Oilcooler, to have or not to have?

[ashcloud]

Hi
I have an oilcooler in my MK2 3.8 and it is
1) leaking somewhere
2) in my way
3) necessary?

so I want to ask everybody:
Is there an oiltemperatur problem with these cars or not?
Who had such problems?
Shall I take it out? It is not thermostatically controlled.
Bernhard

[Martec]

My 3.8 MkII has never needed an oil cooler but there were comments that they could run warm so some people have fitted uprated radiators. Mine has run on a 4 row copper radiator for the last 13 years without a problem.

[ashcloud]

Hi Martec
I am a bit confused, do You or do You not have a cooler (Mine has run on a 4 row copper radiator)?
I am still undecided what to do.
Bernhard

[ecosselynx]

Hi Bernhard

I have an oil cooler fitted to my Mk2. I fitted it as I built the car to do long distance touring, using the car in warmer areas than the UK, I've run the car through Madrid lunch time traffic in 38 degrees. I often do 1800km runs in my car over two days, I felt I needed one so fitted it, I don't have a thermostat in the system, so I give it 5/10 km to get warmed up.

At the end of the day build the car the way you want for what you might be doing with it. True, you don't need one if your just going to the local shows, but it's a free world.

[ashcloud]

Morning John
thanks for the info, I understand what You are saying and I am not criticizeing one choice over another just trying to find out what to do. My car will never see a show but I do want to drive it up and down our nice country roads and maybe once or twice a year a little tour e.g. in May to Champagne France. This might not be a critical hot weather tour but one can always get stuck in a trafficjam and I just dont want "dear wifee" sitting besides me telling me that she knew it all along ....... On the other hand I do want a car as standard as possible (some variations are still unavoidable).
The problem is that mine leaks a little oil and over time gummed up the right side of the engine-bay which is what I have to fix. Since I don't have anyone here to pressuretest it I would need to replace the whole mess and just try to come to a conclusion if it is really needed. Even the previous owner told me about the "fact" that they all run hot but never had it rellay happen to him?!?!?
Sincerely
Bernhard

[piman]

Hello Bernhard,

unless you fit an oil temperature gauge, you won't know. You cannot really relate to water temperature. I don't remember any comments about MK 2s needing oil coolers but as you have one fitted I would suggest that you do fit a thermostat.
My only experience is with my Triumph 2.5 P.I. saloon, when I rebuilt it I did fit an oil cooler but from the oil temperature readings it is not necessary.

Alec

[ashcloud]

Thanks
Yes I do have an oiltemp gauge fitted instead of the Ammeter (nice matching Smiths instrument) but I have only driven it for a short time and did not notice any high temps but it takes long to come out of zero (about 10-15Miles). At the moment I think I will remove the cooler and in the worst case have to fit it again but controlled.
I have almost all accessories out and so it is a good chance to check everything being a bit more accessible.
Bernhard