Transfer case cooling...

So I was looking about at how to stop my LT230 box dripping on my Disco 1. I thought perhaps it might be worth carefully lapping the plate flat if it was warped or nicked or scored on the mating face. Or perhaps the Landrover way and a thick gasket and a lot of Hylomar. But then I found this...

http://rockymountainspares.co.uk/product/roamerdrive-oil-cooler/

Now it might not help it dripping, unless the drip is a warped cover plate... but does the transfer case get sufficiently hot that it needs cooling? I do like the idea of a bit more oil inside it TBH as it does look rather mucky and old after 24k when I change it. But is this just a gimmick for the no idea lots of cash crowd or is there an overheat issue under heavy loads?

They do get warm, some models even have a temperature switch and warning light. Not sure of any benefit of the cooler in the UK for normal road use (otherwise they would be fitted as standard). If you are worried about temperature (after fixing the leak) you could probably retrofit a temp switch fairly easily

I am planning on doing some serious overlanding in it in the future - probably Morrocco at some point so was just thinking perhaps it may be an idea...

Shame it's not steel otherwise I'd just plate one up and weld it...

Ashcroft also do one thats cheaper.

http://www.ashcroft-transmissions.c...30-rebuild-kits/lt230-high-capacity-sump.html

Looks like it has less fins on it and small increase in oil volume

payydg said:

Ashcroft also do one thats cheaper.

http://www.ashcroft-transmissions.c...30-rebuild-kits/lt230-high-capacity-sump.html

Looks like it has less fins on it and small increase in oil volume

Click to expand...

Ooh handy. That looks useful if the existing plate is indeed the cause. I just have visions of pulling it off and finding some previous scally has hammered a screwdriver in there to pull it off or summat and marked the face to hell and back.

I fitted one of those high capacity sump things when I put my overdrive on. Because they're flexible, lapping probably wouldn't make that much difference. It's not like a cylinder head, after all. More like a rocker cover. A new gasket with a smear of sealant either side will take care of any imperfections in the mating surface. I also fitted a temperature gauge, and discovered that high speed motoring does indeed heat the oil up, especially if you have a long motorway drive. Certainly higher than Rocky Mountain spares recommend you get the overdrive! So I've added pipes and a small oil cooler radiator, which keeps things under control. I've tapped a temperature switch in too, to activate a pump to push the oil round the oil cooler when it gets hot.

It doesn't seem to be the load that heats it up, it's the speed.