I have a factory rebuilt 4 speed tranny in my '73 coupe that after a few hours of driving the center console gets very, very hot especially on a warm day. I probably put on only 10k miles on the new transmission, so I'm planning to put a heat shield between the transmission and the body well. Is this type of heat normal? If not, any ideas about correcting this issue? Thanks.
hot transmission
- Thread starter petert
- Start date
I have a factory rebuilt 4 speed tranny in my '73 coupe that after a few hours of driving the center console gets very, very hot especially on a warm day. I probably put on only 10k miles on the new transmission, so I'm planning to put a heat shield between the transmission and the body well. Is this type of heat normal? If not, any ideas about correcting this issue? Thanks.
chicane
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 1,026
- Reaction score
- 0
petert said:
When is the last time that you changed the tranny fluid? And have you checked the tranny fluid level? Even if it is a little low it can build up heat pretty fast. In my other BMW's I use Royal Purple Synchromax (Also Red Line is a good fluid). I don't know what the guys hear run in theirs.
chicane
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 1,026
- Reaction score
- 0
petert said:
When is the last time that you changed the tranny fluid? And have you checked the tranny fluid level? Even if it is a little low it can build up heat pretty fast. In my other BMW's I use Royal Purple Synchromax (Also Red Line is a good fluid). I don't know what the guys hear run in theirs.
petert said:
I know I've have several cars run with hot gear shift rods and the assembly, but not the entire console. Something is definitely wrong if the whole thing is getting that hot. Nothing actually bolts directly from the transmission to the chassis that would transfer that much heat (rubber mounts will isolate most of it), so the tranny must be getting REALLY hot. Check the fluids like Chicane suggested and also any exhaust related stuff, mounts, etc. Keep in mind, most transmissions and consoles do get fairly warm under normal conditions.
Dan
petert said:
I know I've have several cars run with hot gear shift rods and the assembly, but not the entire console. Something is definitely wrong if the whole thing is getting that hot. Nothing actually bolts directly from the transmission to the chassis that would transfer that much heat (rubber mounts will isolate most of it), so the tranny must be getting REALLY hot. Check the fluids like Chicane suggested and also any exhaust related stuff, mounts, etc. Keep in mind, most transmissions and consoles do get fairly warm under normal conditions.
Dan
You took the words right out of my mouth when you said exhaust. If the transmission is at fault then you should check the fluid for metal debris though I think you would be hearing a lot of noise from the transmission by now if something was causing that much heat.
You took the words right out of my mouth when you said exhaust. If the transmission is at fault then you should check the fluid for metal debris though I think you would be hearing a lot of noise from the transmission by now if something was causing that much heat.
petert- you did not tell us whether you ever noticed high heat levels before you swapped transmissions. I have noticed substantial heat from the exhaust on both my coupes as well. The heat shield, between the exhaust and the floor panel may well make a difference. If you do decide to do this, please let us know how it works for you as I have been thinking about it for while.
petert- you did not tell us whether you ever noticed high heat levels before you swapped transmissions. I have noticed substantial heat from the exhaust on both my coupes as well. The heat shield, between the exhaust and the floor panel may well make a difference. If you do decide to do this, please let us know how it works for you as I have been thinking about it for while.
bengal taiga
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 217
- Reaction score
- 18
Hot transmission tunnel.
I seriously doubt your transmission is the source of your hot center console. As others have said, the exhaust is the most likely culprit. Have you physically measured or even touched the transmission to include it as part of the equation? Hint: This would be a perfect opportunity to use a laser guided non contact thermometer I have seen advertised for less than $40. (HarborF)
Transmissions get hot not just because they sit behind a hot engine and hot radiator but because they contain a fair amount of friction. If the transmission were the source of the heat, I would bet you could hear plenty of warning signs. I also think that a seriously overheated transmission would result in severe drag, requiring more petrol and feel like it was on the verge of seizing.
Numerous makers of transmission lube claim their product reduces working temperatures versus the other maker's product. That may be true. I use auto trans fluid and have done so for years because when using some of the other products including Redline MT, shifting requires more effort.
Although improbable, it is always possible the source of your heat is something not mentioned, such as a leaky heater/heater hose. You did not mention any leaks, puddles or unusual smells, so understandably, no one would ordinarily target the heater or cooling system. But, a small amount of spray directed at or near the firewall and trans tunnel or even under the console could warm things up more than usual. On that note, is it possible you have a heater duct that is broken or torn? Then there is the possibility that the heater controls are goofed up so that the heat may be on whether you like it or not.
Remember, you have heat from a radiator, coolant and the exhaust. Any one of which could conceivably heat your console. I suppose I could mention hot tunes from the sound system, but I won't.
Good luck!
I seriously doubt your transmission is the source of your hot center console. As others have said, the exhaust is the most likely culprit. Have you physically measured or even touched the transmission to include it as part of the equation? Hint: This would be a perfect opportunity to use a laser guided non contact thermometer I have seen advertised for less than $40. (HarborF)
Transmissions get hot not just because they sit behind a hot engine and hot radiator but because they contain a fair amount of friction. If the transmission were the source of the heat, I would bet you could hear plenty of warning signs. I also think that a seriously overheated transmission would result in severe drag, requiring more petrol and feel like it was on the verge of seizing.
Numerous makers of transmission lube claim their product reduces working temperatures versus the other maker's product. That may be true. I use auto trans fluid and have done so for years because when using some of the other products including Redline MT, shifting requires more effort.
Although improbable, it is always possible the source of your heat is something not mentioned, such as a leaky heater/heater hose. You did not mention any leaks, puddles or unusual smells, so understandably, no one would ordinarily target the heater or cooling system. But, a small amount of spray directed at or near the firewall and trans tunnel or even under the console could warm things up more than usual. On that note, is it possible you have a heater duct that is broken or torn? Then there is the possibility that the heater controls are goofed up so that the heat may be on whether you like it or not.
Remember, you have heat from a radiator, coolant and the exhaust. Any one of which could conceivably heat your console. I suppose I could mention hot tunes from the sound system, but I won't.
Good luck!
bengal taiga
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 217
- Reaction score
- 18
Hot transmission tunnel.
I seriously doubt your transmission is the source of your hot center console. As others have said, the exhaust is the most likely culprit. Have you physically measured or even touched the transmission to include it as part of the equation? Hint: This would be a perfect opportunity to use a laser guided non contact thermometer I have seen advertised for less than $40. (HarborF)
Transmissions get hot not just because they sit behind a hot engine and hot radiator but because they contain a fair amount of friction. If the transmission were the source of the heat, I would bet you could hear plenty of warning signs. I also think that a seriously overheated transmission would result in severe drag, requiring more petrol and feel like it was on the verge of seizing.
Numerous makers of transmission lube claim their product reduces working temperatures versus the other maker's product. That may be true. I use auto trans fluid and have done so for years because when using some of the other products including Redline MT, shifting requires more effort.
Although improbable, it is always possible the source of your heat is something not mentioned, such as a leaky heater/heater hose. You did not mention any leaks, puddles or unusual smells, so understandably, no one would ordinarily target the heater or cooling system. But, a small amount of spray directed at or near the firewall and trans tunnel or even under the console could warm things up more than usual. On that note, is it possible you have a heater duct that is broken or torn? Then there is the possibility that the heater controls are goofed up so that the heat may be on whether you like it or not.
Remember, you have heat from a radiator, coolant and the exhaust. Any one of which could conceivably heat your console. I suppose I could mention hot tunes from the sound system, but I won't.
Good luck!
I seriously doubt your transmission is the source of your hot center console. As others have said, the exhaust is the most likely culprit. Have you physically measured or even touched the transmission to include it as part of the equation? Hint: This would be a perfect opportunity to use a laser guided non contact thermometer I have seen advertised for less than $40. (HarborF)
Transmissions get hot not just because they sit behind a hot engine and hot radiator but because they contain a fair amount of friction. If the transmission were the source of the heat, I would bet you could hear plenty of warning signs. I also think that a seriously overheated transmission would result in severe drag, requiring more petrol and feel like it was on the verge of seizing.
Numerous makers of transmission lube claim their product reduces working temperatures versus the other maker's product. That may be true. I use auto trans fluid and have done so for years because when using some of the other products including Redline MT, shifting requires more effort.
Although improbable, it is always possible the source of your heat is something not mentioned, such as a leaky heater/heater hose. You did not mention any leaks, puddles or unusual smells, so understandably, no one would ordinarily target the heater or cooling system. But, a small amount of spray directed at or near the firewall and trans tunnel or even under the console could warm things up more than usual. On that note, is it possible you have a heater duct that is broken or torn? Then there is the possibility that the heater controls are goofed up so that the heat may be on whether you like it or not.
Remember, you have heat from a radiator, coolant and the exhaust. Any one of which could conceivably heat your console. I suppose I could mention hot tunes from the sound system, but I won't.
Good luck!
blumax
(deceased)
Hot times in the center console and shifter
FWIW--in 500k miles of Coupe seat time I have never known a cool center console or shifter--can get surprisingly hot--especially on long trips to get full "heat soak"--especially in desert crossings with temps 100+ F
I do believe as others have stated this is not an abnormal condition--the main culprit is the extreme heat from exhaust manifolds and piping that are radiating enormous amounts of heat energy directly beneath those surfaces combined with the normal heat of an running gear box.
As Glenn in Encinitas has suggested an appropriate heat shield is something that would beneift the entire passenger footwell area as well--have you noticed how hot that gets--again primarily from the close proximity of very hot exhaust manifold piping passing a couple of inches directly underfoot--no wonder my former would ride with feet on the dash rail--especially when touring long distances in Summer heat.
Were you aware--for A/C cars that same focused heat on the passenger floorpan combined with extra moisture from a running A/C unit will greatly hasten oxidation beneath the carpets and rapid rust-out of the passsenger side pan.
For as long as I can remember my mechanics have all used SWEPCO (South West Petroleum Company) specialty lubricants for all manual transmissions and differentials--also widely used by off-road heavy equipment operators, over the road heavy haulers, fleet operators as well as many Porsche service shops. In his 30 years of exclusive BMW servicing experience using these lubes--never a failure.
FWIW--in 500k miles of Coupe seat time I have never known a cool center console or shifter--can get surprisingly hot--especially on long trips to get full "heat soak"--especially in desert crossings with temps 100+ F
I do believe as others have stated this is not an abnormal condition--the main culprit is the extreme heat from exhaust manifolds and piping that are radiating enormous amounts of heat energy directly beneath those surfaces combined with the normal heat of an running gear box.
As Glenn in Encinitas has suggested an appropriate heat shield is something that would beneift the entire passenger footwell area as well--have you noticed how hot that gets--again primarily from the close proximity of very hot exhaust manifold piping passing a couple of inches directly underfoot--no wonder my former would ride with feet on the dash rail--especially when touring long distances in Summer heat.
Were you aware--for A/C cars that same focused heat on the passenger floorpan combined with extra moisture from a running A/C unit will greatly hasten oxidation beneath the carpets and rapid rust-out of the passsenger side pan.
For as long as I can remember my mechanics have all used SWEPCO (South West Petroleum Company) specialty lubricants for all manual transmissions and differentials--also widely used by off-road heavy equipment operators, over the road heavy haulers, fleet operators as well as many Porsche service shops. In his 30 years of exclusive BMW servicing experience using these lubes--never a failure.
blumax
(deceased)
Hot times in the center console and shifter
FWIW--in 500k miles of Coupe seat time I have never known a cool center console or shifter--can get surprisingly hot--especially on long trips to get full "heat soak"--especially in desert crossings with temps 100+ F
I do believe as others have stated this is not an abnormal condition--the main culprit is the extreme heat from exhaust manifolds and piping that are radiating enormous amounts of heat energy directly beneath those surfaces combined with the normal heat of an running gear box.
As Glenn in Encinitas has suggested an appropriate heat shield is something that would beneift the entire passenger footwell area as well--have you noticed how hot that gets--again primarily from the close proximity of very hot exhaust manifold piping passing a couple of inches directly underfoot--no wonder my former would ride with feet on the dash rail--especially when touring long distances in Summer heat.
Were you aware--for A/C cars that same focused heat on the passenger floorpan combined with extra moisture from a running A/C unit will greatly hasten oxidation beneath the carpets and rapid rust-out of the passsenger side pan.
For as long as I can remember my mechanics have all used SWEPCO (South West Petroleum Company) specialty lubricants for all manual transmissions and differentials--also widely used by off-road heavy equipment operators, over the road heavy haulers, fleet operators as well as many Porsche service shops. In his 30 years of exclusive BMW servicing experience using these lubes--never a failure.
FWIW--in 500k miles of Coupe seat time I have never known a cool center console or shifter--can get surprisingly hot--especially on long trips to get full "heat soak"--especially in desert crossings with temps 100+ F
I do believe as others have stated this is not an abnormal condition--the main culprit is the extreme heat from exhaust manifolds and piping that are radiating enormous amounts of heat energy directly beneath those surfaces combined with the normal heat of an running gear box.
As Glenn in Encinitas has suggested an appropriate heat shield is something that would beneift the entire passenger footwell area as well--have you noticed how hot that gets--again primarily from the close proximity of very hot exhaust manifold piping passing a couple of inches directly underfoot--no wonder my former would ride with feet on the dash rail--especially when touring long distances in Summer heat.
Were you aware--for A/C cars that same focused heat on the passenger floorpan combined with extra moisture from a running A/C unit will greatly hasten oxidation beneath the carpets and rapid rust-out of the passsenger side pan.
For as long as I can remember my mechanics have all used SWEPCO (South West Petroleum Company) specialty lubricants for all manual transmissions and differentials--also widely used by off-road heavy equipment operators, over the road heavy haulers, fleet operators as well as many Porsche service shops. In his 30 years of exclusive BMW servicing experience using these lubes--never a failure.