electric diaphragm should work OK just make sure the diaphragm is suited to transmission oil. PD pumps self prime so even if it gets air in it it will just push it out.

diaphragms may have an issue with heat, or at least one that can deal with it would not be cheap, gear pump would be better, but no cheap either. also as said above hoses getting riped out would be an issue.

[Zute]

Why not contact some of the guys from the V8 Supercars, they use them. Try Larry or HSV.

[HotFourOk]

A little off topic.. but how many of you guys run power steering coolers?

With larger tyres the steering system would be under more strain, hence produce more heat in the fluid right?... Is a dedicated cooler worth considering?

[just cruizin']

A gear pump will die in next to no time if run dry. Plus they are relatively in-effecient (sp) power wise. A teflon diaphragm should be ok with the heat.

[ozrunner]

The 4Runner auto's had their own dedicated transfer cooler as the transfer was also hydraulically operated with its own pump and valve body etc but the cooler was so small it was next to useless.

But with modern oils and especially synthetics using an oil cooler for a 5 speed or manual transfer is not required and a complete waste of time, unless you plan on doing 6 1/2 hours at the Mountain

You would have more drama's due to pump problems than you would ever have otherwise.

[Slunnie]

LandRover R380 manuals have coolers on them. I don't think the LT230 transfer does though.

[bazzle]

Thicker oil isntthe answer. Use a good quality synthetic that holds its viscosity and lube qualities on a wider temp range.
I used to use Shell spirax
http://www.shell-lubricants.com/product ... code=59226


Bazzle

[scout392]

A little off topic.. but how many of you guys run power steering coolers?

With larger tyres the steering system would be under more strain, hence produce more heat in the fluid right?... Is a dedicated cooler worth considering?

I run a P/S cooler and 2 auto coolers.

Eric

[jeep97tj]

I would think the cost of setting up a cooling system would pay for atleast 1 gearbox rebuild may be 2?? So to get any thing out of the cooler it would have to tripple the life of your gear box. I wouldnt think it would be that much of a improvement?? If its a aluminium gear box u could always weld a lot of fins onto it? I think that would be your better option.

[Tiny]

A gear pump will die in next to no time if run dry. Plus they are relatively in-effecient (sp) power wise. A teflon diaphragm should be ok with the heat.

True unless they have a seperate sealed bearing chamber (price is two much) but they should never run dry that long and would have enough residual oil in the system for the short period of time. efficiency would not be an issue given the actual pressure and flow requirements.

up to 70deg should be fine with the diaphragm pumps with teflon kit though it, but small air opperated on (for the price) you would need to set up an endless air set up where as the gear pump is easier to get and adapt to a small 12v motor

really unless you are running a race cor with a good budget, it really wouldnt be wirth the cost and effort imo