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.

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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?