Omega Owners Forum
Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: flymofred on 05 November 2008, 16:55:11
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I have a 'P' reg 2.5TD auto which tows a caravan, the new caravan is well within guidelines, but is heavier than the previous one. I see Kenlowe offer additional cooling system for the autobox is this worth fitting, and if so how much aggro is it. OR failing that is there an 'in the know' alternative?
Thanks
Flymofred
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Omega autoboxes already have cooling systems fitted.
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No additional oil cooler needed.
Might be worth changing the oil though.
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Fitted a Kenlowe retrofit kit to my old 2.0 GL Auto Saloon.
It's fitted in the void ahead of the O/S/F inner wheelarch-liner.
Reasonably straightforward job, and full instructions included. Kenlowe were excellent people to deal with, cost was around 90 quid mark.
ATF needs to be topped-up after fitting, but won't need much.
Any noticeable difference when towing? .....
Not really, but my (then) autobox had a full ATF/filter-change every 35k miles anyway!
My main concern was that it was near impossible to keep the 'box in 'lock-up' - it easily dropped itself into 4th, which added about 500RPM, and obviously increased fuel consumption ensued.
'PM' me if you need to know anything further.
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The current cooling solution is more idealy suited than an air cooled varient.
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I don't know much about tractors but I would guess an AR35 and chipping the BMW lump would be a better idea?
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I don't know much about tractors but I would guess an AR35 and chipping the BMW lump would be a better idea?
Yep.....
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Point taken Mark .....
My own considered opinion was that any additional cooling could only benefit the ATF temperature, and it's subsequent viscosity.
Forgot to mention .....
Transmission only dropped out of lock-up mode, (as described), when towing the caravan.
Operationally, I was most impressed with the Omega's auto transmission. (So was Mrs Sethsmate!).
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What you have to consider with the existing setup is that it will maintain the oil at a pretty constant 90-100degC.....if the car is moving or not and the cooling capability available to do to that is the same as for the engine (as it is water cooled by the engine coolant).
Subsequently when running you never run the risk of the oil cooling to much (although the Kenlow setup may have a bypass stat on the air cooled rad)
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No bypass 'stat on Kenlowe unit.
It's a straightforward heat-exchanging jobbie.
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Thanks for the advice everyone I think I will give a few runs before the summer (?) gets to us and see how it looks.
Is there a sensible amount of chipping for an AR25 box that has been reconned?
flymofred
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Thanks for the advice everyone I think I will give a few runs before the summer (?) gets to us and see how it looks.
Is there a sensible amount of chipping for an AR25 box that has been reconned?
flymofred
Do you mean chip the engine of the TD? If so then yes it's possible but you do need to replace the auto box for the stronger AR35.
There are various threads on this subject, re-chipping apparently just completly strips the AR25 box in a very short period of time be warned!
I have a manual so no problems there, but a re-chipped TD is the way to go, especially towing.
Mick
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So am I to understand that even with a reconned auto box (AR25) the 2.5TD at 130BHP is right on the safe limit of the gearbox. I am not looking to race it at Le Mans, but would like a bit of a lift in towing ability.
Thanks again for everyones comments and views
Flymofred
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if you get the ecu chipped then i really wouldnt trust an ar25 box no matter how slow you drive, its the torque that is produced that will eat the ar25 as these boxes are a bit flimsy to say the least, at least if you got the g/box changed to a 35 & chip fitted it would make towing alot easier & less likely to let you down at the wrong time. ;) youll probably even find your fuel figures would be better as well :y
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As far as I know, the AR25 'box has a max torque rating of 250Nm - so the TD engine was limited to 250Nm to suit.
So if the chipped engine is then producing, say 300Nm, even a perfect AR25 will struggle for a short period (i think the record is 40 miles - ask Omegatoy) before dying.
An AR35 will take 350Nm so is fine, and an R35 manual will take 350+ (i think? :-/)
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The AR25 250Nm torque is right on the edge as said of what a TD produces...and only because the engine is dumbed down to stop the box dying...why on earth they didnt put an AR35 box on...no one really knows but Vaux lol
Anyway, if you want an uplift for towing then the only way to go as said is chipping it which will improve fuel economy a little and improve drivability and power a lot...but then you WILL need an AR35 gearbox or you will (again as said) be sat broken down with a non working gearbox within a few miles...
I have a good AR35 gearbox here if you are interested :)