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Oil cooler question

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I don't have any input on the size; the manufacturer should be able to help based on engine HP. I would however suggest a thermostat; I use a perma-cool 1060 remote unit. On chilly mornings it helps the engine get up to temperature faster and also helps with cold oil pressure (1275 - measured at the block after the oil cooler). I ran without a thermostat for a while and on a cold morning I would notice my oil pressure drop when I rev'd the engine. The oil was so viscous that putting all the flow through the cooler created too much back pressure and the oil pressure relief valve would lift and bypass too much oil. With a thermostat about 10% goes through the cooler when it is cold and the rest goes to the engine as usual.
 
This is just a personal opinion, based on my experience.

I don't really think an oil cooler has any real value, especially on a street 1500.
Newer Midgets have a nice efficient cooling system that keeps the engine temps stable and low...which keeps the oil temp low.
I've never felt the need for one on my 1500 racer and I'm not even that sure they have value in a 1275 club racer if it has a decent (water) cooling system.

But if you do run one, you should consider discarding it on a regular basis. They are notoriously difficult to clean out and will trap lots of junk inside (sort of like an oil filter). The pros and SCCA national-level racers boil them out or toss them away on a regular basis.

Just my 2 cents....your mileage may vary.... /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/wink.gif
 
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