Discussion
Can anyone suggest an oil-cooler manufacturer or kit that I can fit to my Griff? As you all by now know, I am living in Germany and I think it would be a good idea in the hot weather over here to help with internal cooling.
I use currently Mobil 1 0W30 oil and have noticed that the temperature on the gauge (when it works) is almost constantly on the 90°C mark and the fans are almost constantly on (unless cruising on the Autobahn!! where the temp drops down to 80°-85°C...
I also have done an engine calculation through our system at work using info from Rover (Since they have the design of the old V8) and the estimated bearing temps (I work for bearing maker) are becoming critical at almost 190-210°C anything over 210° the bearing material would have to be changed!!!
Any tips, would be appreciated...
I use currently Mobil 1 0W30 oil and have noticed that the temperature on the gauge (when it works) is almost constantly on the 90°C mark and the fans are almost constantly on (unless cruising on the Autobahn!! where the temp drops down to 80°-85°C...
I also have done an engine calculation through our system at work using info from Rover (Since they have the design of the old V8) and the estimated bearing temps (I work for bearing maker) are becoming critical at almost 190-210°C anything over 210° the bearing material would have to be changed!!!
Any tips, would be appreciated...
sw2373 said:
I use currently Mobil 1 0W30 oil and have noticed that the temperature on the gauge (when it works) is almost constantly on the 90°C mark and the fans are almost constantly on (unless cruising on the Autobahn!! where the temp drops down to 80°-85°C...
Isn't the optimum running temp for the RV8 88 degrees C?
If so can someone enlighten me as to why you'd want to cool it further?
Its easy enough to fit an oil cooler using a sandwich plate between the oil filter head and the filter. Ensure you use a thermostat (you can get sandwich plates with this built in) otherwise you can prevent the oil getting up to temperature and do more harm than good. Mine uses Mocal components but there are plenty of other suppliers.
However, before you get too far I would question whether an oil cooler is the right solution to your problem. It sounds as if your engine is running very hot, which implies the cooling system is not working properly. If so, you need to fix the cooling system.
If the cooling system is maintaining the correct engine temperature and the oil temperature is still too high, then an oil cooler is the right answer. However, this would normally only be necessary if the engine is worked very hard for long periods.
However, before you get too far I would question whether an oil cooler is the right solution to your problem. It sounds as if your engine is running very hot, which implies the cooling system is not working properly. If so, you need to fix the cooling system.
If the cooling system is maintaining the correct engine temperature and the oil temperature is still too high, then an oil cooler is the right answer. However, this would normally only be necessary if the engine is worked very hard for long periods.
OK, I am trying to get the oil viscosity down to it's correct value, which is achieved at below 180°C, through the main gallery in the crankshaft, this will increase bearing life (and other components) and help to reduce power loss through the crankshaft.
I am not so worried about the overall cooling system temperature... this is only a by-product on the heads and is not really a factor in bottom-end cooling.
My cooling system is basically OK, fans are running correctly at ca. 90°C, water-pump is relatively new, stat etc. are OK.
My worry is just the problem I have in the higher ambient temperature.
I am not so worried about the overall cooling system temperature... this is only a by-product on the heads and is not really a factor in bottom-end cooling.
My cooling system is basically OK, fans are running correctly at ca. 90°C, water-pump is relatively new, stat etc. are OK.
My worry is just the problem I have in the higher ambient temperature.
I have an oil temp gauge on the S .. relatively std 4 litre.
the coolant temp is always around 75C since fitting the uprated radiator, however teh oil temp on hot track days is around 120-130degC .. I'm considering an oil cooler, or alternatively just weld some pipes through the sump and feed cold air through them (cos I'm tight)
might just tip the balance, and I can block them off in winter 
the coolant temp is always around 75C since fitting the uprated radiator, however teh oil temp on hot track days is around 120-130degC .. I'm considering an oil cooler, or alternatively just weld some pipes through the sump and feed cold air through them (cos I'm tight)
might just tip the balance, and I can block them off in winter 
of the cooler inside the nose cone. Mocal do the sandwich plate for the oil filter, don't know if there's a proper TVR kit available tho'.Give Matt @ ThinkAutomotive a call on 02085681172 they manufacture Mocal oil coolers he is sorting out a Griff kit this week for another customer.
They also do a stick on temperature strip which you place on your oil cooler and it records the highest oil temp reached. Hope this helps regards James.
They also do a stick on temperature strip which you place on your oil cooler and it records the highest oil temp reached. Hope this helps regards James.
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