Tips for Adding an Aftermarket Cooler to Your Diesel Engine
Posted on: 21 September 2016
When you are using an engine, oil forms a thin layer over the metal components, preventing them from rubbing against each other and getting damaged. So that the oil doesn't get too hot, the engine has ways to cool it down, and medium and large diesel engines use internal or external coolers. Thinking about adding a new aftermarket cooler to your diesel engine? Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Decide if you want to keep an existing cooler in place.
Before adding a new cooler to your diesel engine, you should decide if you want to keep the existing cooler in place. If it is not working, obviously remove it. Otherwise, let the position of the cooler dictate what you do.
If the cooler is on the top of your motor located on the backside of the cooler adapter and in a pocket of the shroud (the cooler's protective cover), keep that intact. It can support any additional cooling devices you add. However, if the cooler is mounted inside the shroud, it has compromised airflow and you should remove it.
Determine where you want to place the cooler.
In most cases, you have two options when putting a cooler on a diesel engine. You can place the cooler on top of the motor using an adapter. However, if you already have a cooler in that spot, as described above, you may want to locate the cooler remotely. For example, you may want to attach it to the chassis.
Run lines to the cooler.
Regardless of where you position the cooler, you will need to run lines to it so that it can receive and release the oil. In most cases, the cooler on a diesel engine has two holes. The top one is for oil to leave the cooler, while the bottom one is for oil to enter the cooler. The oil should run out of the motor, through your filter, into your cooler and back out. If you position to cooler remotely, you may need to buy extra line, as the one in your cooler kit may not be long enough.
Secure the firewall insulation.
Once you have the cooler in place, you need to check the firewall insulation. If the insulation is loose, it may suck up against the cooler, and that can prevent the cooler from getting the airflow that it needs. Tighten up your engine's insulation or replace it as needed so that it is not blowing around.
To learn more about cooling the oil in a diesel engine, contact a diesel spare parts expert.
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