DIY: Oil Cooler (scratch built install, lottsa pics).....>.

cjof2003 · 09-21-2009, 12:12 AM

Please excuse me if I'm just a little slow and don't understand but I do have a question sort of.

You stated that the sandwich plate does not open up and allow oil flow through the lines and cooler until 180F.
You also stated you drain the cooler/lines during oil changes.

During an oil change, I assume the oil isn't 180F, thus the plate isn't open, so do you do the change, drain the cooler, then let the car idle up to 180F and check the oil levels again and add more oil to account for the increased volume that is not accessible?

If you don't, would you not run low on oil, or does oil somehow fill back into the filter, lines and cooler during the change process?
Would this be any different without a thermostatic sandwich plate if you drained the cooler each time?

Sorry, I admit I have limited knowledge in this area, it just seems to me, that if you drain the cooler, oil has no way of getting back in there until the car is started and the pump flowing, thus you would need to recheck and compensate the oil level after inspecting for leaks. Thus a thermostatic plate would require the car to be started and warmed to at least 180F and do this. Is this correct?

Modshack · 09-21-2009, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cjof2003

You stated that the sandwich plate does not open up and allow oil flow through the lines and cooler until 180F.
You also stated you drain the cooler/lines during oil changes.

Sorry, I admit I have limited knowledge in this area, it just seems to me, that if you drain the cooler, oil has no way of getting back in there until the car is started and the pump flowing, thus you would need to recheck and compensate the oil level after inspecting for leaks. Thus a thermostatic plate would require the car to be started and warmed to at least 180F and do this. Is this correct?

I think you're making it a bit more complicated than it really is.

There is always oil flow through the cooler regardless of temp. When cold it is a limited flow, but the thermo plate remains slightly open to allow this and avoid thermal shock when the 180 point is reached. 180 is the point that the plate opens fully for max flow and cooling.

Popping off one of the AN fittings at the plate allows oil in the cooler to drain by gravity as it is mounted higher on the car

When started up the cooler is immediately filled.

Final oil levels should always be checked and adjusted after filling to approx. levels, running the car to fill the filter and cooler, and allowing oil to drain back to the sump for accurate measurement via the dipstick.

cjof2003 · 09-21-2009, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Modshack

I think you're making it a bit more complicated than it really is.

There is always oil flow through the cooler regardless of temp. When cold it is a limited flow, but the thermo plate remains slightly open to allow this and avoid thermal shock when the 180 point is reached. 180 is the point that the plate opens fully for max flow and cooling.

Popping off one of the AN fittings at the plate allows oil in the cooler to drain by gravity as it is mounted higher on the car

When started up the cooler is immediately filled.

Final oil levels should always be checked and adjusted after filling to approx. levels, running the car to fill the filter and cooler, and allowing oil to drain back to the sump for accurate measurement via the dipstick.

Alright, I understand now. Thanks.

iceman21_23 · 09-11-2009, 11:10 AM

no we just have use of the track for 4 hours

iceman21_23 · 09-29-2009, 12:43 AM

mike so you still were up to the 260 range huh? hmm i may have to get one size bigger just to be safe.

iceman21_23 · 10-08-2009, 12:03 PM

alright all my parts have been ordered ill be undergoing this job soon! i also went with the 36 row cooler instead of the 24, just to be on the safe side

iceman21_23 · 10-28-2009, 12:06 PM

just an update everything is installed and oil temps haven't seen above 190-200 degrees and that's me pushing it as much as i could on the street.

370Zsteve · 10-28-2009, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iceman21_23

just an update everything is installed and oil temps haven't seen above 190-200 degrees and that's me pushing it as much as i could on the street.

That's great news. Did you do the install as per the OP? I've done a couple of oil coolers in my time, also used the Aeroquip lines and never had issues.

Whether on the track or the street, Heat = bad

My first Mod will be an oil cooler, prolly the same spec as the OP. Great post, Modshack, ftw!

Rogue Z · 10-28-2009, 12:28 PM

Could you flip an oil cooler upside down to have the oil coming out the bottom or do you have to buy one designed like that?

Modshack · 10-28-2009, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rogue Z

Could you flip an oil cooler upside down to have the oil coming out the bottom or do you have to buy one designed like that?

Huh? I'm confused...My install DOES have the lines coming out the bottom. If the question is can any cooler be set-up this way, then the answer is yes. It makes no difference, Top, Bottom, or side. Just keep in mind, if you have the feeds lines coming out of the top of the cooler, you'll always have a quart of dirty oil in there when you do oil changes...

Rogue Z · 10-28-2009, 02:29 PM

ohh...i guess what i was asking was the setrab oil coolers show the setup with the hoses coming out of the top( stillen, Nissan Motor sport) if you were to get one of these would you be able to flip it so the hoses are on the bottom..-----sorry if this is a stupid question.

Modshack · 10-28-2009, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rogue Z

ohh...i guess what i was asking was the setrab oil coolers show the setup with the hoses coming out of the top( stillen, Nissan Motor sport) if you were to get one of these would you be able to flip it so the hoses are on the bottom..-----sorry if this is a stupid question.

Sure...Just a matter of fabbing up the right brackets..

sylenze · 10-28-2009, 03:24 PM

mod, does setrab,mocal, or trucool have a cooler core thats wider but shorter... just like ARC's oil cooler....

Modshack · 12-31-2009, 12:32 PM

Some info on winter temps and a simple mod to keep your temps up now posted at the end of the DIY

yellowZ · 12-31-2009, 12:46 PM

I ordered the parts, they were shipped, and I'm awaiting arrival. I'm excited to do this upgrade and will post when I'm finished! Thanks!

Update 1/19/09 - Finished the install, cleared up any leaks & also did the differential & transmission fluids. Running it hard results in a temp of 185F (ambient temp 60F). Since I live in Texas, the reason for doing this was the summer heat. I'll report back when its 110F outside.

10-28-2009, 12:06 PM	#7 (permalink)
iceman21_23 Track Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: league city, tx Posts: 757 Drives: 09' Solid Red 370z Rep Power: 18	just an update everything is installed and oil temps haven't seen above 190-200 degrees and that's me pushing it as much as i could on the street. 370Zsteve likes this.

10-28-2009, 12:28 PM	#9 (permalink)
Rogue Z Track Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 559 Drives: 2009 Silver MT 370Z Rep Power: 19	Could you flip an oil cooler upside down to have the oil coming out the bottom or do you have to buy one designed like that? __________________

10-28-2009, 02:29 PM	#11 (permalink)
Rogue Z Track Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 559 Drives: 2009 Silver MT 370Z Rep Power: 19	ohh...i guess what i was asking was the setrab oil coolers show the setup with the hoses coming out of the top( stillen, Nissan Motor sport) if you were to get one of these would you be able to flip it so the hoses are on the bottom..-----sorry if this is a stupid question. __________________

12-31-2009, 12:32 PM	#14 (permalink)
Modshack A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Greenville NC Posts: 2,883 Drives: 370Z Sport Rep Power: 977	Some info on winter temps and a simple mod to keep your temps up now posted at the end of the DIY __________________ Steal my car! (SOLD)...Now Porsche Cayman S Oil Cooler DIY: Here!

12-31-2009, 12:46 PM	#15 (permalink)
yellowZ Base Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 77 Drives: Nissan 370Z - Yellow Rep Power: 16	I ordered the parts, they were shipped, and I'm awaiting arrival. I'm excited to do this upgrade and will post when I'm finished! Thanks! Update 1/19/09 - Finished the install, cleared up any leaks & also did the differential & transmission fluids. Running it hard results in a temp of 185F (ambient temp 60F). Since I live in Texas, the reason for doing this was the summer heat. I'll report back when its 110F outside. Last edited by yellowZ; 01-19-2010 at 06:42 PM.

09-21-2009, 12:12 AM	#1 (permalink)
cjof2003 Base Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 74 Drives: 02 Acura RSX Type S Rep Power: 16	Please excuse me if I'm just a little slow and don't understand but I do have a question sort of. You stated that the sandwich plate does not open up and allow oil flow through the lines and cooler until 180F. You also stated you drain the cooler/lines during oil changes. During an oil change, I assume the oil isn't 180F, thus the plate isn't open, so do you do the change, drain the cooler, then let the car idle up to 180F and check the oil levels again and add more oil to account for the increased volume that is not accessible? If you don't, would you not run low on oil, or does oil somehow fill back into the filter, lines and cooler during the change process? Would this be any different without a thermostatic sandwich plate if you drained the cooler each time? Sorry, I admit I have limited knowledge in this area, it just seems to me, that if you drain the cooler, oil has no way of getting back in there until the car is started and the pump flowing, thus you would need to recheck and compensate the oil level after inspecting for leaks. Thus a thermostatic plate would require the car to be started and warmed to at least 180F and do this. Is this correct?

09-11-2009, 11:10 AM	#4 (permalink)
iceman21_23 Track Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: league city, tx Posts: 757 Drives: 09' Solid Red 370z Rep Power: 18	no we just have use of the track for 4 hours

09-29-2009, 12:43 AM	#5 (permalink)
iceman21_23 Track Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: league city, tx Posts: 757 Drives: 09' Solid Red 370z Rep Power: 18	mike so you still were up to the 260 range huh? hmm i may have to get one size bigger just to be safe.

10-08-2009, 12:03 PM	#6 (permalink)
iceman21_23 Track Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: league city, tx Posts: 757 Drives: 09' Solid Red 370z Rep Power: 18	alright all my parts have been ordered ill be undergoing this job soon! i also went with the 36 row cooler instead of the 24, just to be on the safe side

10-28-2009, 03:24 PM	#13 (permalink)
sylenze Base Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: So Cal/SB county Posts: 222 Drives: 370z 6mt+SP PG Rep Power: 17	mod, does setrab,mocal, or trucool have a cooler core thats wider but shorter... just like ARC's oil cooler....

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