running without oil thermostat
 

In my 39 Studebaker project we are running into fitment issues with the 617 and the stude body. I have a remote oil filter kit but don't see how it can be used with an oil thermostat. Will running with the cooler in the loop all the time cause problems with the oil being too cool?

The car will most likely not be driven much in the winter.

Tom here is a Google image of some after market Oil Thermostats.

oil thermostat - Google Search

The oil can run too cool in the winter or cooler days, would be like removing the Coolant thermostat.

Charlie

Cool! Thanks Charlie! Whoda thunk there were multiple choices for aftermarket setups!

Without an oil thermometer it will be difficult to tell. Oil only starts to lubricate completely from 60 degrees C (140F).

Quite a few thoughs surfaced. I wondered if the oil filter housing could be reduced in size and using an external oil filter. Or if continuous loop was employed use a check valve so that it could not drain back causing an initial lubrication delay. Another thought was remoting the whole filter assembly.

The oil cooler to me was never all that impressive as I felt more heat was probably dissipated through the large oil pan with the airflow along it. I guess an open loop could be tried and as long as the oil pressure gauge sagged somewhat at hot idle the viscosity would not be remaining too high. Or oil temperature too low.

With the turbo I would not consider elimination of the oil cooler though. The front end design of the stude may or may not enable the same amount of airflow as the 123 front end. I almost said Hudson again but it was too early in the day to rile you up. Even if the Hudson is of good quality in that body style as well.

You could fit an oil - coolant heat exchanger. That would help the oil warm up more quickly too.

-J

Any reason you can't make up 2 plates and relocate the stock filter housing?

Yes, or kits are available. I have just ordered a special oil pan which I believe will allow us to move the motor forward, perhaps enough to use the sock filter housing (with its t stat).

Thanks for all the thoughts guys!

Yeah, Barry, watchit with the Hudson remarks! The Hudson pickup is indeed similar but the lines are not so elegant as this Studebaker. the Hudson uses a cut off four door body and the study uses this dedicated coupe looking cab which is most lovely.;)

Of course you are right Tom. Still both look the same in the dark.:D I do like the Hudson still but leading a sheltered life have never seen that studabaker model in person to compare. Although the lines are better. Sounds like the different oil pan may solve some of the dilemma.

Does using Multiviscosity Oil change the above?

The original Oil Cooler Hoses and Fittings have about 1/2" inside diameter.

See pic

The oil cooler only comes into action if the oil temperature reaches 110ºC (230F), so it is more a safety device. Maybe those with oil thermometers can chime in whether oil regularly reaches 110ºC.

A low rent way is to use a pressure relief between the cooler inlet and outlet to prevent the cooler from being over pressured when the oil is cold.

A much better way is to use the stock thermostat in a remote location.

The first time I ever drove a car with an oil temperature gauge I was surprised how long it took to get to operating temperature.

Maybe this is one of the reasons the Oil Temp is so High:" I will say this average oil temperature is 212°F, the boiling point of water" From Bob the Oil Guys site.

This implies that if the Oil is kept cooler it is possible for Water To build up in the Oil.

Motor Oil 101 - Bob is the Oil Guy