Coolant flows through a vehicle’s main radiator to keep the engine from getting too hot. An oil cooler is a separate radiator for engine oil only. It does not cool the engine’s temperature, a job done exclusively by your vehicle’s cooling system. Engine oil coolers come in many sizes but are almost always smaller than the main radiator.
Read this: Why an Engine Overheats and How to Fix It
How an Oil Cooler WorksThe ideal engine oil operating temperature is between 180 and 210 degrees Fahrenheit. If the oil gets too hot, it begins to break down, thinning and losing pressure, which could result in costly engine damage.
That’s where the oil cooler comes in. The heat dissipates after it moves out of the engine, through the oil cooler, and back into the vehicle’s oil pan in a constant, steady flow. Some oil coolers use a thermostat to close the oil cooler while the oil is quickly brought up to temperature. Then the cooler opens as needed to maintain proper oil temperature.
Does Your Car Need an Oil Cooler?An increasing number of passenger cars and trucks come with an OEM engine oil cooler installed at the factory. If so, you already have one. If not, then your car or truck doesn’t need one for average everyday driving. Automakers determine which vehicles and engines require oil cooling systems so most consumers don’t have to think about it.
However, there are instances where you could benefit from an upgraded engine oil cooler, such as if you drive a high-performance vehicle at track days or if you frequently tow a boat, camper, or horse trailer. Consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer or dealer for guidance.
Types of Engine Oil CoolersEngine oil coolers come in two basic types: oil-to-water and oil-to-air. Both types flow the oil through a heat exchanger element that either adds or pulls heat away to maintain the proper temperature. As the names suggest, one type uses air to perform this function, while the other uses water.
The oil-to-air is basically a small radiator that cools the oil via ambient air passing over the cooler’s fins. Some use a thermostatically controlled module bypass valve to reroute cooled oil back through the engine without passing through the cooler again until the oil temperature warms up.
Consider the operating climate, the make and model of your vehicle, its towing and hauling capacity, and your driving habits to find the right type of cooler to purchase.
If you are adding an aftermarket oil cooler to your vehicle, it’s most likely an oil-to-air cooler. When used in conjunction with a thermostatically-controlled valve, these tend to be more reliable and help the oil stay cool for longer. An oil-to-water cooler, on the other hand, may help keep temperatures down in heavy-duty use such as on a big truck. But if an oil-to-water cooler begins to leak, it could cause mixing of coolant and oil, which can lead to big engine problems.
Shop now for oil coolers and lines Choosing an Aftermarket Engine Oil CoolerEngine oil cooler kits generally sell for $100 or less on eBay. Oil coolers come in various sizes—from 10 to 30 rows—and either tube-and-fin or plate configurations. Choose the proper size based on:
Choose as large an oil cooler as can comfortably fit within the engine compartment while maintaining good airflow. Leave room for a thermostat if it’s not already equipped with one.
Oil coolers come in one-, two-, or triple-pass designs, indicating the number of times the oil will pass across the length of the cooler before it is allowed to exit back to the vehicle’s oil pan. The more passes, the more heat will dissipate.
Installing an Oil CoolerIf you are mechanically inclined, then you can probably install an oil cooler yourself.
To install the oil lines that come with the kit, you must remove the existing engine oil filter and attach fluid hoses to and from the cooler. Minimize the length and number of bends in the oil lines by installing the oil cooler as close as possible to the oil filter while maintaining good airflow. Double and triple-check every step and every connection along the way to avoid leaks. Pick up a set of flare nut or line wrenches for removing and tightening the hose fittings.
There are two best practices for adding the oil cooler lines:
Install the oil cooler in the front of the vehicle, between the radiator and the grille, for maximum airflow, close to the existing oil filter if possible.
Oil Cooler MaintenanceAn OEM engine oil cooler should last for the life of the vehicle. Universal or performance aftermarket oil coolers should last 50,000 miles or 10 years or with with minimal issues. Regularly changing your oil and filter is the best thing you can do for your oil cooler and engine. Check periodically for leaks and cracks in the cooler and the oil lines. Rust, vibration, or wear over time could cause leaks. Check the driveway for signs of oil and fluid leaks as well.
Read this: Change Your Oil – Visual Step by Step Guide
Other telltale signs that the cooler needs repair include:
If the primary purpose of your vehicle is everyday commuting plus the occasional road trip, chances are you don’t need an engine oil cooler. But if you’re hitting the track in a high-performance vehicle or hauling heavy cargo in high temps, you should consider adding one.
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