What is an Engine Oil Cooler ?
An Engine Oil Cooler is basically a heat-exchanging device much like a radiator but its function is to maintain the engines temperature through removing excess heat from the Engine Oil.
You might have seen some customized cars at your local meets with a small intercooler or radiator like contraption with two pipes leading into the engine bay. Engine Oil Coolers do offer some benefits when it comes to high performance | high revving engines, but does everyone need it ? Now that's a whole different debate. So to simplify things we have weighed out the pros and cons of engine oil coolers in the paragraph below so you can decide for yourself if you need one or not.
Engine Oil Cooler Pro's and Con's | Engine Oil Cooler Benefits
When it comes to engines it is commonly perceived that the cooler the better, but that is not entirely true apart from some exceptions. Before going on an engine oil cooler hunt, the first thing you will need to understand is what benefits would your engine gain from running the oil cooler than usual. Engine Oil is designed to flow at optimum viscosity in certain temperatures. It would simply become thick below optimum viscosity temperatures causing your engine to run heavier ultimately eating up the piston rings. On the other hand higher temperature will cause the oil to lose it viscosity which will cause your engine to overheat and stall maybe even seize up too. If you are not currently using synthetic based engine oil, then you should definitely consider switching. The reason behind it is that synthetic oils are much better suited for higher temperatures.
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart |
Now to gauge if you really need and engine cooler or not, you will have to measure your cars initial oil temperature. Engines running higher oil temperatures should definitely be equipped with an engine oil cooler. A good oil cooler will not only lower your engine oil temperature but it will also cause the water temperature to drop by a good 10 degrees Fahrenheit easy.
Do I really need a Car Oil Cooler ?
Now for the gentlemen running high performance engines (petrol or diesel) you should invest in a good oil cooler with Steel braided lines and AN fittings. And if you are running your car stock my advice would be to not waste money on an engine oil cooler as it might end up doing more harm than good.
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