'85 300D...can I bypass the oil cooler?

[massimo]

I was pulling the radiator today and, of course, the bottom oil cooler fitting broke off and the fitting is stuck on the end of the line. What has been your experience with getting the #$*&^%$# fitting off the line and has anyone ever just cut the hoses, joined the top and bottom lines and bypassed the oil cooler all together? How important is the oil cooler to the oil temp? Your experience would be appreciated!