Oil Cooler, Prime system?

[ChaunceyM]

Installing an oil cooler with a mishimoto thermostatic plate. Should I try to fill up the cooler system before I fire up the engine? I'm concerned that once the oil hits 185F for the first time and sends oil up to the radiator that pocket of air that gets pumped back in is going to create a brief starvation. And since it's thermostatically controlled, I can't just crank the engine to circulate oil. It's gotta be hot before it opens.

[kTaLgsTo]

I would personally. I also fill my oil filters half way when I install them on changes.

[Fstrnyou]

That is actually a very good question. I'd almost be willing to bet that at least some fluid flows through the cooler at all times. You could possibly check the seat pressure of the oil thermostat. If it's less than your normal oil pressure, it will be slightly open during normal operation...I think.

Edit: Just occurred to me...the thermostat doesn't snap open, it gradually opens as the oil warms up. So you won't get a sudden "no oil" situation.

What made you decide to install an aux oil cooler?

[shamie]

Mishimoto has 2 types of thermostatic plates - one is fully closed until it reaches temp (front thermostat) and one restricts most oil before it reaches temp (rear thermostat). Which one do you have?

For your question, I'd pre-fill it if you can. I'll be putting one (MMOC-DP-M) in next month but won't be able to pre-fill since the outputs will be on the side. JBR's outlets are on the bottom so no pre-filling there either. I'd also worry about that one emptying back into the pan every time you shut the engine off.

[ChaunceyM]

Originally Posted by Fstrnyou What made you decide to install an aux oil cooler?

Partly as a safegaurd during summer track days. Some of those July and August days have ambients in the upper 90s and it's just not something I want to worry about.

Partly just to do it. At this point I'm using the MS3 as for learning purposes. Both driving technique and physical work. There'll be plenty more stuff I'm doing 'just because' for the experience aspect of it.

Originally Posted by shamie Mishimoto has 2 types of thermostatic plates - one is fully closed until it reaches temp (front thermostat) and one restricts most oil before it reaches temp (rear thermostat). Which one do you have?

Front therm.
And I didn't even think about it draining into the pan during rest. Although when the thermostat closes it should cut that off.
Before the first start I'll probably pull the top connector off and funnel in as much oil as I can. Then drive it around and hope it doesn't go pop!

[shamie]

How will your cooler be oriented?

[ChaunceyM]

Right now the connections will be on the side, but depending on where exactly I mount it they might be on the bottom. If it's side, I could "easily" unscrew the top hose and fill with oil.

[shamie]

What cooler are you using? Do you have a FMIC?

[ChaunceyM]

System all connected and working. No leaks and oil is definitely routed through the cooler. Making the custom hoses wasn't as tricky as I expected, although I need to get a better method of cutting the hose. Still have to connect the temp gauge, but that's not critical. I'll get it on before summer track days.
Gotta move on to brake ducts and rear caliper replacement...

[Pu Manchu]

photobucket, yikes.