Do I need an oil cooler?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 187
Likes: 0
From: Port Saint Lucie FL
Do I need an oil cooler?
Do I need an oil cooler? My oil temp got up to 221 degrees today while I was driving hard for about 2-3 minutes. Isn't that just about where the fluid just starts to break down? Or maybe the breakdown temp is higher being as I'm using Mobil 1 synthetic.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 2,371
Likes: 5
From: Alamo CA
For comparison, those of us that drive on road courses, sustained rev's for 20+ minutes of a session get oil temps that approach 300 degrees and I got my oil cooler when I started to see 290's. Now with the cooler I get into the 270's anyway. Some with integrated oil coolers see lower numbers than that.
On the other hand, with a 175 thermostat unless the outside temps get over 60 degrees I don't get up to 180 unless I make an effort to keep it in a lower gear for a bit.
Randy
On the other hand, with a 175 thermostat unless the outside temps get over 60 degrees I don't get up to 180 unless I make an effort to keep it in a lower gear for a bit.
Randy
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 43,084
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From: Raleigh / Rolesville NC
Originally Posted by MattB
Do some searches, there are a few threads about oil temps. 300 is pretty normal for road racing, and from what remember mobil-1 doesn't start having problems till around 350?
So the magic number we use on the track is 250*. Plus when you run those sustained temps a thicker viscosisty oil is a good idea as well.
I use M1 15-W50, have an oil cooler and 3qt accusump. Change my oil very two weekends on the track or about every 500 miles.
Oil annalyses says that is just about right
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,061
Likes: 38
From: Menifee CA
Originally Posted by AU N EGL
Yes and NO. 250-255 consistant oil temp is when Oil coolers are recomended. Yes the oil can take high temps of 300-350 but the internal engine parts can not.
So the magic number we use on the track is 250*. Plus when you run those sustained temps a thicker viscosisty oil is a good idea as well.
I use M1 15-W50, have an oil cooler and 3qt accusump. Change my oil very two weekends on the track or about every 500 miles.
Oil annalyses says that is just about right
So the magic number we use on the track is 250*. Plus when you run those sustained temps a thicker viscosisty oil is a good idea as well.
I use M1 15-W50, have an oil cooler and 3qt accusump. Change my oil very two weekends on the track or about every 500 miles.
Oil annalyses says that is just about right
I have a stand alone Eng Oil cooler and my temp are from 250-260 on the road coarse...
I remember b4 the cooler my temp were around 290-300
300* and your engines life get cut in half...
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 50,808
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From: Buy USA products! Check the label! Employ Americans
Originally Posted by AU N EGL
Yes and NO. 250-255 consistant oil temp is when Oil coolers are recomended. Yes the oil can take high temps of 300-350 but the internal engine parts can not.
So the magic number we use on the track is 250*. Plus when you run those sustained temps a thicker viscosisty oil is a good idea as well.
I use M1 15-W50, have an oil cooler and 3qt accusump. Change my oil very two weekends on the track or about every 500 miles.
Oil annalyses says that is just about right
So the magic number we use on the track is 250*. Plus when you run those sustained temps a thicker viscosisty oil is a good idea as well.
I use M1 15-W50, have an oil cooler and 3qt accusump. Change my oil very two weekends on the track or about every 500 miles.
Oil annalyses says that is just about right
Blackstone told me go 2500 miles when they tested the oil
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,298
Likes: 12
From: Salt Lake City UT
Oil cooler
It's a must if you track the car.
240-250 oil temp with a cooler (either integrated or seperate) for a 30 min session.
Integrated - Ron Davis is great
External - DRM makes a nice setup
Mobil 1 15/50 for track days
240-250 oil temp with a cooler (either integrated or seperate) for a 30 min session.
Integrated - Ron Davis is great
External - DRM makes a nice setup
Mobil 1 15/50 for track days
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Team Owner
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From: Palmdale, Ca----- 2009 Cyber Gray 4LT A6 F55 452 RWHP 422 RWTQ- RIP 1998 C5 734 RWHP & 585 RWTQ-----
You should be okay where it is at! Take the dough and spend it on another performance part if desired! My two cents!
Thanks,Matt
Thanks,Matt
