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TR2/3/3A TR3A Oil Cooler Opinions

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M_Pied_Lourd

M_Pied_Lourd

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Hi guys,

Just looking for some opninions as usual.

I am in the process of trying to decide if I want to utilize the oil cooler that was on my car when I purchased it or simply go back to a spin on adaptor with no cooler. If I was to utilize the cooler, I was going to have new lines made up as the current ones are showing signs of wear.

This car will not see the track again and will only see the road in the future. Regardless, I am intetested in hearing your opinions on the following.

1. Should I re-install the cooler or ditch it...is it enough of a benefit to keep it?

2. Interested also on installation location. I have included some pics below of how it was installed on the car. The rad shroud/ducting was "customized" around the cooler. Is there a better location? I am not opposed to making mods to the apron...I have seen some vintage racing pics with ducting in the bottom centre of the apron...wondering if there is a cooler behind the ducting? Since I am having the hoses made up (if required based on the answer to question 1)I figured that I would ask about location before I had this done.

P1030662.jpg


Cheers,
M. Pied Lourd
 
I would probably keep the cooler, just because it's part of the car's heritage; even though I don't feel it's necessary for ordinary driving. Ditto the location.

However, I would suggest adding a thermostat to the cooler (if it doesn't already have one), so that the oil does get up to operating temperature. Eg,
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/PRM-1070/
Otherwise the cooler will keep the oil TOO cool, which is not good for either oil or engine.
 
I'd be inclined to leave the location as is if you decide to keep it, it seems to be in a safer location than at the very bottom where the occasional road debris can ruin your day. There was a writeup I think from the DCTRA about one of the clubmembers going cross country in a nice TR3, only to spring an oil leak from a broken cooler. Fixed it and moved on, but what a mess.
 
I mounted an oil cooler in the same location on my street TR3 with a modified engine. I removed it because the engine ran too cool -- it wasn't needed. If you decide to keep it , though, that is a good place to mount it; but like Randall notes, add the thermostat.
 
TR4nut said:
Fixed it and moved on, but what a mess.
Click to expand...
Which is probably also the best argument for removing it. A broken line, or a cracked fitting, or a rock into the cooler itself can sure ruin your day in a hurry!

For the street, I might be tempted to install a gizmo to shut the engine down if you lose oil pressure.
 
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