Auto to R380 swap: plumbing trans through radiator/external coolers?

[David Harris]

I'm preparing to swap the auto in my 95 Disco for an R380 setup. The trans I have doesn't have a cooler, but I understand you can add one by removing plugs on the trans. I was wondering if it would be possible to plumb the R380 through the cooler in the radiator and the external cooler under the rad for the auto box? Since I already have all the lines there for the auto I would just have to modify the trans connections to fit the R380. Any thoughts on this?

David

 

[Rovertrader]

You can, but have no need for it- just more potential leaks...

 

[David Harris]

Don't these trans have a tendency to run pretty hot, especially loaded. According to Ashcroft, LR spec'ed them on most ROW Rovers. Speaking of that, did factory five speed Discos have them here in the U.S? I understand NA D90's didn't have them?

 

[Hatchetjack]

5 speed discos did not have trans coolers.

 

[Rovertrader]

nor did NAS90s- 5 speeds that is, did not.

 

[David Harris]

5 speed discos did not have trans coolers.

I just got off the line with Les at Rovers North. He says that all NA Discos with 5 speeds had trans coolers from the factory, but Defenders did not. The factory cooler supplied is the same as the little single line cooler under the rad on the autos. He didn't think it would be a bad idea to run the R380 through the cooler in the radiator too though. There is a thermostat built into the pump housing in the transmission that opens at 74C (167 F) to allow oil to flow to the cooler, so you can't over cool the oil.

 

[ipgregory]

My 96 NAS D1 5 spd (R380) does not have a trans fluid cooler.

Both my 97 D90 and my 98 D1 which are Autos do. D1 is integral with the rad end cap on the opposite side to the engine oil cooler. D90 is a seperate cooler under the condensor in front of the radiator.

 

[d110pickup]

My '94 5 speed Disco had a factory cooler . . . . . sounds like another case of inconsistenties by the boys at Lode Lane!

Mike

 

[ipgregory]

I blame Nigel.

 

[owhiting]

Never had one, transmission oil cooler that is on my manual transmission Defenders. Question, how does the R380 pump the fluid through the cooler mounted way up front under the radiator? It is a splash lubricated transmission with no pump to speak of and it's not under pressure.