High Performance Oil Coolers

A transmission or engine oil cooler kit works similar to a radiator. The hot oil from the engine or transmission is circulated through the cooler via pressure. At the cooler, fins absorb heat from the oil through the cooling tubes. With the oil cooler typically mounted at the front of the vehicle near the radiator, incoming air goes through the openings between the fins and cooling tubes of the oil cooler. The air then carries away the heat radiating from the cooler fins. The cooled engine oil then returns to the engine, helping keep temperatures down.

A pressure test can be performed on an oil cooler with the proper fittings to both plug one end and connect the other end to an air hose. Most automotive engine and transmission fluid applications have a maximum engine oil pressure of around 100 psi and transmission fluid pressure of around 325 psi. To test the cooler, apply 100 or 325 psi (depending on the application) through the inlet fitting, with the outlet properly sealed. The cooler can then be lowered into a large container of water to check for air bubbles, as they would escape from any leaks in the cooler. To check for blockage, a transmission fluid flush kit can be applied to the connector on one end. Then observe the amount of fluid coming out of the other end to determine if there is blockage.

The most common methods to mounting a universal transmission cooler is either with brackets and bolting it to the radiator support, or by directly mounting it to the front of the radiator and securing with a custom nylon tie mounting kit. The tie mounting kit method involves holding the cooler in place against the radiator with special heat-resistant foam "feet" (to prevent chaffing) and securing with nylon ties that slide carefully between both the radiator and cooler fins. These ties have teeth like zip ties and by pushing on the nut that is included, the tie will cinch the cooler to the radiator in four places, securing it in place. Bracket-mounting usually involves universal pieces that need to be bent, cut, and modified to fit where you want to mount the cooler, typically the radiator support. The cooler is then bolted to the brackets through holes on flanges that are not part of the cooling fins or tubes. The assembly is then bolted to the radiator support. For both types of mounting, the performance transmission oil cooler is then connected to the transmission cooler line inlet line via hard lines, hoses, or a combination of the two. The type of connection at the cooler depends on what is selected. High performance transmission oil cooler kits are offered with AN fittings, NPT thread, or hose barbs.

When an oil cooler fails, the most common indication is oil leaking from the point of failure. The amount of oil leaking is dependent on whether the engine is running or not as pressure will force more oil out of the cooler leak point. If not caught in time, the engine will run low on oil, causing damage and engine failure. Inspecting the cooler for leaks during an oil change is a good practice to identify and prevent failure. If the oil cooler fails due to plugged passageways, oil will not be able to circulate, and the temperature will rise. This can lead to engine damage and failure. Changing oil at the recommended intervals can help prevent sludge buildup in the oil cooler. The same principle applies to transmission fluid coolers.

The most common causes of a leaking oil cooler is corrosion or poor quality construction as well as accident damage. Corrosion from moisture, road salt (in colder climates) and other elements weakens the tubing causing a burst from the pressure within the thinner walls. Poorly welded tubing or assembly with low quality materials can also lead to oil cooler failure and leaks.

Depending on the size and if it has its own electric cooling fan, oil cooler performance can range anywhere from a few degrees to dozens of degrees in a drop of temperature.

A JEGS expert is ready to answer your questions and help you find the high performance oil cooler that you require for your street / racing truck, SUV, car, or custom automotive application.