Oil coolers for big bore

[Johnny 5]

Does anybody have any oil cooler performance experience?
I know it wont make more power but will it really keep the engine cooler?
Will it reduce oil pressure or flow volume?

I have put off getting a oil cooler because not wanting a source for a leak if it got punctured or a rock hit it or from bouncing around in the desert.

My wife's 183cc motor gets hot and has lack of power after a long run in 85 plus weather.

[xlint89]

The Taida oil cooler is the kit I would prefer, but it's a lot more expensive. I like the fact the oil comes out of the case by the oil pump, not out of the oil filter using an adapter, then up a one-way valve to the cooler.

BUT, I do know price does have a big influence.

[SYCARMS]

If the case was not set up for an oil cooler then the cooler with adapter will be the only option. This is what I run on my 150 single and with the adapter properly installed it comes right off the pump. There are some cheap ones out there but they do not circulate the oil well. I have coolers in stock. They will not reduce pressure or volume. You will need just over a quart of oil. If the cooler is placed where air will flow, it will drop oil temp almost 100deg. I mounted mine by welding brackets as far back as possible on engine cradle upright so as air comes around seat it flows through the cooler. Mine has been in use for 4 years now and have had no problems. However proper planning to mount upright is important since the first one I installed on my sons buggy was destroyed one day when he hit a large sand whoop which put him 4' in the air. When the buggy come down the frame hit the cooler and destroyed it. I had to move the mounts back and have since installed rubber isolators to the mount to help take up the shock when running fast down rough terrain. Once I corrected those engineering glitches I have 4 years with no problems. You will need to route and tiewrap the oil lines so that they don't catch on anything. Proper planning is necessary.

[xlint89]

Nice answer ^^^^^^^^


I have often wondered if you had to add more oil to the system when using the oil cooler.

I have also read about guys drilling out the brass plug on the non-oil cooled engines and installing fittings. That seems a bit questionable to me though. And have also seen the oil pump side of the crank case already drilled and tapped for the oil cooler for sale as well. But my concern with that would be the crank shaft not aligning properly. Might need to have it line bored. Once again, pretty questionable. (also my one problem with the Taida kit)

So Johnny, give Tom a call and he'll point you in the right direction.