To cool or not to cool ?

[wendy]

Hi,

I have been trawling through various mini parts suppliers. I came across an oil cooler.
Is this a good idea with the auto? Anyone tried it?

Wendy

[notamini]

In my circle of 1100/1300 ADO16's, the guys find it to be totally a matter of preference. Some say the oil never reaches full operative temp while others say it is better running cooler.

[clambod]

The general consensus is that a standard engine fitted with an oil cooler means the oil never reaches it's operating temperature unless it is a high performance engine and is worked hard.

[Admin/Founder 2]

Ive Wondered This Too i could be wrong but i think Metro Automatic Engines had oil coolers but don't quote me

The article that Laurie Tedcastle Wrote in Mini Magazine stated that the oil Never really Reaches Full Operating Temperature as Clambod just pointed out

So with that in mind I'm guessing an oil cooler wouldn't be beneficial

I know last year we visited friends down near Penzance and covered several hundred miles non stop in Boris and his oil must of been cooking ;D

but i do have to say the last half hour of the journey id take a guess that the oil had indeed reached the magic Optimum temperature

And i have to say the way he ran and changed gears was Superb

Maybe we should have Oil heaters that keep our oil at optimum temperatures rarther than cooling it down

[bnicho]

Oil on a MANUAL Mini never reaches operating temp. On an Auto the oil works harder.

Metro Autos did have a factory fitted cooler.

I initially did not used it when I re-engined my Moke with a Metro 1275 Auto drivertrain. I then fitted it later so I can compare.

Certainly it makes a difference in the Australian climate on a hot day. On a 30degree C day the oil cooler will become too hot to touch, which indicates to me the oil is getting hot!

With the cooler fitted I get a steady 60-70psi oil pressure at 60mph cruise on a 40 degree C day. Same weather and speed without the cooler and it was more like 50psi pressure.

It may not be needed in the UK climate. But you can get an "oil stat" which is a thermostat for your oil. But of course, that is extra expense.

Cheers,

[notamini]

Just sold my Metro auto I got from the UK. It came complete with the cooler so bnicho is right there. Unfortunately, I wanted to use it but ended up selling it because the wife said I had too many Metro drives in my carport.