Guinness
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| posted on 20/2/08 at 10:12 AM |
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Oil Cooler Position
I'm using a Kawasaki ZZR1100 engine in the Indy.
One of the mods I'm considering for this year is replacing / relocating the oil cooler.
On the bike the oil cooler is mounted below the radiator, sort of level with the bottom of the engine, but in front of the downpipes. In the original
install it is installed with the flow and return fittings at the bottom.
In the Indy I have left it at the same level, but couldn't get the flow and return fittings at the bottom, so they are on the top. I'd
assumed that this wouldn't make too much difference?
But the problem is the oil cooler isn't in a clear air flow, so I want to relocate it. It currently sits below and behind the rad, but in front
of the engine.
The question is can I buy a wider, but fewer row oil cooler and mount it higher in the chassis? Was thinking above the radiator but still in the nose
cone. Worried about pumping the oil higher than the cylinder head.
I'm also worried that to get the oil cooler high enough I'll have to have the flow and return fittings on the bottom of the oil cooler,
Will this combination mean that the oil will naturally drain out of the rad when it's standing. Leading to potential air locks or air bubbles
in the oil lines, cooler or worse engine?
Cheers
Mike
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pewe
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| posted on 20/2/08 at 11:40 AM |
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IIRC top or bottom inlet/outlet = no difference.
Have you thought about mounting the cooler directly in front of the rad? Providing there's no gap it won't disturb the airflow to or
affect the cooling of the rad. A quick scan through other guys avatars should show some examples.
Cheers, Pewe 
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Mr Whippy
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| posted on 20/2/08 at 03:34 PM |
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cooler should be infront of the rad not behind
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jambojeef
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| posted on 20/2/08 at 08:05 PM |
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Hi Mike,
I have a similar problem! Mine is located behind the radiator and high up - well out of the flow of air and I reckon its running much higher oil temps
as a result.
What I reckon is the best bet (what Im gonna do anyway) is to keave the cooler where it is and duct to and away from its current location.
Theres some nice 70mm dia flexy ally ducting on the rally design website and ebay pretty cheapish and if you make a folded ally box to collect the air
from a suitable place, tape this to your ducting and then find a good place to run the exit to.
I reckon set against the agro of making up new hoses its a workable solution.
P.s. I wouldnt worry too much about air bubbles and things in the oil lines - the CBR oil coolers in the 600s and 1000s are very high - virtually
tucked under the headlight and have great bit long chrome pipes to them - im sure the oil does drain when the engine is switched off but there are no
reported problems with that engine, apart from when int he hands of amateur turbo enthusiasts!
Ducting is calling you!
Geoff
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02GF74
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| posted on 21/2/08 at 10:45 AM |
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Can you post photo showing radiator, cooler and nosecone.
Are you suffering from overhot oil? How and where have you measured oil temp?
Read through thinkauto website about positioning, behind the radiator is ok too but not as effective as infront.
A narrower but longer cooler is going to cause a bigger pressure drop but I cannot say how significant that is, probably nothing to worry about as I
guess that type of radiator would not be sold.
From what I understand, you want the hose ast the top to avoid air being trapper in cooler. I am not sure if the oil will drain out of it as the oil
system should not be able to get air in so oil is held in place.
Can you mount cooler on its side or use a water cooler - these are a bit more £££ than air coolers.
Do you have the engine bay floor sealed? If not, then can you mount the cooler in there and make a scoop?
I have mine nexdt to the engine larger to increase oil capacity since rather then for cooling pruposes but if need be I could make a n air scoop.
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