Transmission Temperature Gauge

[OLD BOY BRI]

Is there anywhere on a VP auto transmission where an oil temperature sender can be screwed in or will I have to make a hole in the pan?I have searched but couldn't find anything.Please direct me to correct place if I have missed it.Thanks.

[HoldenOnn]

I believe the best and most accurate place is to put the sender of the gauge into the trans pan. Get it done when the auto is getting its next service.

My 500hp VL Berlina Turbo has a 5k gearbox and I got my trans guy to install sender into Keas trans pan a couple of years ago and its never leaked and works brilliantly. I know the VL isn't a VP, but the principle is the same.

Pic below of my VL;

[tivoom]

This is a top idea but what is a normal working temp of a transmission and what type of sender do you use can you buy a trans temp sender sorry for questions but it how my old trans died

[wild tiger]

I agree with HoldenOnn, the best and most accurate reading will be from the trans pan.
I put mine there, pretty simple really, drop the pan, find a spot to drill the hole, get the bung (tig) welded, screw in the sender, change the filter and chuck some fresh oil in there.

PS just make sure the bung is welded properly, so it has no leaks!!

[wild tiger]

This is a top idea but what is a normal working temp of a transmission and what type of sender do you use can you buy a trans temp sender sorry for questions but it how my old trans died

I have an Autometer Trans temp gauge and the temps it reads are:
Highway Driving - 170 F - 190 F
Start/stop Driving - 190 F - 220 F

Usually when you buy the gauge (electrical type), the sender comes with it, as it's made for that particular gauge.

[HoldenOnn]

I do know that some model cars vary with operating temps of transmission. A good transmission shop will be able to advise. The correct operating temperature for my 500hp VL Berlina Turbo aftermarket Keas transmission is 80-100 degree celsius. And if it reaches above 110 degrees, then damage can start to result if continued to be driven hard.

I use an Autometer Trans Temp gauge. It comes with the sender to suit. Each gauge purchased should come with its own sender as each manufacturers sender needs to match their gauge.

This is the gauge I have in my VL;

Auto Meter

This is a pic of it installed;

[tivoom]

Thanx wild tiger this will kill two birds with one stone sump plug and and trans temp if you don't mind me asking where did you get it from and how much

[HoldenOnn]

My aftermarket pan is so thick, that we tapped a thread and screwed direct into the pan and used some kind of hi temp sealant (eg loctite brand) to stop leaks. Years of driving and racing at dragstrip hasn't caused any problems.

The plug in the bottom of my sump comes with the aftermarket gearbox. My trans guy doesn't use the plug but instead takes the whole pan off. This is because you should change the trans fluid filter with every service and not just dump the oil. So the plug in the pan is really not necessary.

I got all my gauges for about a third of the price of a auto shop. I purchased them off another site's user that I am a member. The site is calaisturbo.com.au and the user is branko who goes by the name of sir5.7. He sells bucket loads of autometer gear and sometimes has a special of cost plus $10. So cheap to buy from him. I got all my gauges and shiftlight and memory tacho from him.

[wild tiger]

I got my gauge from MODYOURCAR.com.au, very helpful guys there and very well priced!

[tivoom]

Thanx for the tips the only reson I want a sump plug is so I don't get trans oil on my sehd floor its full carpet and holds the smell bad I droped a far bit on it last week when I swaped transmissions grrrrr what a job that was

[HoldenOnn]

Just make sure if you are going to spill anymore fluid, just spill it in the same spot and that way you won't make more stains anywhere else

[OLD BOY BRI]

Thanks for your input guys,it looks like the pan is the way to go.I will also look at installing a drain plug because I think it will be easier to drain the fluid through a hole than risk spillage by undoing the pan bolts and I can also change/refresh the fluid whenever I want ,not just at service times,because fresh fluid has got to be good.Bri.