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Seeking Info regarding Oil Coolers

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Fuzzy1

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Being a firm believer in the concept that cool oil helps to extend engine life, I am looking into the possibilities of putting together some type of heat exchanger to mount remotely in order to accomplish that task. Before doing bunches of searching, I thought I'd check here and see if any of you folks have attempted such a task ???

The machine in question is a John Deere Z920R with the Kawasaki 23.5hp FX691V engine. I'm thinking some bracketry to mount the cooler above the engine shroud with the possibility of a small fan just in case the engine doesn't pull enough air through the unit.

Any ideas/input would be much appreciated ... ... ...
 
Discussion starter · #3 ·
I know there are some adapters that go under the filter, and there are some that mount the filter remotely. My Z920r has room to extend the filter outward without interference, so that is probably the way I would go. The adapter normally has an IN & OUT that simply connect to the heat exchanger. Mounting it shouldn't be much of an issue, a few brackets to hold it just above the engine and forward of the air filter should suffice. Then, it's a matter of getting the right lines to hook it up, and add an extra bit of oil to bring the level back up. Additional cooling/airflow can be gotten by adding a small 12v. fan adjacent to the heat exchanger.

Just wondering if anyone has bought or built one, and if I've pretty much covered the bases with my thoughts on the matter. ALL criticism is welcome !!! !!!

thanx ...
 
Discussion starter · #6 · (Edited)
Considering the oil pressure in my engine is quoted at 43-85psi, I don't think a loss of a pound or two in a coil type heat exchanger is detrimental, but I will keep it in mind as I do more research.

Depending on the amount of heat actually extracted by the unit, a multi-viscosity oil sould actually thicken by passing it through the system.

Both events, I suspect would be nearly immeasurable and should pretty much cancel each other out.
 
#7 ·
Fuzzy1 said:
Considering the oil pressure in my engine is quoted at 43-85psi, I don't think a loss of a pound or two in a coil type heat exchanger is detrimental, but I will keep it in mind as I do more research.
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It will be more than a pound or two. How much exactly I'm not sure.

I wouldn't do it in my opinion. The engineers would have installed one if you needed one. Contact Kawasaki for an opinion
Posted via Mobile Device
 
#8 ·
whiffyspark said:
It will be more than a pound or two. How much exactly I'm not sure.

I wouldn't do it in my opinion. The engineers would have installed one if you needed one. Contact Kawasaki for an opinion
Posted via Mobile Device
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Im no engineer, and it may all work out just fine, but from all Ive experienced it wont.

Very true if the engine needed one it would have one. As far as I know theres no "after market performance parts" for lawn mower engines. Meaning no proven kit is avaible.

I would simply sell what the mower and buy a Liquid Cooled Engine, as they do run at the best obtainable temptature.

And Last............and its a BIGGIE, the Engines CHARGING SYSTEM CAN NOT HANDLE THAT ELECTRIC FAN. Not to mention the engine will have too work that much harder even if it could.
 
#9 ·
Just hose your motor off every so often with a garden hose to keep it cool. On a serious note it is good to keep the cooling fins clear of grass buildup. Use a good oil and don't cut anything the mower can't handle. These motors are not diesels and are not designed to go 10s of thousands of hours.
 
Discussion starter · #10 ·
Well, I just got off the phone with a friend of mine who is a factory trained TOYOTA mechanic ... AND ... owner of a SCAG with a KOHLER engine that came from the factory with a setup much like I was referring to ... PANCAKE style filter adapter ... two hydraulic lines ... and a COIL TYPE heat exchanger mounted directly over the engine shroud. Also found that KOHLER makes a complete after market kit for about $125 (part #24-755-120-S). Also found there are other manufacturers who offer the cooler either as standard equipment or as an option ... mostly models using KOHLER engines. I don't know where you get the idea that this is in any way a "PERFORMANCE" enhancement ... it's only about optimizing operating conditions to enhance RELIABILITY & LIFESPAN.

The charging system on my J.D. is rated at 15A, and so far has had no trouble whatsoever running the 18" diameter cooling fan that I have mounted overhead in a shroud for sheer creature comfort (photos are posted here in another thread) ... I doubt if the load of a little 6" fan is going to do any harm.

As far as an engine "needing one" ... I would agree, it probably doesn't "NEED" one ... that is hardly proof that one wouldn't be a benefit. The above paragraph obviously outlines the fact that there are "proven" kits available.
 
#12 ·
Fuzzy1 said:
Well, I just got off the phone with a friend of mine who is a factory trained TOYOTA mechanic ... AND ... owner of a SCAG with a KOHLER engine that came from the factory with a setup much like I was referring to ... PANCAKE style filter adapter ... two hydraulic lines ... and a COIL TYPE heat exchanger mounted directly over the engine shroud. Also found that KOHLER makes a complete after market kit for about $125 (part #24-755-120-S). Also found there are other manufacturers who offer the cooler either as standard equipment or as an option ... mostly models using KOHLER engines. I don't know where you get the idea that this is in any way a "PERFORMANCE" enhancement ... it's only about optimizing operating conditions to enhance RELIABILITY & LIFESPAN.

The charging system on my J.D. is rated at 15A, and so far has had no trouble whatsoever running the 18" diameter cooling fan that I have mounted overhead in a shroud for sheer creature comfort (photos are posted here in another thread) ... I doubt if the load of a little 6" fan is going to do any harm.

As far as an engine "needing one" ... I would agree, it probably doesn't "NEED" one ... that is hardly proof that one wouldn't be a benefit. The above paragraph obviously outlines the fact that there are "proven" kits available.
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Let us know how it works out.
 
Discussion starter · #14 ·
whiffyspark said:
Larry was a Toyota mechanic. I have masters cerification plus extra. That doesn't mean anything
Posted via Mobile Device
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Sorry, but when I can find someone who makes his living at turning wrenches, and he endorses a proposed plan ... IT DOES MEAN SOMETHING ... as opposed to a few naysayers whose comments are opinion only with no logic or reason.

The only negatives I've seen so far are in regards to the charging system being overloaded, which I know is not true, and a loss in oil pressure, which I don't believe to be substantial. Oh ... there's also the comments about "performance parts" and "no factory sanctioned aftermarket kits" which are also false.

When I asked for criticism, should have asked for verifiable factual criticism ... not just opinion. In the instance of the drop in pressure ... can any naysayer actually quantify the claimed drop through experience (measured) or by honest calculations, to determine if the drop would be significant ??? THAT is the type of input/criticism I was asking for. Sorry for the confusion.
 
#15 ·
Fuzzy1 said:
Sorry, but when I can find someone who makes his living at turning wrenches, and he endorses a proposed plan ... IT DOES MEAN SOMETHING ... as opposed to a few naysayers whose comments are opinion only with no logic or reason.

The only negatives I've seen so far are in regards to the charging system being overloaded, which I know is not true, and a loss in oil pressure, which I don't believe to be substantial. Oh ... there's also the comments about "performance parts" and "no factory sanctioned aftermarket kits" which are also false.

When I asked for criticism, should have asked for verifiable factual criticism ... not just opinion. In the instance of the drop in pressure ... can any naysayer actually quantify the claimed drop through experience (measured) or by honest calculations, to determine if the drop would be significant ??? THAT is the type of input/criticism I was asking for. Sorry for the confusion.
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I suggested performance type shop because that's the only place such a kit would likely be avaible.

You asked for opinions and we gave them, too bad you don't like them. Not many people on the planet have measured their oil pressure on their lawn mower, and even fewer have rigged up a oil cooler, so we don't have the numbers your looking for.

Like I say let us know how it all works out.
 
Discussion starter · #16 ·
Don't know what you meant ... only what you said ... and, that was "As far as I know theres no "after market performance parts" for lawn mower engines. Meaning no proven kit is avaible." I didn't notice any reference to a "performance type shop" ... and, once again, your assumptions are incorrect ... the KOHLER kits are widely available ... even from AMAZON and e-Bay, and individual components can be obtained at AUTOZONE, ADVANCE, and O'REILLEY'S ... not exactly speed-shops.

I welcome all criticism ... I respect that which is based on more than a prejudiced opinion ... that's just the way my logic works ... sorry if that hurts your feelings, but I am simply seeking facts.
 
#17 ·
Fuzzy1 said:
Don't know what you meant ... only what you said ... and, that was "As far as I know theres no "after market performance parts" for lawn mower engines. Meaning no proven kit is avaible." I didn't notice any reference to a "performance type shop" ... and, once again, your assumptions are incorrect ... the KOHLER kits are widely available ... even from AMAZON and e-Bay, and individual components can be obtained at AUTOZONE, ADVANCE, and O'REILLEY'S ... not exactly speed-shops.

I welcome all criticism ... I respect that which is based on more than a prejudiced opinion ... that's just the way my logic works ... sorry if that hurts your feelings, but I am simply seeking facts.
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We aint mad at ya.

Like I say let us know how it works.
 
#18 ·
A fact is if you're engine needed it it would already be on the mower. Like I said in my opinion I wouldn't risk it. Not worth it for something unneeded.

Don't you already have lights and a fan over your tops and stuff? Might want to calculate you're amperage draw for that.

And I'm not a naysayer. I turned wrenches for a living obviously.
Posted via Mobile Device
 
#19 · (Edited)
Look, your idea of an oil cooler will work fine, it WONT lower your oil pressure, in fact, just the opposite! Cooler oil= thicker oil= mo' pressure. ( to a point)
And as you already KNOW the alt/charging system will handle the load also, but you prolly wont need an aux. fan.
Someone posted a cooler install on here a while back, VERY clean lookin' install! Them guys ain't got a clue!

If I'm not mistaken, Kaw makes an adapter that fits under the filter also.

Here ya go, red the part where it says " high efficiency oil cooler". http://kawpower.com/engines/fx/fx801v
That's just one quick example. Look over the others, you'll see more have coolers.
Can prolly get an IPL for a particular motor and order the adapter.
 
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