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1QWIKBIRD · 02-02-2011, 07:33 PM

Careful with an aftermarket oil cooler that DOESN'T include a thermostatic bypass. Otherwise in the winter, it could take a long time for the engine oil to get up to/stay at operating temperature. Cold oil can be just as harmful as over heated oil. That's one reason the factory oil cooler used the radiator to cool the oil. In cold weather, the warmer coolant will warm the oil quicker, then once at operating temps, the radiator will cool the hotter engine oil.

I have an oil cooler WITHOUT a thermostatic bypass on my car with a temp gauge installed and in the winter it takes a 10 minutes before the oil temp gauge even starts to move, then on a highway run, the oil temp will drop down to about 180, which is about what the engine temp is. During the warmer months its not a big deal at all. I don't drive my car during the winter, but if its for DD its something to consider.

Personally, the added plumbing and potential for leaks etc. outweigh the benefit, unless you are seeing tracktime or someother endurance type of driving.

Are you experiencing pressure drops during hot weather or some other symptom of cooked oil? Have you had an oil analysis done indicating the oil is breaking down prematurely?

Chris

02-02-2011, 07:33 PM	#6
1QWIKBIRD 11 Second Club Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Hamilton Twp, NJ Posts: 855 iTrader: (5)	Careful with an aftermarket oil cooler that DOESN'T include a thermostatic bypass. Otherwise in the winter, it could take a long time for the engine oil to get up to/stay at operating temperature. Cold oil can be just as harmful as over heated oil. That's one reason the factory oil cooler used the radiator to cool the oil. In cold weather, the warmer coolant will warm the oil quicker, then once at operating temps, the radiator will cool the hotter engine oil. I have an oil cooler WITHOUT a thermostatic bypass on my car with a temp gauge installed and in the winter it takes a 10 minutes before the oil temp gauge even starts to move, then on a highway run, the oil temp will drop down to about 180, which is about what the engine temp is. During the warmer months its not a big deal at all. I don't drive my car during the winter, but if its for DD its something to consider. Personally, the added plumbing and potential for leaks etc. outweigh the benefit, unless you are seeing tracktime or someother endurance type of driving. Are you experiencing pressure drops during hot weather or some other symptom of cooked oil? Have you had an oil analysis done indicating the oil is breaking down prematurely? Chris __________________ 1999 Formula 6spd (The driver) 1997 2500 Ext. Cab Dodge 4x4 CTD 5spd (The Earth Mover) 1970 Nova 5spd (The toy)