rrrr
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I'm curious to know if it's common to run an oil cooler thermostat on big HP boat racing engines. They're used on some racing applications I've worked on, but I don't recall seeing any comments about them on RDP.
The closed loop engine cooling systems obviously have thermostats, but how well does that produce an acceptable oil temperature? With the reduced clearances and lower viscosity oils that are now common, I'm thinking precise oil temperature regulation is more important.
Running sustained oil temps above 220° F allows accumulated combustion water products to boil off, which in turn prevents the production of hydrochloric and sulphuric acids. Actually, this really isn't a big problem, because the detergent in engine oils is suffciently alkaline to neutralize any acid formation, and the oil is changed long before the additives lose effectiveness.
But I like the idea of positive oil temperature control, instead of just assuming it's OK because engine coolant temps are regulated. Using a thermostat on drive oil coolers also sounds like a good idea. Getting the oil up to an acceptable operating temperature before putting the hammer down should result in less wear.
This is the oil cooler thermostat I've used...
http://www.improvedracing.com/oil-t...uct_search&utm_source=googleproductsearchusen
The closed loop engine cooling systems obviously have thermostats, but how well does that produce an acceptable oil temperature? With the reduced clearances and lower viscosity oils that are now common, I'm thinking precise oil temperature regulation is more important.
Running sustained oil temps above 220° F allows accumulated combustion water products to boil off, which in turn prevents the production of hydrochloric and sulphuric acids. Actually, this really isn't a big problem, because the detergent in engine oils is suffciently alkaline to neutralize any acid formation, and the oil is changed long before the additives lose effectiveness.
But I like the idea of positive oil temperature control, instead of just assuming it's OK because engine coolant temps are regulated. Using a thermostat on drive oil coolers also sounds like a good idea. Getting the oil up to an acceptable operating temperature before putting the hammer down should result in less wear.
This is the oil cooler thermostat I've used...
http://www.improvedracing.com/oil-t...uct_search&utm_source=googleproductsearchusen
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