Will it be done before Parade?, Oil cooler installation Options

[Dave_Darling]

Since I'll be driving the 914 through a desert in July, I figure having an external oil cooler might be a good idea. I bought a cooler, thermostat, sandwich plate, and some fittings from Earl's quite a few years back. I don't have any lines, a way to mount the cooler, or a fan.

I wonder if I'll get the install done before the trip? If I do, it'll be close. I have a lot of other obligations which will keep me out of the garage for most days and evenings...

I intend to get the cooler mounted under the rear trunk floor, locate and fasten in the thermostat, add the sandwich plate, then hook it all together with rubber lines. Then I can remove the lines and measure them, so I can get better lines in the correct lengths.

The rubber lines (fuel rated, so hopefully OK with oil) may actually be used as a short-term solution, but I don't expect them to last very long.

I also have to figure out where to get the oil lines and a fan. Hopefully locally, so I don't have to pay for express shipping...

--DD

[bdstone914]

Chris is 100% right about not using fuel line. I worked for an oil cooler company for 27 years and had to deal with hose claims where "mechanics" substituted fuel line for oil cooler hose. On transmission coolers it lasted a few days or a few weeks at best.

You need a minimum inside diameter of 1/2.

Try a big rig truck supply house. They carry what is called a fleet hose for general purpose on big trucks.

I suggest an internal wire braid hose. The SS outer cover only adds heat to the rubber underneath it.

You need a medium duty hydraulic hose rated for 250 F minimum. Fuel hose is cooled internally by the fuel and typically rated for no more than 70 psi and about 200F.
Also mounting an oil cooler under the vehicle is one of the least effective location.
You have the hot air from the engine, exhaust and road heat.
I mounted mine to the engine lid with the rain tray removed and never broke 210 F under heavy sustained load.
The amount of cooling you get is directly proportional to the differential temperature of the oil and air. Thus if you have 200 degree oil and 100 degree air you have twice the cooling of 200 degree oil and 150 air. The other factor to consider is the air volume through a cooler. A typical fan provides the equivalent of 15mph air speed. Next consider ho much to the cooler you are covering with a fan with a 4 inch dead spot in the center.
Highly recommend an oil temp and pressure gauge.
I next want to mount a cooler directly in front of the fan. It simplifies hose routing.
While it does add some heat to the cooling air to the heads the rise in temp is small and has little effect on the differential temp between the air and heads.
Bruce