Oil Cooler with Kent Engine?

[bikemonster]

Hi All

I have recently acquired what seems to be a "Birkerham" Seven with 1600cc Ford Kent engine. Twin Webers but, judging by the smooth idle, no wild cam.

The car will be used for spirited road use, track days and some racing.

What is the wisdom regarding adding an oil cooler for these engines? Do they need it? And following on from that, is a thermostat a must have if I add an oil cooler?

FWIW, I live in Cape Town, where temperatures are somewhat warmer than in the frozen wastelands of the north.

Thanks in advance

monster

[dannylt]

A thermostat is always a good idea with an oil cooler, to let the oil get up the temperature. You could fit an oil temperature sensor to find out? Seems unlikely that it would be an issue however.

[Sam_68]

Yes, the Kent engine will benefit from an oil cooler, especially if you live in warmer climes, and yes, if you get one, you're better off running with a thermostat to ensure that it gets the oil up to temperature quicker and that it doesn't overcool.