Quote:
Originally Posted by merc lover
Does very much oil actually travel into and out of the oil cooler during normal operation? Could the car operate normally if the oil cooler were removed?
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Yes, and conditionally yes. The oil cooler is there to keep the oil life at an optimal range. OE designers have to account for the worst case scenario use, and keep cost of ownership down, so they're challenged to manage that balance. For all they know you're towing a camper every time you use the car. Or live in a very hilly area and have 4 passengers with a full trunk...etc.
If you want to understand it, measure it. If you eliminate the cooler, and maintain the same oil type and change interval, pull your next interval ahead and get a used oil analysis. CAT dealers sell a kit for a reasonable sum (bottle within a bottle and a label). Look for oxidation. If it's creeping, then eliminating the cooler wasn't a good choice for your duty cycle. Many full synthetic oils have good resistance to oxidation. Also bear in mind oil today is better than it was when the car was made (in most cases - trusted brands).
You have to loop the cooler, don't just pinch lines. Use hose rated for oil.