Oil cooler for a MK1 2000 Automatic

[Cheesy]

Our new MK1 2000 has arrived and already I have a question!

There isn't a cooler fitted to the transmission, and after a bit of searching on this forum I have realised that only the 2.5/2500 got them as standard, and the poor 2000 had to go without.

As I intend to tow with the car, I presume I am going to need one?

Is it as simple as removing the blanking plugs on the gearbox (assuming there are some) and fitting the pipework and cooler, or will the gearbox need to be modified in some way?

Thanks!

[englishbull]

Mark

blanking plugs are there ( was optional extra on early cars) to fit a cooler........................... try a Stag one.....if can't find a 2500 one.........

Mark also on my MK1 PI I took off the manual fan and replaced with a big electric fan for towing purposes.........

[Cheesy]

Thanks Lee.

I am a bit concerned that the two parts shown in the Stag parts diagram attached - 150869 & 154865 - will need to be fitted to the gearbox, and I have a sneaking suspicion that it won't just be a case of screwing them in.

Do they need to somehow engage with the pump inside the box? If so, I would imagine at the very least I will need to remove the sump, and I'm afraid that the insides of an auto gearbox scare me....a lot!!

[englishbull]

Hmmmmmmmmmm

if honest Mark.......................not sure sorry

Just thought of something I know somebody who has an autobox as he converted to MOD....................I will ask

Sorry no oil cooler

[Mike Stevens]

I have a feeling that there is an external link pipe when there's no cooler. This link pipe can be removed and the cooler plumbed into the same fittings.

Have a look in the 2000 parts books. I'm sure they show something like that.

I stripped a Mk2 2500 auto some years ago. I can't remember what happened to the 'box, but I'm pretty sure I've still got the cooler.

Cheers,
Mike.

[Cheesy]

Thanks Mike.

I think the best plan is to get underneath the car this evening and have a look at what's there. The ideal scenario would be a link pipe that just needs to be removed to add the cooling pipes

[Cheesy]

I have a feeling that there is an external link pipe when there's no cooler.

Just checked and you are absolutely correct Mike! Thanks for the tip.

Just need to get hold of the pipes, cooler and brackets now.

[Cheesy]

I have just spoken to an extremely helpful chap at Think Auto (Mocal). They do a kit for the BW35 transmission which picks up on the existing connectors to the link pipe, and includes tubing, clips, brackets and of course the oil cooler itself.

Total cost for the kit is £133.27 plus VAT. Since it's a universal kit, I'm expecting to have to be fairly inventive when it comes to fixing the cooler and routing the pipes, but at least it removes the risk of introducing contamination into the system from a used cooler or pipework.

It should arrive next week - photos of fitting to follow!

[englishbull]

Mark

originals were fitted near radiator, but IMO not ideal place especially if wanting to fit an electric fan, as I had move mine back slightly.

[Mike Stevens]

Hi Mark,

Glad you've got it covered. That would explain the PM you sent that disappeared!

Since it also comes with all the pipery etc, a new one does seem to be the best way forward.

The original fitted on the radiator mounts with extra captive nuts in the middle holes each side.

Good luck!

Cheers,
Mike.