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Oil cooler?

Rob S.

Rob S.

Forum Guru
Past Site Supporter
I have a stock-ish 1100EZ. It has a V&H megaphone that 'needs' repacking, the airbox lid is missing, and the connection between the front and rear airbox sections has been compromised. Other than that, I believe she is completely stock.

How necessary is an oil cooler?

I've only owned her since October, so I never saw the oil temp gauge (which indicates 160-320 F) go much beyond halfway, say 240 or 260. And I'm sure the gauge is not exactly accurate.

My philosophy is lighter and simpler, so I don't like adding things, but I would make an exception for an oil cooler.

She runs fine, though there is a good deal of 'popping' out the exhaust while it's warming up. I'm not afraid of the upper part of the tach, though I rarely go all the way to redline. I live in NYC where summers can get hot.
 
ANYTHING you can do to an air cooled engine to lower the oil temperature is a GOOD thing. Ray.
 
rapidray said:
ANYTHING you can do to an air cooled engine to lower the oil temperature is a GOOD thing. Ray.
Click to expand...

Really? I heard someone say once that if it doesn't overheat that you shouldn't add one because an engine has an optimal operating temperature, and an oil cooler may prevent the engine from reaching that temperature. What's your take ray?
 
Unless it were in an Arctic region, or below zero, (in which case do you REALLY want to ride?!!) I have NEVER had an issue with an air cooled engine coming to operating temperature in less than 5 minutes. Ray.
 
Lockhart

Lockhart

Back in my day, Lockhart was big. Still the way to go?

Also, I've read that 1100EZ comes 'prepared' for an oil cooler. Does this mean a non-mechanic could install one?
 
If it's like the 850 (I think it is) then you can buy an adapter like this:

pict2256.jpg


It replaces your oil pressure sending unit in order to divert the flow through the cooler.
 
The 1100EZ comes with the ability to attach an oil cooler, but Suzuki did not sell one. The bolts on either side of the filter cover are the oil cooler input and output lines. You can get the banjo bolts and crush washers needed to attach cooler lines at the dealer.
Lockhart makes quality coolers. You would need someone to build some stainless steel lines for you, and find a way to attach the cooler to the frame. Then you would need to modify the oil flow lines. Instructions are here.
My temps dropped significantly when I installed one on my 83 1100E.
 
blowerbike said:
factory gauges are inaccurate at best.
hopefully he used an after market to test with.
Click to expand...

Not sure what factory gauges you are referring to but the one on my ED seemed to calibrate out close to indicated (as per factory specs) and it certainly is not so erratic to not indicate when the engine is getting hot or cold.
 
Rob S. said:
How necessary is an oil cooler?

I've only owned her since October, so I never saw the oil temp gauge (which indicates 160-320 F) go much beyond halfway, say 240 or 260. And I'm sure the gauge is not exactly accurate.

.
Click to expand...

Not sure what time of year or what the ambient temp was but that is about as high as you want to go on a normal ride. If it gets any higher you probably want to invest in a cooler.

If you get in stop and go traffic (where you would be at 250degF while going 45-50 mph) your temp will climb steadily
 
as in checking them with a multi tester?
1100/1150's i have owned and seen the needles seem erratic and over all just poor quality.
temp's seem to vary from day to day under similar conditions ect..
people try to read them like a coolant gauge which i found out the way the numbers are spaced was not really possible.
that's my take on it.
it seems a high quality after market gauge would be in order to do accurate comparisons.
what about a mechanical gauge?
 
Just got back from visiting the grandkids.Covered 800ks the 1st day in temps up to 40degrees and the Pig coped no worries but my missus was stuffed.We have done 1,000s of ks in 37+ temps with no problems.
 
My bike came with a oil cooler already installed.

My question is, does this require more oil than stock requirements? I would assume so?
 
I recall reading on an Australian site I think, where someone teed in a thermostat/oil cooler bypass in the supply line to the oil cooler that would open to the cooler based on oil temp coming into the thermostat. Otherwise it would bypass the cooler and return the oil to the engine. Sounded good to me in theory, but also a bit overkill.
 
dorkburger said:
I recall reading on an Australian site I think, where someone teed in a thermostat/oil cooler bypass in the supply line to the oil cooler that would open to the cooler based on oil temp coming into the thermostat. Otherwise it would bypass the cooler and return the oil to the engine. Sounded good to me in theory, but also a bit overkill.
Click to expand...

The instructions to install such a thing are found on koolaid_kid's link:

koolaid_kid said:
You would need someone to build some stainless steel lines for you, and find a way to attach the cooler to the frame. Then you would need to modify the oil flow lines. Instructions are here.
My temps dropped significantly when I installed one on my 83 1100E.
Click to expand...
 
dorkburger said:
I recall reading on an Australian site I think, where someone teed in a thermostat/oil cooler bypass in the supply line to the oil cooler that would open to the cooler based on oil temp coming into the thermostat. Otherwise it would bypass the cooler and return the oil to the engine. Sounded good to me in theory, but also a bit overkill.
Click to expand...

the advantage in a setup like this is the motor warms up faster. On a normally ridden bike that isn't a problem. On my race bike I have to let the engine warm up 5-10 minutes before I go out.
 
Kyler said:
the advantage in a setup like this is the motor warms up faster. On a normally ridden bike that isn't a problem. On my race bike I have to let the engine warm up 5-10 minutes before I go out.
Click to expand...

Agreed. But your situation is quite different.....And infinitely cooler!:D
 
I'm buying an oiling kit and high flow oil pump bits for my 1150. I live in the Phoenix area. The 1150 has an oil cooler, but should I be looking at buying a bigger one? If so, who makes them?
 
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