Trans cooler again...Olsen/Fitzpatrick?

[Wil Ferch]

I'm familiar with Thom Fitzpatrick's earlier post on his trans cooler project.

I have similar questions but want to go further:

1.) Recognizing the value of a spray bar, I nonetheless won't use one...my project target will be *only* to focus on oil cooling ( temp issue).

2.) To avoid drilling the case, and to make this as much of a bolt-on as possible...I wish to use existing openings/fittings on the 915 box.

3.) If you use the bottom drain as a supply source, you risk a very low hanging point that can be ripped off.
-- Any ideas on a HD "guard" design? A sloped ramp attached to the case protecting the plug?
-- can the return / re-entry point be the side mounted fill plug, or even the topside "vent" ?
--or, can the suction be rigged to use a down-elbow fitting as part of the fill plug??

Thinking of locating the oil cooler and pump somewhere in the left/rear fender well... frontside, or underneath the driver/rear passenger seat.

---Wil Ferch

[widebody911]

Here's the page I setup for mine:
http://vintagebus.com/howto/trans-cooler/

If you're adamant about not drilling the case, then you can try and engineer something via the fill and drain plugs. If you're Adam Ant, I respectfully suggest that androgeny is sooo out now. (no pun intended)

I'd looked into using the fill and drain plugs, but since I was looking at a rebuild anyway, I just waited and did it 'right'. It would be possible to take a stock solid plug, and drill and tap it for the fittings you need. Not optimal, but doable.

FWIW, on hot days, my trans cooler will kick in while I'm driving on surface streets, then shut off again once I get on the freeway. I'm taking that as a sign that it actually works.

On mine, the lower fitting is up higher than the clutch bits, and above the level of the lower rib on the trans. I also chose to use a brass fitting instead of aluminum, for more durability. If I did get into a tough spot, I'd probably lose the clutch cable before I lost the drain fitting.

Here's mine:

[masraum]

wow, cool, hehe, literally.

Sweet setup, Thom.

[Jack Olsen]

Are you tracking the car, Will? I have a temp gauge on my tranny, and -- Tom's experience notwithstanding -- I have never seen the tranny get above about 180 in street driving. On the track, without the cooler, I've seen it hit 260 (gear oil starts to break down at about 200).

[Wil Ferch]

Jack/Thom:
Thanks for your response(s)...
Thom... what about use of the top vent port. Any good? Any idea if the "drop tube" idea through the fill port has any merit? It would then locate the suction point higher, and would still draw fluid if the pump is a positive displacement type.
Jack...I track the car on occasion, but only as part of DE's at Watkins Glen. It can get hot in the summer, and I would say the car gets hammered during those times, even though it's only a DE. Have no idea if it's getting too hot, or if a Mobil 1 synthetic might be an alternative if I opt out of a cooler. Thoughts?
--Wil Ferch

[widebody911]

Originally posted by JackOlsen
I have a temp gauge on my tranny, and -- Tom's experience notwithstanding -- I have never seen the tranny get above about 180 in street driving.

I know for a fact my adjustable thermostat is set too low, but I need to borrow an IR thermometer to set it again.

[widebody911]

Originally posted by Wil Ferch
Thom... what about use of the top vent port.

I don't recall the size of the port, but it might work. You'd need to provide for alternative means of venting.
Any idea if the "drop tube" idea through the fill port has any merit?

You don't have a lot of room between the gears and the edge of the case. Pull the fiull plug and stick your finger in there and you'll see what I mean.
...Mobil 1 synthetic might be an alternative if I opt out of a cooler.

Synthetic sucks in a 915. BTDT.

You might also try ducting air to the trans. This will help, but you need to get creative in how to set it up to survive OTE's. Since Jack and I never leave the pavement, that's not a problem for us...

[/B]

[Wil Ferch]

Thom:

you say....

"Since Jack and I never leave the pavement, that's not a problem for us... "

good one !! ......


----Wil

[Jack Olsen]

Almost never, that is.