These are NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH the aftermarket, non-thermostatically controlled oil coolers, which are designed only for use in permanenly hot climates like Kuwait, U.A.E etc.
THE R380 RUNS HOT, AND WHEN THEY OVERHEAT, THEY WEAR OUT PREMATURELY!
THE OPTIMUM/CORRECT RUNNING TEMPERATURE FOR R380 GEAR OIL IS 72 DEGREES CELSIUS.
THE THERMOSTAT ON THESE COOLERS STARTS TO OPEN AT 74 DEGREES CELSIUS. (same as engine oil cooler)
THESE UNITS ARE ABSOLOUTELY ESSENTIAL FOR USE WITH... OVERLANDERS, LOW RANGE GEAR USE, OVERSIZED TYRES, TUNED TD5s & V8/HIGH CAP MODELS, OFF ROAD ENDURANCE COMPETION, ON THE BEACH/SAND, SUMMERTIME TOWING, MOTORWAY TOWING, HILL/MOUNTAIN DRIVING, HOTTER REGIONS OF EUROPE, AUSTRALIA, NORTH/SOUTH AFRICA, SOUTHERN STATES OF AMERICA/SOUTH AMERICA, CANADA AND CANADIAN INTERIOR.
Not only will this save thousands of pounds with your R380, it will also ASSIST IN COOLING THE TRANSFER BOX, MOST COMMONLY THE LT230, WHICH ARE ALSO PRONE TO OVERHEATING AND FAILING.
This is due to heat conduction, (as in with front wheel drive , transverse engine transmissions)
Basically, all the heat in normal use moves backwards from the radiator, and sets a chain reaction.
Because most Land Rovers have very large bell housings, these act as a "heat sink" thus preventing conductive heat contamination into the gearbox from the engine.
The transfer gearbox however, is mated directly to the rear of the R380, Therefore when the R380 gets hot, so does the transfer gearbox (usually) LT230.
We have done temperature/pressure testing and were horrified at the results of both the R380 and the LT230transfer gearbox WITHOUT THE COOLER FITTED.
If you have no gauge or warning light you have no idea what damage is being done.
For this reason,I have also machined out a gauge access point in order to fit temperature/pressure sensors or gauges to the unit. You can literally then see the cooler working in real time, via the dashboard.
All standard oil cooler housings come with a brass blanking plug, which can be very easily drilled and tapped either 1/8 NPT 1/8 bsp/t or M10 x 1, which are most common for gauges and sensors. I also offer this service pre done on request.
If you need proof, and have a standard "oil bypass" fitted to your R380, which is usually the case, remove this bypass and look at the "baked" blackened oil inside this take off point, it gets like crusty coal.
The U.K.s Leading Land Rover gearbox re-manufacturer recommends changing MTF 94 oil every year.
In some applications for this oil (like BMW mini), it is suggested that it is a "lifetime oil, not needed for changing" This is a lie, and what they really mean by lifetime is "warranty period" If you need any confirmation of how manufacturers recommendations usually reflect their needs not yours, research the VW haldex system failure conspiracy. There are thousands upon thousands of VW, AUDI, SKODA, VOLVO AND LAND ROVER out there using this system that HAVE STOPPED WORKING AT 20,000 MILES FOR THIS REASON.
Most people neglect the liquid maintanance of transmissions. These oil cooler units enable longevity to your R380, and also lengthen service intervals.
A little information...
R380s RUN HOT! Some people report the gear stick is too hot to touch, and plastic selector bushes are melting!
This extra heat is due to several factors including the design of larger section cut gears compared to the predesessor transmission the LT77. this improved overall gear strength, but added to the friction of the gear contact surface area. When the R380s overheat, which is common, 5th gear will usually disintegrate. The first you will know about this is a whining noise in 5th after the bearings have already collapsed. (just before the other gears can't be found)
THE OPTIMUM/CORRECT RUNNING TEMPERATURE FOR R380 GEAR OIL IS 72 DEGREES CELSIUS.
THE THERMOSTAT ON THESE COOLERS STARTS TO OPEN AT 74 DEGREES CELSIUS. (same as engine oil cooler)
ORIGINAL AND USED PIPEWORK, AND EXTRA FITTINGS CAN BE SUPPLIED ON REQUEST.
FOR MODIFYING VEHICLES I RECOMMEND NO SMALLER THAN J.I.C./AN-8 FITTINGS FOR THE CORRECT PIPE BORE SIZE. THE OIL COOLER RADIATOR ON THE ORIGINAL DONOR VEHICLE HOLDS LESS THAN A STANDARD CAN OF BEANS.