M32 gearbox oil temp?
Discussion
The 6 speed M32 manual gearbox used on some Vauxhalls, Fiats to name a couple is poop & there are pages & pages of internet with people having problems. Mine is on a 09 Astra CDTI 150 & I've found no less than 4 worn bearings in total out of 8.
One of the theories for the constant bearing failures in these boxes is excessive heat with claims of temperatures above 150 degrees which is resulting in oil failure. Some people are also claiming to having positive results from fitting oil coolers & although none of this has been proven to be fact it does make sense from the damaged bearings I've seen in mine. so, I've decided that fitting a cooler may possibly be cheaper & easier in the long run.
These are the parts I plan on using..
Either the first or second on this link depending on measurements/fitting behind lower grill.
http://www.thinkauto.com/acatalog/PWR_19mm_plate__...
This is the pump I'm thinking of using.
http://www.merlinmotorsport.co.uk/p13430/VDO-ELECT...
I also plan on a small in line filter to protect the pump & cooler after finding sludge & swarf in the bottom of the gearbox.
The plan is also to use an oil temperature switch in conjunction with a standard relay to control the pump but am unsure of the ideal operating temperature for the gearbox oil. I'm presuming/guessing quite high & have found this (other temperatures are available). http://www.cbsonline.co.uk/product/Fan_Switch_107C...
So my question finally is.. What sort of temperature/s should I be looking at for an on off switch for the pump, & would the above be suitable?
Any help & advice will be much appreciated.
Edited for spelling.
One of the theories for the constant bearing failures in these boxes is excessive heat with claims of temperatures above 150 degrees which is resulting in oil failure. Some people are also claiming to having positive results from fitting oil coolers & although none of this has been proven to be fact it does make sense from the damaged bearings I've seen in mine. so, I've decided that fitting a cooler may possibly be cheaper & easier in the long run.
These are the parts I plan on using..
Either the first or second on this link depending on measurements/fitting behind lower grill.
http://www.thinkauto.com/acatalog/PWR_19mm_plate__...
This is the pump I'm thinking of using.
http://www.merlinmotorsport.co.uk/p13430/VDO-ELECT...
I also plan on a small in line filter to protect the pump & cooler after finding sludge & swarf in the bottom of the gearbox.
The plan is also to use an oil temperature switch in conjunction with a standard relay to control the pump but am unsure of the ideal operating temperature for the gearbox oil. I'm presuming/guessing quite high & have found this (other temperatures are available). http://www.cbsonline.co.uk/product/Fan_Switch_107C...
So my question finally is.. What sort of temperature/s should I be looking at for an on off switch for the pump, & would the above be suitable?
Any help & advice will be much appreciated.
Edited for spelling.
Edited by smartphone hater on Monday 6th May 12:13
Hi & thanks for the advice on the temp switch. A catch tank did cross my mind but some gearbox rebuilders advise filling with up to 3.5 litres of oil instead of the 2.4 GM recommend so I thought I'd try 3.25 plus what is in the cooling rad & pipes, just in case I have a bit of run back when the pump is off. That will give me about 50% more oil than comes in the box from the factory.
It's all a bit of a guessing game at the moment though & I'm just going to have to see what works & what doesn't.
It's all a bit of a guessing game at the moment though & I'm just going to have to see what works & what doesn't.
Gassing Station | Home Mechanics | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff