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Why do I need an engine oil cooler for my car?

Due to the high ambient temperatures, high underhood temperatures are produced. In addition new aerodynamic body styles reduce air flow to the engine compartment. Engine oil not only lubricates but also absorbs a lot of heat from the engine and due to this, oil crankcase temperatures can reach 120°C or higher during normal operation. Maximum load conditions can cause oil to exceed 135°C. By installing an oil cooler you can expect to maintain oil temperatures in the 80 to 100°C range, thereby reducing wear and extending the life of all internal engine components.

  • Excessive engine heat is caused by the following:
  • Towing
  • Climbing steep grades
  • Carrying loads
  • Hot driving conditions
  • Harsh driving – racing
  • Engine conversions (turbocharging, gas-flowing, etc.)
How do I install an engine oil cooler

The oil cooler can be mounted flat on it’s bottom plate or on it’s side, but not up-side-down. A sandwich adapter, which fits in between the spin-on oil filter and the block, is utilised to circulate the engine oil to the oil cooler. On air-cooled VW engines a special adapter is used to circulate the engine oil to the oil cooler, because it does not have a spin-on oil filter.

Where do I mount the engine oil cooler?

For the maximum efficiency, the engine oil cooler should be mounted where it will receive the coolest air and maximum air flow. Between the A/C condenser and the radiator the oil cooler’s efficiency will be reduced to 75% and between the radiator and the fan it will decrease to 60%.

Why do I need a transmission oil cooler for my car?

Due to high ambient temperatures and the tremendous heat generated in an automatic transmission, an auxiliary transmission oil cooler is an economical way to help protect against costly repairs. Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) cools, lubricates and cleans internal transmission components. When transmission temperatures exceed about 93°C, the ability of the ATF to perform is greatly diminished. Subsequently, the life span of the fluid, seals and moving parts are significantly reduced. Higher internal temperatures also increase the wear rate of the friction and clutch plates.

Excessive transmission heat is caused by the following driving conditions:

  • Towing
  • Climbing steep grades
  • Stop and go traffic
  • Carrying loads (carpooling)
  • Hot driving conditions
  • Driving in snow, ice or sand
How do I install the transmission oil cooler?

An auxiliary transmission oil cooler must be installed in the return line to the gearbox, in series with the existing oil cooler. It can also be installed as a replacement for the existing oil cooler.

Where do I mount the transmission oil cooler?

For the maximum efficiency, the transmission oil cooler should be mounted where it will receive the coolest air and maximum air flow. Between the A/C condenser and the radiator the oil cooler’s efficiency will be reduced to 75% and between the radiator and the fan it will decrease to 60%.

Why do I need an electrical fan?

As a primary cooling source, electrical fans provide the following:

  • Economical replacement for OE parts
  • Increase in engine power when replacing fan clutch and fan assemblies, which means fuel saving
  • Compatibility with all electrical fan controls
  • Reversible blades for pusher or puller applications
  • As a add-on cooling source, electric fans provide the following:
  • Constant airflow regardless of vehicle speed
  • Increased air conditioning performance due to constant airflow across the condenser
How much airflow (cfm) do I need to cool my engine?

A 4 cylinder engine requires about 1000 cfm (1700 m^3/h), a 6 cylinder engine requires 1700 cfm (2890 m^3/h) and a small V8 about 2100 cfm (3570 m^3/h). To reach the minimum cfm required you may need to install two or possibly more fans.

What size electrical fan do I need?

A general rule of thumb is that you have to cover about 70% of the radiator core area with the fan blade diameter.

 

How do I mount the electrical fan?

The electrical fan has it own shroud on which the mounting feet are attached. A quick fit kit (page 30) is used to mount the fan directly onto the radiator core

How do I activate the electrical fan?

The electrical fan can be activated in a number of ways:

  • Direct wired: the fan is wired to the ignition wiring on the switched side.
  • Non-adjustable thermal switch: the fan turns on when the engine temperature reaches a pre-set temperature.
  • Adjustable thermal switch: the fan turns on when the engine temperature reaches the pre-determined and set temperature.
  • When running the EWP system with the Digital Controller, it can also activate the fan at 3°C above the EWP set temperature.
  • Toggle switch: the fan is activated by a standard switch
Why do I need and intercooler?

An intercooler has the following advantages:

  • Lower intake temperatures which results in lower combustion temperatures and longer engine life
  • Inhibits pre-ignition in spark-ignition engines
  • Higher turbo boost is possible
  • More power (kW) from the engine
  • Better fuel efficiency
Hoe does an intercooler work?

An intercooler only works in conjunction with a turbocharger. The outlet air from the turbocharger heats up because of the work that has been done to compress it. The increase in temperature results in a decrease in density, which means that less air enters the combustion chamber. An intercooler is used to cool down the compressed air, which increases the density. Two types of intercoolers are available on the market: air-to-air and water-to-air.

Where do I mount the intercooler?

Mount the intercooler as close as possible to the turbo and intake manifold. The shorter the path from the turbo outlet to the inlet manifold, the less the pressure drop and throttle-lag will be. Ensure that the intercooler gets direct airflow across the core for optimal cooling.

Why do I need an electric water pump?

An electric water pump has the following advantages above a mechanical water pump:

  • Has the ability to run after the engine has stopped, eliminating heat soak
  • Gives you optimum cooling under all circumstances
  • Replaces the kWs required to drive the mechanical pump at higher rpm when high flow rates are not required, which means more grunt at the wheels or better fuel consumption
How do I install the EWP?

The EWP is designed to be installed in the bottom radiator hose. The kit comes with everything you need for easy installation including, easy to understand, Do-It-Yourself instructions.

How do I control the EWP?

For the best performance the EWP Digital Controller are used. It can control any of the EWPs in the range.. The Controller allows you to electronically set the target temperature and it adjusts the rate of flow, hunting for and then locking onto the temperature you set. You have a choice of 75, 80, 85, 90 or 95°C engine temperature, selected at the touch of a button. The Controller will also run the EWP after engine shutdown till 5°C below the set temperature is reached or for 2 minutes.

The Digital Controller can also control the electric cooling fan. When connected it will switch on the electric fan at 3°C above the set temperature.

This option requires the removal of the thermostat and either the mechanical pump impeller from the pump shaft or the bypass of the water pump pulley from the belt set-up, using a shorter belt.

The EWP can be combined with an adjustable on/off switch to add a cooling boost to an overheating cooling system when required. With the switch connected directly to the battery, the EWP will run-on after hot engine shut-down, eliminating heat soak.

The pump can be wired directly to the ignition for maximum cooling – suitable for very hot climates and chronically over-heating engines. This option requires the removal of the thermostat and either the mechanical pump impeller from the pump shaft or the bypass of the water pump pulley from the belt set-up, using a shorter belt.

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