Question: Oil cooler thermostats

Double Venom · #1 (**permalink**) 12-03-2013, 07:36 AM

Ok, I think we have covered the plus's and minus's of Oil Coolers running without an oil thermostat* -(BAD)-, what types has everyone found they like, don't like? Sandwich type between the block and the oil lines, in-line, remote type?

* A V-8 oil temperature will run at least 20 degrees cooler with an UN-regulated cooler taking years off the life of the motor.

Oil, at proper running temperature should be 180's to 220's with 250 being acceptable.

DV

ERA 778 · #2 (**permalink**) 12-03-2013, 08:05 AM

If you search the posts on this site I think you will find several discussions about oil thermostats. That is what I did and decided to go with the Canton Racing unit. As I recall, it was the only one that seemed to work!
It's a lot of work to install,or at least it was for me. I have the remote oil filter, so this added lots of braided stainless tubing and AN fittings. My oil temperature still tends to run low, but this unit keeps it much warmer, I'm convinced.
If you don't intend to race your car, you should consider dummying up the oil lines to the oil cooler. Your engine will be much happier, I expect.

Hal

Double Venom · #3 (**permalink**) 12-03-2013, 08:25 AM

Hal,
Excellent points. Out of all the coolers I have installed only a hand full of guys let me 'dummy' up the coolers. (Easy to install a Finish Line cooler and have it appear from top , bottom, back, as a functional cooler but the flow to the cooler has been blocked off.)

Perfect example of why you could use the sand which type thermostat. With this type no more lines would be involved other than the two original lens.

DV

CHANMADD · #4 (**permalink**) 12-03-2013, 09:38 AM

Most sandwich type adapters have a thermo spring valve.......works for me.....

bobcowan · #5 (**permalink**) 12-03-2013, 09:42 AM

Russell makes a nice billit sandwich type. As you said, easy to install, and fewer lines and fittings.

A lot of people don't reall understand how the thermostat works. When cold/closed, it allows about 10% of the oil to flow through the cooler. This allows all the oil in the system to warm up at the same rate. You wouldn't want a valve to open and get a sudden slug of cold thick oil.

The Dow side of that is at cold temperatures, your oil will never warm up. Even when covered with something, it can be tough to get the oil up to operating temps.

You really only need a cooler when racing, or on really hot days at slow speeds. The rest of the time there's no need at all.

If you install your lines useing a sandwich adapter (no thermostat), you can use a manual valve. Make an H with the lines and place a manual cut off valve on one side, you can turn it off completly.

bobcowan · #6 (**permalink**) 12-03-2013, 09:49 AM

Russell makes a nice billit sandwich type. As you said, easy to install, and fewer lines and fittings.

A lot of people don't reall understand how the thermostat works. When cold/closed, it allows about 10% of the oil to flow through the cooler. This allows all the oil in the system to warm up at the same rate. You wouldn't want a valve to open and get a sudden slug of cold thick oil.

The Dow side of that is at cold temperatures, your oil will never warm up. Even when covered with something, it can be tough to get the oil up to operating temps.

You really only need a cooler when racing, or on really hot days at slow speeds. The rest of the time there's no need at all.

If you install your lines useing a sandwich adapter (no thermostat), you can use a manual valve. Make an H with the lines and place a manual cut off valve on one side, you can turn it off completly.

Double Venom · #7 (**permalink**) 12-03-2013, 01:59 PM

Bob,
I have looked ALL over Russels web site, along with Edelbrocks and I can not find their oil thermostat! Would you by chance know their part number?

CJ428CJ · #8 (**permalink**) 12-03-2013, 03:34 PM

He mentioned Russels but I suspect he was thinking about the Earls sandwich type oil t-stat. You can see them here: Holley Performance Sandwich Style Oil Thermostats Products

If you're interested, I have one that I'd sell to you at a discount. I bought it for my ERA but it's just slightly too big to fit in the tight area around the oil filter. Let me know if you're interested.

Chris

Double Venom · #9 (**permalink**) 12-03-2013, 04:12 PM

Chris you nailed it!!
We'll take it! BUT- assuming I put an EARLS remote filter locator after the thermostat, do you think it/they will fit?

Send me a PM if you want with price and mailing address, hey?

DV

Always learning something new on every one!

CJ428CJ · #10 (**permalink**) 12-03-2013, 06:18 PM

Hi DV,

PM sent. Regarding the fit, it's hard to say. The thermostat is really fairly compact. On my ERA it was just ever so slightly too big to fit. If you're running a remote adapter, I'd be surprised if you had problems. If you need any dimensions for the Earls just let me know. I'd be happy to snap some pictures and add some dimensions if necessary. Earls may have some dimensions on their website too. I seem to recall seeing them but I haven't checked lately.

Chris

bobcowan · #11 (**permalink**) 12-03-2013, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CJ428CJ

He mentioned Russels but I suspect he was thinking about the Earls sandwich type oil t-stat.
Chris

Yes, Chris, you're right. It's an Earls part. I used that for a while. It is a quality part, not cheap cast aluminum.

I also drilled and tapped mine for the temp sender, so I could see what temp the oil is as it's being fed to the engine.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Double Venom

put an EARLS remote filter locator after the thermostat, do you think it/they will fit?

If it doesn't fit, put the thermostat between the oil filter and the remote mount.

Double Venom · #12 (**permalink**) 12-04-2013, 04:13 AM

Wow! You two guys have done everything but install it for me!!

Soon as I get hooked up with Cris, (no pun intended) I'll post some pics. Hooking it all up to a 351-W,

DV

Double Venom · #13 (**permalink**) 12-05-2013, 03:08 AM

All needed parts are ordered! I Will post a pre-finished installation while The' Heart is still in it's crate. Heck, getting convinced to do this new project... I feel 60 again!

DV

MFE III · #14 (**permalink**) 12-05-2013, 12:38 PM

I used the Earl's sandwich type and am very pleased with how it works.
Here are some pics on how I installed it.
Matt

Double Venom · #15 (**permalink**) 12-05-2013, 04:43 PM

That's beautiful. Work of love in that engine compartment! First timer I have ever seen one set up like that! Nice, very nice indeed.

DV

trularin · #16 (**permalink**) 12-06-2013, 06:28 AM

Ed, I tried the sandwich type on my first engine and was happy with it. I think it was Earls as I was getting pretty happy with their plumbing. However, when I put in the modified boss, it was reconfigured for center oil and I did not put in the cooler afterwards.

The Earls worked at 190 ( as best I remember ).

Hope you and the family are keeping warm and should I miss it, happy holidays.

Tru

Double Venom · #17 (**permalink**) 12-06-2013, 08:41 AM

Tru,
You are the man, Thank you and a merry HO-ho to all of yours!
DV