Z1 Motorsport oil cooler install, oil warning light at start up
 

Hi fellas,

my car is at the shop getting the oil cooler kit installed.

My mechanic has done a great job installing everything after the instruction manual, but there is one problem.

When the engine is cold, the oil warning light stays on for over 5 seconds at start up. This problem does not occur after the system has been pressurized and been warmed up. Leave the car for a couple of hours to cool down and the problem is back. There is no noise from the engine during this period.

Now, we have been going through everything, and can't find any faults with the installation (what we know of anyway). To me it seems like some oil is flowing back to the sump creating an air pocket.

So the question is: Is this a problem and why does the pressure light come on? Can I live with it or will I harm the engine?

A few questions:

1) Are you sure that you pre-filled the oil cooler during the install?
2) Did you adjust the oil level after initial start up once the lines have been primed?
3) Are you certain all lines are routed as instructed? 100% certain no oil cooler lines are pinched?
4) Have you inspected the cooler; lines and sandwich plate to ensure that there are no leaks of any kind?

Just curious to see what I can do to help out with this one. This product was important to me during my time at Z1.

Thanks Dustin,

I'll try to answer as best as I can. My mechanic is having his the day off today. I'm a bit keen of finishing off this project since I have to go to Germany next week with the car.

1. I'm not 100% sure of that, what difference would that make?
2. Oil level was adjusted.
3. Lines are routed exactly as by the instructions AFAIK
4. There are no leaks.

Cheers mate, appreciate you taking the time.

See response above.

Thanks Dustin,

Regarding 1-2, the oil was checked after the initial start and topped up accordingly. I can't say right now what the level on the dipstick was. If the oil was too low, it should still sort itself out after topping up accordingly?

3. I will pass this information along. I will make sure he double checks all the lines one extra time.


But this is not normal behaviour as I can tell? Have you seen this issue before?

I would just like to add that there is almost 1 qt. extra oil in the engine now compared to before the install.

An extra quart in the oil pan, or just an additional quart of total capacity? Stupid question, but it was installed with the fittings on the core facing up, right?

Hi Chuck,

yes the core is installed with the mountings facing upwards. Just like the instructions showed. No question is stupid, got to ask to know ;)

En extra quart was required to fill the oil cooler and lines in total. The mechanic told me that almost one litre of extra oil is in the system now compared to stock. I don't really understand what you mean, but as I have understood it, the oil dip stick now show a full pan, and the extra quart has been distributed in the system.

Now, as I said, we have been going through the installation and we are really puzzled by this. Mainly because it's just a cooler and some hoses, there is nothing really different that should affect the oil pressure. The only thing I can think of is that there is an air pocket somewhere after it's been sitting for a while. But what to do about it?

My first thought was the core was installed upside down, and it was draining back into the pan when it sits. If that's not the case, I've got nothing.

Good point, but sadly it isn't the case.

Maybe this is not something to worry about, but I'd rather be extra careful in a case like this. I don't like to be uncertain when it comes to the oil system. I drive my car hard when I'm on the track (as anyone would do), and next weekend I'm going to the Nurburgring. I've already had one car towed back to Sweden from there, I'd rather not do that again. ;)

Maybe the sensor is just very sensitive, and now when the oil system is of a larger capacity it's just warning because it's outside of standard spec. I mean, could be a number of things, but I would like to get a clue if it's a real problem I have.

Also, I drive my car year round and I've seen below 0 deg F, even below -20F with it. When it's that cold the oil is thick, so I'm extra cautious.

I had a big discussion this morning with my mechanic. We have now double checked everything, and we are starting to suspect the oil filter housing/adapter as a possible source of the problem. That is coming off now, so we can inspect it.

Is there supposed to be a valve blocking the reverse flow in the oil filter adapter?

I recently installed a Z-1 25 row oil cooler with thermostatic housing. I basically installed the cooler as directed and had no issues in start up. Did have to add a quart of oil. Primed the filter and cooler during assembly to minimize air in the system when started. The two things I didn't like about the kit was the oil lines could have been a couple of inches shorter. I was also not pleased with the Mocal adapter construction and machine work. I've done engine work in the pass so it was time to get out the die grinder and smooth the oil passage and sharp machine edges, The other thing I didn't like about the adapter was the way the oil filter extension fitting seats on the adapter. You have to be careful when tightening to get the socket fully seated so you don't strip the nut, 6-point socket is strongly recommended. Since all this I found that Mocal makes a new heavy duty more robust adapter for only a few dollars more. I would check the sensor's and wires and make sure nothing is damaged or grounded.

Cheers, appreciate your input. I'll look into the other housings.

Car is now back to stock and everything is back to normal.

Funny thing is that the oil pressure took time to build up, it also took a long time to release. Now when it's stock the oil light turns on very quickly after shutting it off (as it should). With the oil cooler system installed it kept the pressure up for a long time. To me it really seems like some kind of valve is acting up. But my mechanic took apart the thermostat after taking it off the car and he said everything looked normal with it. As it looks now, it's open when cold and then it shuts close when it's warm forcing the oil through the new loop/cooler.

It's a really strange problem this...

With my involvement in the assembly of the Z1 Oil Cooler Kit, if I recall correctly, the HD Cooler you are speaking about is too large to fit on the 370Z. There are many design considerations you have to consider. The frame of the oil cooler has to fit against the engine without contacting anything and be able to have the line attached. Additionally, even though the Sandwich plate has a M20x1.25 thread pitch, the diameter of the O-ring and O-ring seat are critical. I recall investigating a few models on the market that would "technically" bolt on, but the O-ring of the oil filter was too narrow and risked causing a leak. Keep this in mind with searching for alternatives.

There is a valve that moves in response to Oil Temp. It should be OPEN when cold. Then close off (EXTEND) when Oil Temps rise.

I have my Z1 34 row cooler waiting to be installed in the next 3 to 4 weeks so this concerns me. Would really like to hear from other owners that have this chime in.