Engine Oil Temperature

[jeansanspeur]

Hi Everyone,

Quick question regarding oil temperature.

In the summer (long way off, I know), I'll be looking to take my Caterham to the South of France. The temperatures down there from June through September is frequently in excess of 30 degrees and in July or August can get into the late 30s.

I wanted to know what measures I can take to keep oil temperatures down, bearing in mind I will be driving a 6-speed on testing B roads. Don't know if this matters but the car is black which I'm sure can't help.

It has an apollo fitted which might help but are there other modifications I can make? I don't really want to splash on a dry sump so would be looking for more cost effective measures.

Lastly, is there anything else I should consider when driving in these temperatures?

Cheers

Will

[pikeyboy]

Personally i wouldnt be too worried about this. You may want to change your oil before leaving for some ester based oil silkolene pro s et al. These are expensive though they do stay in grade and offer better protection than a cheaper non ester fully synthetic. If you are still worried i assume you could install an oil cooler by eithier rerouting the applo tank pipework or installing a sandwhich plate on the oil filter.

Editex to add i read a thread somewhere about drilling the sump bung put a tc in it and wiring a switch to the water temp gauge so you can flick between the two readings. Seems quite a neat idea simple cheap and informative.

Edited by boy on Tuesday 19th November 05:59

[V7SLR]

No need to worry. I run an SLR and oil temperatures are not an issue - I investigated fitting an oil cooler but was repeatedly told a K-Series doesn't need it. You have loads of capacity with an Apollo fitted so keep the oil topped up and if you don't already have one, for peace of mind fit a temperature sender in the side of the Apollo tank. It's drilled to take one, just route a wire via a switch to the coolant temperature gauge.

[RobGT81]

The wire is usually in place to hook up the Apollo sender to your water temp gauge, its just a case of finding it!

[BertBert]

I agree, there shouldn't be any problems with oil temps driving on roads to S France.

It's normally hard to get the temps high enough!

Bert

[jeansanspeur]

Thanks All - I'll strike that off my 'to be worried about' list.

I think my car has the temperature reading of both oil and water in the same gauge on the dashboard - right switch oil, left switch water. Or the other way round.

[V7SLR]

It should usually be right - oil, left - coolant, ie. the orientation of the 2 gauges. Whichever heats up first will be the coolant.

[jeansanspeur]

Got it. Thanks