Autobox Cooling Trailer Towing.

[hijimhere]

I have obtained a Franc 110 Trailer - I haven't yet towed it with the Bongo - the question is do I need to supplement cooling for the autobox? Having replaced the radiator a few months ago I feel that cooling is good for the automatic gearbox under normal operating conditions. Would it be advisable to to add more cooling?

[Bob]

Not familiar with the trailer, but yes, ATF cooling is worthwhile.

I fitted a Kenlowe kit on a Sunday morning.

[haydn callow]

I towed a 1000kg caravan for approx 2000 miles with no problems at all....I had a temp sensor on the auto box for some of that time and there was a average of 3C rise in temp whilst towing....the new rad will make very little difference to the auto box as the fluid only passes through a small tank at the bottom of the rad

[rita]

That wee trailer should not cause much of a problem, its what you put in it the really matters, having fitted a new radiator should help a wee bit as you have in fact fitted a new oil cooler as well.

[hijimhere]

Thanks guys - I asked as I did a local run of about 12 miles in traffic - when I parked up on the drive and walked round to the passenger side there was a pretty pungent smell that I feel was ATF - I think with the ambient temps around now stuff is likely to get hot - it wasn't coolant or engine oil which leaves atf or steering hydraulic - can't imagine it being steering related hence thinking ATF.
I think I will go for extra cooling.

[Gasy]

I tow a 1 1/2 ton caravan regularly did have a temp gauge. And pressure gauge on my ATF fluid
Towing hardly made any difference to temp
But the ATF fluid did seem to pump round a little bit more often watching the pressure gauge
I wouldn't worry with a trailer
I did fancy a extra cooling rad but don't think it's worth the work

Cheers

[Simon Jones]

The ATF pipework is mainly on the drivers side (as i recall) and as its a sealed system, you shouldn't be able to smell any fumes unless the pipework is leaking. An empty trailer should put no more load on the engine than one or two passengers unless the brakes are binding of course.

[teenmal]

The auto box is not a sealed system, it has a Breather pipe and a Fill Dip Tube. You could be getting the smell from either of the two.

When the system is hot and engine running have a wee snifter at the fill tube if it smells of burnt bread/toast ...change it, and the filter.


Good Luck.

[Simon Jones]

Fair point re: breather although it's on the drivers side.

[teenmal]

Fair point re: breather although it's on the drivers side.

Smell Travels ....

[hijimhere]

I have established contact with Kenlowe - they have asked me the following:

"Thank you for your enquiry.
Do you require additional cooling for the water radiator or do you want an extra cooling fan for the gearbox intercooler?
Please advise radiator matrix width, height and clearance & I can then quote appropriate fan.
Regards."


Do you think any one is better than the other - I was edging towards extra cooling fan? The coolant rad is relatively new and there are two large fans on it (yet to have them running).

[Gasy]

Switch your aircon on which will switch the large fan on which will cool your water radiator
Which cools your ATF
I've put a switch in to switch the scavenger fan (3rd fan in front of engine ) on when I want to,
In my eyes cooler engine = cooler ATF

[Simon Jones]

Think you may struggle to squeeze an extra fan in around the existing ones. It may be easier to fit a dedicated rad for the ATF (if you feel you really need it).

[teenmal]

If you give Alacrity a PM he will give you all the information you need inc prices etc, he is a auto box expert and had his bongo fitted with an extra oil cooler.

And he is a very nice man.

PS you could also fit a "Temperature Strip" to the auto box sump, this will let you know if the box is getting too hot whilst towing your trailer.


I don't get the bit about fitting extra fans?

[helen&tony]

Hi
You are almost certainly in need of a transmission cooler if towing a heavy load. I have fitted an external oil cooler, so you aren't dumping heat from the transmission into the cooling system. I don't know the weight of the item you're towing, but it's better to err on the safe side. I bought my kit from Allans in Plymouth...easy fit, and it will benefit the transmission in the warm weather anyway!
Cheers
Helen