My OIL Coolers after 22K Miles
#1
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My OIL Coolers after 22K Miles
A member PM's me and asked about how my two Oil Coolers were looking and coping..after about 22,000 Miles.
So here they are...
The 3 Tools I use are also included, one a modified set of pointy nose pliers, a small adjusted metal paper clip wire with a small hook at the end to dig bugs and stones out and a pointed Cooking Stick used to reform any bended fins, the pliers also help straighten any badly damaged fins.
I would spend about 5 minutes on each cooler every month or so...
One can stick (where the sun don't shine) the so called off the shelf Fin Tools as they are crap, have not found one that I think does any good, IMO the few I have tried are awkward and do more deforming than cleaning and reshaping.
My way is not hard at all, they almost look new..
So here they are...
The 3 Tools I use are also included, one a modified set of pointy nose pliers, a small adjusted metal paper clip wire with a small hook at the end to dig bugs and stones out and a pointed Cooking Stick used to reform any bended fins, the pliers also help straighten any badly damaged fins.
I would spend about 5 minutes on each cooler every month or so...
One can stick (where the sun don't shine) the so called off the shelf Fin Tools as they are crap, have not found one that I think does any good, IMO the few I have tried are awkward and do more deforming than cleaning and reshaping.
My way is not hard at all, they almost look new..
Last edited by ASH8; 01-19-2011 at 08:02 PM.
#2
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OH ..and I don't use any mesh covers for the fronts..
#5
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Possibly, But I have not found the need (my first two years prove so) and IMO I don't want to restrict or slow front air flow, which again IMO all that I have seen screens do.
But hey if you drive constantly on poor loose surfaces or dirt roads and follow other cars (tailgate..which is sometimes unavoidable) close, then I guess they would help.
Mazda did installed a very wide mesh over Series II Hydrogen Model Coolers, but the mesh is so wide (like the small OEM Condenser/Radiator one ) that it wont stop small stones or bugs from damaging or bending OC fins.
Where I am Insect do just about as much damage as small stones, some bugs and bees actually bend over the alloy fins!.
But hey, I am not dissing on those who do use screens...I seems everyone has to defend their stance or opinion in micro detail.
I was asked a question (not the first time on coolers ) so I posted details...
But hey if you drive constantly on poor loose surfaces or dirt roads and follow other cars (tailgate..which is sometimes unavoidable) close, then I guess they would help.
Mazda did installed a very wide mesh over Series II Hydrogen Model Coolers, but the mesh is so wide (like the small OEM Condenser/Radiator one ) that it wont stop small stones or bugs from damaging or bending OC fins.
Where I am Insect do just about as much damage as small stones, some bugs and bees actually bend over the alloy fins!.
But hey, I am not dissing on those who do use screens...I seems everyone has to defend their stance or opinion in micro detail.
I was asked a question (not the first time on coolers ) so I posted details...
#6
Living is best Modified.
I do mostly highway driving (80 mph) so the small rocks and bees (Damn them) so a lot of damage to the oil cooler fins.
Yeah, the bugs and bees tend to do more damage than the small rocks, I've gotten 3-4 bent by one thing.
Yeah, the bugs and bees tend to do more damage than the small rocks, I've gotten 3-4 bent by one thing.
#8
Registered
Wow you must be getting pretty good at this! I fixed/cleaned mine last night before installing screens and it took 3+ hours just to fix all the fins! I was pretty **** about it though
I live in pretty extreme temperatures here in Phoenix so I guess we'll see if the screens have a negative impact on cooling when the summer rolls around.
I live in pretty extreme temperatures here in Phoenix so I guess we'll see if the screens have a negative impact on cooling when the summer rolls around.
#10
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One can stick (where the sun don't shine) the so called off the shelf Fin Tools as they are crap, have not found one that I think does any good, IMO the few I have tried are awkward and do more deforming than cleaning and reshaping.
My way is not hard at all, they almost look new..
Doing your fender well mod before summer.
#11
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Thread Starter
Here, Mesh is not only sold as a pattern, size, but also Air flow rate, 40-50-70-80% and , so the very best you can get is 95%, that is the mesh the factory uses on the small OEM Condenser/Radiator Mesh lower protector (not all markets).
I had this "argument" years ago, when I think Racing Beat or whoever was selling these Cooler Meshes back in 2004-5, they were all Aluminum plate with 4mm round holes, looked like a 34-40% air flow...sorry, would not use them in a fit.
#12
You're right talking about their flow restriction etc but one thing are the numbers, another thing is how they perform in a real-life environment!
I have the usual 55% mesh grille and the difference is less than noticeable
My car still overcools in winter while highway driving and still doesn't run any hotter than 95°c when tracking, same as before!
I even had to ghetto tape one of the coolers while crossing switzerland this summer!
I have the usual 55% mesh grille and the difference is less than noticeable
My car still overcools in winter while highway driving and still doesn't run any hotter than 95°c when tracking, same as before!
I even had to ghetto tape one of the coolers while crossing switzerland this summer!
#14
Super Moderator
Thread Starter
Yes G,
And if you want to get that technical how well do temps recover in stop start traffic say during summer?, IF air flow is restricted by any % then the ability to COOL is also restricted, so recovery time IF one is experiencing 'Too Hot' is also longer, it has to be with 45% of Coolers covered.
One would think at constant speeds Oil Temps would stabilize, but they may/will take longer also.
But yeah, I don't have Oil Temp Dials, but, my Butt Dyno is telling me my Oil is not getting hot enough 'at times', IMO the newer S2 system is perhaps a little too efficient.
We are having WILD changing weather temps here (middle of Summer), I am running same tank fuel, driving same routes each day, MY Renny certainly prefers the cooler Air Intake Temps not more than around 28C (82F), once over 30 (86) with T-Body "Heater" there is definitely a slight performance lag in higher RPM.
Same expressway, recently had a 5c degree fall in Air Temp (INSTANTLY) to 25 (77) and my Butt Dyno says my Renny likes it, so over the years I definitely conclude there is a sweeter spot when it comes to outside air temps and that is between 20(68) and 25 (77)...again with TB Coolant ON.
My compression (although not measured ) either when HOT or Cold appear as good as new, car starts instantly within 0.5-1 second...I am amazed in fact at how well it does fire up, I guess using a good pre-mix since new (Amsoil S P) "helps".
U guys knew all that...me drivvling..again..
WHATEVeR
And if you want to get that technical how well do temps recover in stop start traffic say during summer?, IF air flow is restricted by any % then the ability to COOL is also restricted, so recovery time IF one is experiencing 'Too Hot' is also longer, it has to be with 45% of Coolers covered.
One would think at constant speeds Oil Temps would stabilize, but they may/will take longer also.
But yeah, I don't have Oil Temp Dials, but, my Butt Dyno is telling me my Oil is not getting hot enough 'at times', IMO the newer S2 system is perhaps a little too efficient.
We are having WILD changing weather temps here (middle of Summer), I am running same tank fuel, driving same routes each day, MY Renny certainly prefers the cooler Air Intake Temps not more than around 28C (82F), once over 30 (86) with T-Body "Heater" there is definitely a slight performance lag in higher RPM.
Same expressway, recently had a 5c degree fall in Air Temp (INSTANTLY) to 25 (77) and my Butt Dyno says my Renny likes it, so over the years I definitely conclude there is a sweeter spot when it comes to outside air temps and that is between 20(68) and 25 (77)...again with TB Coolant ON.
My compression (although not measured ) either when HOT or Cold appear as good as new, car starts instantly within 0.5-1 second...I am amazed in fact at how well it does fire up, I guess using a good pre-mix since new (Amsoil S P) "helps".
U guys knew all that...me drivvling..again..
WHATEVeR
#15
Super Moderator
Thread Starter
Totally OFF topic, at a friends place last night, (yes I have one or two) and his missus was watching OPRAH Ultimate Australian Adventure she did here recently, Anyone there seen it in US??, WAY Too many excited people..
Was feeling ill after 5 minutes...had to leave room.
A powerful Lady...WOT!
#18
You can talk in °C Ash, i will understand even better lol!
Transition times are pretty much the same, especially after i have cut my wheel well cooler openings.
I guess that this is one of the things that varies from use to use, climate to climate etc =\
Unfortunately we get mixed weather all over the country here so my testing environment is pretty limited, lacking of good stretches of the same climate.
Transition times are pretty much the same, especially after i have cut my wheel well cooler openings.
I guess that this is one of the things that varies from use to use, climate to climate etc =\
Unfortunately we get mixed weather all over the country here so my testing environment is pretty limited, lacking of good stretches of the same climate.
#19
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Thread Starter
C is much easier G, glad Australia converted to Metric back in the 1970's, WAY more better than Imperial or US measurements, metric ANY day..
Can't understand why the US has not converted, Would cost a lot, but do it gradually, it can be done., much easier when everything is in multiples of 10, 100, 1000 etc, weight, fluid, temps.
Great G, the Rear plastic shield Mod is a must IMO, particularly Summer, this Summer here in my state (Where Kangaroo Island is on Oprah, I am about 10 Kilometre from there as crow flies.) has been SO Mild , I have not changed my rear mesh liners over to Summer still on Winter OEM ones.
Can't understand why the US has not converted, Would cost a lot, but do it gradually, it can be done., much easier when everything is in multiples of 10, 100, 1000 etc, weight, fluid, temps.
Great G, the Rear plastic shield Mod is a must IMO, particularly Summer, this Summer here in my state (Where Kangaroo Island is on Oprah, I am about 10 Kilometre from there as crow flies.) has been SO Mild , I have not changed my rear mesh liners over to Summer still on Winter OEM ones.
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A member PM's me and asked about how my two Oil Coolers were looking and coping..after about 22,000 Miles.
So here they are...
The 3 Tools I use are also included, one a modified set of pointy nose pliers, a small adjusted metal paper clip wire with a small hook at the end to dig bugs and stones out and a pointed Cooking Stick used to reform any bended fins, the pliers also help straighten any badly damaged fins.
I would spend about 5 minutes on each cooler every month or so...
One can stick (where the sun don't shine) the so called off the shelf Fin Tools as they are crap, have not found one that I think does any good, IMO the few I have tried are awkward and do more deforming than cleaning and reshaping.
My way is not hard at all, they almost look new..
So here they are...
The 3 Tools I use are also included, one a modified set of pointy nose pliers, a small adjusted metal paper clip wire with a small hook at the end to dig bugs and stones out and a pointed Cooking Stick used to reform any bended fins, the pliers also help straighten any badly damaged fins.
I would spend about 5 minutes on each cooler every month or so...
One can stick (where the sun don't shine) the so called off the shelf Fin Tools as they are crap, have not found one that I think does any good, IMO the few I have tried are awkward and do more deforming than cleaning and reshaping.
My way is not hard at all, they almost look new..
Oh...and I run RB screens, and "no, I'm not getting in the airflow/temp conversation you and "G" got going".
That reminds me though...............when you got a second, look at my latest post in my "Coolant Bottle Secrets" thread.
Last edited by Mazurfer; 01-22-2011 at 12:02 PM.
#23
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... the Rear plastic shield Mod is a must IMO, particularly Summer, this Summer here in my state (Where Kangaroo Island is on Oprah, I am about 10 Kilometre from there as crow flies.) has been SO Mild , I have not changed my rear mesh liners over to Summer still on Winter OEM ones.
#24
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