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1500 oil cooler

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J

JoeV

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Hi again

Does anyone have any experience with fitting an oil cooler to a R/B Midget (77)? I've seen kits for 1098 and 1275cc A-series engines but none for the 1500(which may need it more than the others)
With the summer driving season here it seems like something I'd like to do! Also I've seen a product by J.C. Whitney, a finned cover for the oil filter you attach around it to draw off oil temp through the fins,seems easy enough anyone use this device?

Thanks
Joe
 
The 1500 Midget has a great cooling system and cross flow radiator...much better than early A-engine cars (assuming everthing is in good shape)....so an oil cooler (to assist in engine cooling) is less of an issue in these cars (for street use, anyway). I haven't even bothered to put one in my street-car/racer....doesn't seem to need it (and might be one more thing to go wrong). Some of the 19-row cooler kits warn you not to use them on street cars...*too much* cooling....that sort of tells you something, I think.

The JC Whitney item couldn't hurt...very simple and cheap...but watch clearance to the steering shaft (remember...the motor moves around a bit).

Anyway, here's aome info from a guy who installed a cooler:
https://www.limen.fsnet.co.uk/midget1500/restoration2.html

...and here's the Moss info sheet on 1500 coolers:

https://www.mossmotors.com/cgi-bin/db2www/mossmotors/MossUSA/shop/ViewProducts.mac/report?T=15927&PlateID=3243
 
Never needed an oil cooler on my '76 Midget, which was not exactly in tip-top shape. Those cars have very good cooling systems.
-Wm.
 
Thanks Guys,
As usual your comments are insightful and illuminating.I'll probably go with the Finned heat sink for the filter. My problem is not engine cooling but oil breakdown after a 65-70mph run on the interstate (20 miles or so)My oil pressure drops from 65-70lbs to 50-55 lbs I know it's still in range but I figure heat is bad and if I can get rid of it,all the better! I am running 20-50w Castrol conventional oil on my 1500 with 57k on the odometer. I just worry the high engine speed 4000rpm at 65mph and heat 90-95
degrees could be a bad combo for me and my LBC
Thanks, Joe
 
I have the 10 row installed on my 76. I installed it when I first purchased the car, before I had the radiator acid flushed. I am pleased with the cooler, temperature stays right around 180 when I cruise the highways at about 60. Can't tell you if there is a difference since flushing the rad though.
 
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