Well I have been looking into adding a trans oil cooler for some time now, but the need for an expensive electric pump and lines/T-stat/fittings had brought that idea to a standstill, until now!

Anybody know about the DA cable VSS with the power steering fluid pump built in? Well I have one on my cable B16 trans and currently I just have the lines looped together to keep crap out of it, but I do remember it did pump crap out when I spun it. Anyone know what kind of flow rate it might have? What flow rate do we need for a trans cooler? I think if i can find a fitting that will fit the drain plug hole, I can return the fluid in through the vent tube (maybe). Then just use a cheap universal 'power steering' oil cooler. Should help oil temps quite a bit, I think!

Just a thought!


Pic for reference:

 

Tested the "pump" out with some used motor oil tonight and WOW, its gonna be perfect! I didnt do any scientific tests but spinning the VSS with my cordless drill at around 1500 rpm produced plenty of flow IMO. If I had to guess, I would say maybe a quart a minute? Probably less, but somewhere in that range. Doing some math says that 1500rpm axle speed should be right around 60mph, depending on tire size. Seems reasonable to me!

Now to figure out the feed/return fittings on the trans... Im thinking the drain as the feed, and the baffle plug as the return. I have found hex head drain plugs that I can drill/tap to add a hose barb to, but have not yet found the thread pitch for that baffle plug. If anyone knows before I go try and measure it, please speak up!

 

What are you calling the baffle plug? Have you considered using the fill plug as the return?

This is definitely an interesting idea though, I have no doubt it should work (assuming it keeps it's prime), just how efficient or safe for the transmission will it be? Obviously, using the proper way to fill the transmission keeps the fluid below the output and input seal lines are. When you have the cooler it may cause the level to rise above that (let alone making sure enough fluid is still in the transmission for proper lubrication).

If you have good seals, it shouldn't be a problem, just a thought I had and wanted to share. This could be a great, cheap alternative to those with cable transmissions or don't need a speedometer output.

 

Thanks for the input. I will definitely have to put more thought into the rest of the system before moving forward with it.

The plug I am referring to is the one you remove to take out the baffle in the outer trans case (the only baffle in that case half). But yes, returning fluid there may cause the level to rise too high. But, I also do not think my version of this system will add much fluid, as compared to the "higher end" trans cooler setups. Maybe 1/2-3/4 of a quart?

 

Too much oil in the transmission won't be a problem. You only will get a lot more friction. It's an interessting idea, the problem is: can the seals inside the pump resist the heat of the transmission?

 

It's made to work with powersteering and be installed inside the transmission touching the fluid, I am sure it will be fine. Friction wouldn't be my first concern, I would be more concerned with airation of the fluid leading to potential overheating / bearing failure. I see it on high speed gearboxes at work often from overfilling.

 

That device is useful to the steering assist function of the power steering system. It helps to stiffen up the steering at higher speeds while power steering is functioning. When the power steering belt is not attached it ceases to function so as long as you don't run a power steering belt it will be fine to use that for a different function, however if you do use a power steering belt, at high rates of speeds the steering wheel will be really susceptible to turning easily and possibly losing control. Just an FWI.

 

Basically at a certain speed it turns off power steering.

He isnt using it for powersteering. He doesnt have PS. Instead he wants to use it as mechanical pump for a transmission oil cooler.