Date:         Wed, 14 Oct 1998 13:06:27 -0400
Reply-To:     Bulley-Hewlett & Associates <gmbulley@BULLEY-HEWLETT.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Bulley-Hewlett & Associates <gmbulley@BULLEY-HEWLETT.COM>
Subject:      Re: Oil cooler
Comments: To: "J. Stefanovich" <stef@LOBO.NET>,
          "vanagon@VANAGON.COM" <vanagon@VANAGON.COM>

I saw an ad in a German magazine (VW Scene) for an add-on oil cooler system
that put a unit between the block and the oil filter which pumped the oil
to a small radiator  mounted underneath up front by the spare tire.  In
addition to cooling the oil this system would increase oil capacity, a
definite plus, I should think.  The price was about 150dm.  Does anyone
know where something like this might be available in the US?
Regards,

Joe Stefanovich
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Joe & all-

A similar system is (was) available through EMPI for Type IV motors. It had
a spin-on interface where the oil filter would normally go, brass barb
fittings, two sorry-a**ed rubber oil lines leading to the wee 8-pass
radiator and a remote filter mount. It was marketed under the name "Quick
Cool", I think. I ran one on my first 1976 van, with a Melling High
capacity oil pump and 180 degree oil routing thermostat (kept oil-flow
through the cooler to a trickle when below 180 degrees).

Mounted the cooler in a Spanky & Alfalfa Engineered mounting/duct in the
spinning air behind the left rear tire, where the mud flap would normally
reside, ala Porsche 911 Trombone cooler.

I have no reason to believe that this set-up helped OR hindered my van. I
punish my vehicles with tough service, but maintain them very well. That
van was a serious burn victim, and went about 70k after I grafted on hoses,
FI system, wires, paint, new battery, tail lights, and this oil cooler
thing. That 70k included a number of cross continental trips with up to six
folks and their gear in summer temps (Aug-Sept). I've done the same trip in
other vans without an external oil cooler and not suffered any ills.

I know that's no definite answer, but it is what I know about 'em.


G. Matthew Bulley
Principal
Bulley-Hewlett & Associates
Communications for Organizational Development
www.bulley-hewlett.com
(888) 468-4880 toll free