Why an engine oil cooler?

[apache]

Ive had more Chevy 4wd trucks than I can remember but my 84 K5 has to be the only one had that came with a factory engine oil cooler... so I ask whats the point?? shoulda been a trans cooler. Sure made for a PITA when installing the frame brace to the steering box. Im considering removing it as the lines look a bit used,hate to see it end up like that Cummins with the walmart oil special . Curious if Id the threaded filter collar will come out the cooler adapter and fit into the block like normal?

 

[GNERGY]

No there is a plate that bolts in there with 2 screws that holds the filter. I had to swap motors and had to swap the plates to keep the cooler in my newer truck.
Tarey

 

[dyeager535]

Not quite understanding the last part of your comment, but to get rid of the setup, simply get the oil filter adapter off of another smallblock that doesn't have the cooler, pull the cooler adapter, and swap the other in. Done.

I think it would be interesting to run a temp sender in the drain plug location (if I can find a GM one that will fit without mods) and see what kind of oil temp difference can be had. I would assume there to be SOME benefit, as it was probably pretty costly to install for GM (relatively) but pretty hard to measure apparently. I haven't noticed my oil pressure climbing if I coast down a steep grade, which is about the only other way I can think to actually measure it's effectiveness, short of testing temperature.

Whoops, shoulda refreshed the window before posting lol.

 

[tRustyK5]

Two reasons I can think of for an oil cooler. One is it prevents the oil from breaking down as quickly, but more importantly it adds to the ability to maintain operating temps during more severe service.

Rene

 

[ryoken]

It's been interesting observing oil temps in different conditions since I got a gauge... idle traffic, under load, summer, winter, etc..

too cool an oil is bad, just as too hot is.. from my understanding, between 200 and 220 is about optimum temp usually..

 

[dyeager535]

Are you running a cooler as well?

What do your temps tend to run?

 

[4X4HIGH]

My rig has the factory oil cooler and i added an oil temp gauge and it sits right about 180 unless i start pulling a decent hill then it will climb to about 200-210 then drop back down one leveled out again.