installing a transmission oil temperature gauge (manual trans)

[camopaint0707]

you don't need a trans temp gauge on a manual

[xintersecty]

you don't need a trans temp gauge on a manual

Yeah I agree, there is no need to keep track of that. An automatic uses to oil for friction (clutch action/power transfer) hence the need to watch the transmission fluid temp.

A manual uses oil to lubricate the rotating bits.

[northguest47]

My point is that 'sometimes, the transmission gear oil overheats before the coolant does', so I respect all of your opinions- what I think I am adding is that above 300F the transmission gear oil overheats and then that means the transmission can then overheat and eventually if not monitored, it will fully bind and fail, thus needing a re-build. My reasoning was 'to avoid that, one needs a transmission gear oil temperature sensor, and if it never overheats it will be a boring gauge. I think it would do no harm to do this install, but yes, one can say it might not be necessary.

[northguest47]

keep tongue weight between 50 to 100 pounds and towing forces under 700 I think it will be fine.

I know this is a bit off topic from my start, but its worthy discussion:
Xintersecty, tongue weight target is 7.5% to 8.5%... so at 800lbs that's 64lbs tongue weight, at 555lbs thats 44.4 lbs, at bone stock 140lbs ready to ride that's 11lbs. Fully over-loaded at 1500lbs (just for the numbers) its 120lbs.
So your range of 50 to 100 corroborates with the numbers I've been working with, and at that tongue weight it definitely doesn't need a jack, which is convenient.

[northguest47]

Avguy, for background info it was 1999 when the Nissans transmission failed, gear by gear from fifth to first, and needed a costly re-build.. which was done as the motor was ok. I am counting on this Aveo car to do better than that 4cyl Nissan, its in way better shape, and definitely has more to front wheel torque than that old Nissan.
Now having said that, I have to agree with your pointing out that it might not work as planned, and so if a failure happens I can't say I wasn't aware of the fact. It is outside of the designed 'envelope' for the car, I'm just hoping its within its 'capable evelope' so to say.
I appreciate all the input, I edited my posts to hopefully point this out.

[camopaint0707]

your trans temp isn't going to reach 300 degrees. probably not even 200 degrees.

[jimzdat]

I guess part of the argument against it is the simple logistics of it - I haven't seen the transaxle of a manual Aveo, but most of the manuals I've worked on don't have a "pan" in which to install said sensor? If you were to install it in the drain plug location (about the only spot likely to be threaded on the bottom of the trans), you probably wouldn't get a accurate reading, as the circulation of oil in the trans is simply done by splashing it around (in essence, I realize the gears will carry oil around).

Also, since there is no interface to a cooling system, about the only recourse you'd have in the event of a high temperature would be to pull over and wait for the trans and oil to cool down - which would likely take hours.

That all said, I don't think I'd be too concerned with hauling the sort of weight you're talking about up a hill - I'd be more concerned with going back DOWN the hill, and trying to safely control your speed. The brakes aren't really designed for that sort of work, and even a small trailer will end up with a "tail wagging the dog" sort of issue, at least possibly.

Just my 2 cents worth - I really don't have a dog in this race, as I have a larger vehicle for towing (diesel crew cab dually, as I don't think the Aveo will budge a 40 foot fifth wheel......)

[thankful_ragamuffin]

I moved my son to Vancouver from Alberta for film school a few years back. Had the car overloaded with household effects, some guitars, an amplifier and an electric piano. Went over the "Coq" no problem. Moved him back two years later, same thing. Here it is five years later and no issues have developed from either trip. Pick the right gear for the grade and all will be well.

[edk]

I have an "09" 5 LT that I tow a small trailer with. Last year I had my transmission blow out due to an engine coolant leak into the transmission cooler. The mechanic who rebuilt my transmission bypassed the radiator cooler and installed an external cooler for the transmission. If you run the risk of overheating, it can force engine coolant to blow into the transmission cooler and ruin the transmission. Why pay $1000 when you can prevent it for $50.

[WyrTwister]

I would think you could epoxy a temperature sensor to the manual transmission ? Use an epoxy that contains metal particles , for better heat transfer . Would not hurt to put some sort of insulating material over it to cut down on cooling the sensor by the air moving by .

But , you probably should be more concerned about the clutch ?

God bless
Wyr