A couple years ago I read an astounding article that discussed the need for engine oil coolers in cars that were tracked(raced). It basically gave a small graph that showed as the oil temp increased by certain amounts, the life of the motor decreased. I couldn't believe how shorter of a lifespan those motors had if the oil was allowed to go just 10-15º higher than designed operating temp. I can't find the article right now unfortunately...


Now to my truck. I notice when I'm on very long drives(which I do somewhat often) at highway speeds and so on that the oil pressure needle goes down from ~50 to about 44-45, which is a noticeable difference. I also notices that if I drive it long enough, the pressure at idle will go down from about 25-30 hot, to hovering just below 20psi!!!! On a brand new motor!!!!

I am now considering an oil cooler, but how complicated would it be to set one up? If I remember correctly they simply have a part that adds on to the oil filter and two hoses going to a small radiator in front of the coolant radiator. Is it that simple? What kind of hosing will I need to contain such high pressures?

 

The pressure drops you see are completely normal and not a concern.

Unless it is a pure summertime racing engine, the oil cooler needs to be an oil-to-water cooler. Otherwise in the winter you'll have 30 degree oil which is worse in many respects than too-hot oil. Hayden used to make a thermostatic switch for air-cooled auxiliary coolers to eliminate this problem, but they aren't cheap and I wouldn't trust my engine's oil supply to one.

Ford Racing made a water to oil cooler for police 5.0 HO motors, that basically screwed on to the oil filter base. The problem you'd have is finding a water supply and return path for it. Not sure it would work on a canister oil filter base, if that's what you have.

 

Howdy,


It's not a bad idea to add an oil cooler if you're going to tow. (you're not racing right?)

My 94 diesel suburban has an (air-to)oil cooler that came installed from new.

You'll absolutely get cooler oil temps and it would be easy to install if you also add an outboard oil filter. (just put the oil cooler in series with the oil filter)


Hayden - Transmission and Engine Oil Coolers

You may even be able to add a fan that is thermostatically controlled like their trans coolers.

Now, having said that, 20 psi at idle won't hurt a thing.....


What are you using for oil? A straight wt or a multi-grade?

 

Ross--I am using a modern spin on type in place of the canister type...easier.
As for winters it doesn't get that cold here, but is that really something to worry about(cooling oil too much)?

Rick-- I do not race, and haven't yet used it to tow and probably never will on a hardcore level.
Outboard oil filter? You mean like a filter relocation kit type setup? I was actually interested in doing that if need be.
I was just thinking of something in front of the radiator...

As for oil I'm currently using 10w-30 Valvoline VR-1 conventional.

 

mOROTBREATH, I don't see a problem either. Remember, oil pressure only serves to distribute the oil throughout the engine. It has no bearing on the oil film strength which is what keeps the metal parts separated.

Minimum oil pressure readings are 10 PSI per 1000 RPM. Todays more complex engines require a little more say 15 PSI per 1000 RPM. In your truck at 60 MPH your engine is turning probably 3000 RPM, therefore your MINIMUM oil pressure should be 30 PSI.

 

OK, I guess this is really what I was worried about.

I think I may pass on this idea in that case. Thanks Steve.