Oil Coolers

[spnkzss]

I run a '90 Honda Civic in ITC. I finally had a motor built this winter, and am looking to protect it. A few people have been talking to me about oil coolers and there recommended sizes. Originally I was going to go small for the 1.5L. When I called to place the order they said that I was going way too small and explained to me what he runs in his Honda. What I have purcahsed is a 19 row 10AN cooler. I'm wondering if this is too big. I know some ITA Honda's that run one about that big, but it seems to be over kill for an ITC car.

I guess my questions consist of, what are other people running, AND what is a temperature to be running the oil at? When I ordered the guy said that 190°F was too cold and 210°F whas starting to get on the hot side. With the 19 row cooler he sits at 205°F.

Thanks

Spanky
#03 ITC '90 Honda Civic WDCR

[Chris Sawatsky]

there are people who run with no oil coolers. I'm still using a b&m 8 row core on mine, though I've upgraded to aeroquip hosery.

Get a temp guage, you can always put tape over a bigger cooler if it doesn't let you get up to proper temps

[spnkzss]

Originally posted by Chris Sawatsky:

Get a temp guage, you can always put tape over a bigger cooler if it doesn't let you get up to proper temps

That's what I figured, but what would be a "proper temp"?

Spanky
#03 ITC '90 Honda Civic WDCR

[dave parker]

Spanky
Proper temperature is reached when she is hot enough and wet enough for you to stick it in and she doesn't scream too much when you do.

I run a 19 row cooler on my cars with oil temps in the 180F to 197F.
cheers
dave parker
wdcr ITC#97

[spnkzss]

Originally posted by dave parker:
Spanky
Proper temperature is reached when she is hot enough and wet enough for you to stick it in and she doesn't scream too much when you do.

I run a 19 row cooler on my cars with oil temps in the 180F to 197F.
cheers
dave parker
wdcr ITC#97

Nice. I'll have to ask Kim.

I figured that would be a little low. Everywhere that I have read recommends around 220, that way it boils off any condensation. Speaking with a few engine builders, they say one of the biggest problems that they notice is oil temp too low.

I guess the real rule of thumb is, you don't want it too hot to go into viscosity break down. No real rule of thumb on too low.

Spanky
#03 ITC '90 Honda Civic WDCR

PS and by the way, where are you reading your temp, at the pan, going into the cooler, or coming out of the cooler?

[This message has been edited by spnkzss (edited March 31, 2005).]

[dave parker]

Oil temp is read by one gauge at the oil pan and by a second gauge at the oil cooler.

Too many gauges in one car.

Let me know what Kim says.

cheers
dave parker
wdcr ITC#97

[spnkzss]

Originally posted by dave parker:
Oil temp is read by one gauge at the oil pan and by a second gauge at the oil cooler.

Too many gauges in one car.

Let me know what Kim says.

cheers
dave parker
wdcr ITC#97

Are you averaging or do both read 185 - 195ish?

To quote Kim, "YES YES YES YES YES"

Spanky
#03 ITC '90 Honda Civic WDCR

[USGUYS]

When I was racing Showroom stock in the 1980's I talked with a Valvoline engineer at some length about oil temp.
He told me that for every 10 degrees over 200F, you cut the life of the petrolium- based oil in half. A 3000 mile interval is reduced to 1500 miles. In my case, the VW I ran need to change oil every session since the oil was over 150C (280-300).
When he heard the temp that was shown on the stock VW gauge he told me to run synthetic oil even though they did not make it at the time.
I run small cooler in my car. Save weight and money and run rubber hoses, Braided line is over-kill. At the end of a race the temp is about 200F taken from a fitting low in the oil pan.

[dave parker]

Spanky
Those are actual readings on both gauges.

As for Kim's quote you should marry that girl.
Wait you already did.
Look out she will come to you soon and say "baby" and your life as you know it will spiral down the toilet.
Kinda like me.
cheers
dave
wdcr ITC#97