I read some time ago a study on oil coolers.
If they are equipped with some sort of thermostatic
device, they are very effective in stabilizing
oil temperatures.
Except in very hot climates, an oil cooler without any
thermostatic control was not shown to be of any benefit,
because the oil would not get up to temperature
as quickly…could even be bad under most conditions…
From what I have read, the Jaguar has a pressure driven bypass
built in the adaptor plate.
High oil pressure closes the cooler off, it opens
when the oil warms up and thins out.
Lots would depend on the oil viscosity in this setup.
Running 20w50 would have it closed until the oil
really warmed up I would guess.
5w50 synthetic might have it open at a cold start
in warm conditions.
Its nice to have a cooler, but since the engine holds
quite a bit of oil, and I change it quite frequently,
its likely of little use in New Jersey or most places
I am likely to drive to.
Still, when you are loaded up with people and luggage,
climbing long grades with the ac on in 100F plus
weather, its nice to have…
Besides leaks, the system is well out of the way on my car
so there is no good reason to remove it.
For the price of a few O rings, most leaks can be fixed.
($2.00)
If a hose leaks, its a different story.
Its always reported that the lines are IMPOSSIBLE to get
off the cooler…I wonder if there is any solution
to this problem…oil and heat?
Perhaps the entire setup could be removed, the old hose
cut off and new hose installed with good clamps?
Its only oil, so hose that would work should be available.
Brett
1990 XJ6>
Based on the engine sump capacity and the excellent heat
transfer characteristics of aluminum, the cooler is
probably not necessary … but its a fine feature I would
not want to remove unless mandated (leaky cooler, hoses,
etc.)
Its not unusual at all for the ambient temperature in my
area (southeast US) to run in the mid-90s F for extended
periods in the summer. I’ll keep the cooler until it
breaks!
John
P.