I was on day 1 of a 4 week trip.

Late in the arvo I got a trans fault and lost drive. I coasted to a stop with motor still running. After stopping I noticed some mist (not really smoke) so switched off the motor.

Popped the bonnet to find some oil substance sprayed about, then noted the trail to were I stopped and after stopping a pool of oil formed under the motor.

The L322 had dropped its trans fluid. It’s was coming from under the engine somewhere. I’ve checked the engine oil which is full. So was definitely not engine oil.

It was later confirmed I have a split hose between the trans and trans cooler or a split in the trans cooler.

The face/clutch plate on the aircon compressor wheel has let loose and hit the transmission line to the cooler. The repairer is saying there is a burning smell from the transmission.

I lost drive quite quickly, stopped within about 1 minute, and a heap of fluid drained out under the engine after shutting down the motor. Is the trans likely to be damaged?

The offending aircon plate projectile that did the damage. ______________________________
Vogue tdv8 08MY poverty pack - wow

Sorry, forgot pic.

Click image to enlarge

In case it’s of interest, here is a list of parts I need which were detailed in a LR Dealer quote.

Essential parts:
LR020449 AC Compressor
JUU500100 O Ring
JUU500090 O Ring
800g R134a Gas
PQS500430 Drive Belt
UBC500120 Transmission Cooler
LR020014 Transmission Cooler Lines
TYK500050 Tranmission Oil (10L - LG6)

They also recommended replacing the trans. Total price $21k. 😆

I’ll also do the belt tensioners while the belt is off. ______________________________
Vogue tdv8 08MY poverty pack - wow

Are you really going to change the transmission @$21k or change the car?

Gday Tinman.

Neither. I’m hoping the trans is ok, as it was near new used unit I fitted 45,000km ago. I might have a burn out torque converter or trans pump. Will see after the trans cooler pipe and AC compressor is replaced.

But even if the trans is shagged it will be about $7 to $8k for ZF to do the trans rebuild and an agent remove/refit, rather than $15k. The benefit will be an upspec trans.

Also I can buy a compressor for less than 1/2 the dealer price.

I would be interested if anyone has experience with the impact of running a 6HP26 dry? I thought it would lose pressure and clutches disengage. But maybe pump running dry may have an impact.

Also has anyone had experience with Hella AC compressors? There are two makes available Hella and Sanden.

Thanks. ______________________________
Vogue tdv8 08MY poverty pack - wow

`Ripper` mate that sounds like a good fix wish you well keep us informed.

I have bought all the required parts and had AC system de-gassed.

The AC and trans cooler looks quite accessible from underneath. Has anyone changed either of these? And any tips or tricks? Thanks. ______________________________
Vogue tdv8 08MY poverty pack - wow

Well it’s been 5 mths since the AC compressor clutch flew off and cut the trans cooler line, bringing the planned drive to Darwin to an end.

The L322 is back on the road with a new compressor and trans cooler/line. As predicted the 6hp26 was all ok after a flush and refill.

I also got a few other things done while the aux belt was off like new belt and tensioners, new water pump, & diffs/transfer case oils refreshed. There was no problem with the water pump or belt tensioners, but they had all done nearly 300,000km. So done for peace of mind.

And the cost was a lot less than originally quoted, even with the extra work. ______________________________
Vogue tdv8 08MY poverty pack - wow

Wow, you must be relieved! I'm taking delivery of my first RR on Friday, these bit costs are a bit scary so it's nice to see one that ends up positive!

Mine was a very unusual event. Apparently AC clutches are known to separate on an odd occasion, on cars generally not just Land Rover. I had never heard of it before it happened, then heard of it happening, thankfully rarely.

The lesson is when something like this happens, do your research, understand what’s happened and get some good advice from the good people here. RRPhil on here was helpful in getting back to be to reassure the trans was likely ok. ZF in Australia were similarly helpful.

I had a look at the pulleys/tensioners last night and am glad they were replaced. That stuff needs to be done anyway after nearly 300,000km. ______________________________
Vogue tdv8 08MY poverty pack - wow