Oil Lines, Thermostat, Cooler

[nblumberg]

In my current setup, my oil line goes from the block to a remote filter adapter (for outlets, 2 IN and 2 OUT - 1 IN being used by pressure/temp?), and then out to the oil cooler and back to the block. I have a few questions, as I'm installing an Accusump, and considering the need for a thermostat. I mostly drive the car on the street, but also going to be involved in a limited amount of track use (road courses).

During these last few months, the car has taken a long time for the oil to get warm (it's been 60 degrees or less). Additionally, the operating oil temperature has been between 60c (140F) and 85c (176F). I have seen oil temps on a warmer day get up towards 100c (212F), however. I just spoke with a tech at Jegs and he told me there is no such thing as too cold of oil.

1 - Should I install an oil thermostat. From what I can see the tradeoff is more hosing, possible reduction of oil pressure (?), failure, etc. Or, am I better off with duct tape over the cooler when needed?

2 - If 1 is yes, could I use a sandwich thermostat and attach it to the remote filter (e.g., between the filter and the remote mount?) Or will I need to, or is it preferable to use an inline thermostat (I would imagine that I'd need more hose in my application.

3 - Is the stock cooler hose for the oil cooler 10AN? It looks like the diameter of mine is approx 3/4" which would be 12AN? I suppose the previous owner could have modified the lines, or the sleeve makes it that much larger.

4 - Given the wide range of temps, and that it takes a good 15 minutes or 20 minutes to get to operating temp, what weight of oil should I be using? I intend to jump over to synthetic at the next change... any suggestions?

Thanks
-Nathan

[Clois Harlan]

To addressr the Jegs tech statement that there is no such thing as oil to cold. I would challenge that statement because oil by design flows best at higher temps and oil needs to be hot enough to help disapate any moisture in your system. I have had two well know engine builders that have told me that your oil should be anywhere from 140-240 degrees in order for it to work properly. 12AN is a good size because in some cases a 10 AN might restrict your oil flow and increase your oil temp. Wait until your weather warms up to decide to change fittings. I can't answer your other questions but I bet someone else will.


Clois

[Clois Harlan]

By the way what size engine are you running and what mods have you made to the engine?

[nblumberg]

Clois - Thanks for the measured answer, I know I should wait and see how it runs in the warmer weather (afterall that's when I'll do more of the driving)... It is a Ford Racing crate 392W with a demon 750 (390hp/rwhp). No mods yet, though next winter I'd like to plop on some AFR185s.

-n

[Roscoe]

My Accusump is plumbed directly into the engine. Line coming out of the top of the filter is plumbed into a thermostat for the cooler. The thermostat is mounted on the other side of the filter.



Roscoe