Thermostatic oil cooler?
 

HELP!!!Was getting ready to purchase a t-stat oil cooler, but notice the Merc. oil filter adapter shows one internally? My oil temps are too low(<170 cruising, 200 deg. after long WOT pass) and I'm getting excessive condensation in motor. It is a '97 HP500 with 3.3 Whipple, no cooling system t-stat, just 5/8 restrictor disc. and crossover. Rear of intake tapped to bleed off water. Oil pressure 60 lbs. max.,35 at idle. Head gaskets good, and no mechanical issues with motor.
I boat in the NW, usually cold water temps and 70-80 deg. ambient.
Engine also runs very cold, usually will barely register on gauge, and yes it works.
Should I bring cooling system temps up, thereby raising oil temp? I could plumb the stock check balls and tee back in.
Or should I just address oil temp? Shouldn't the Merc. oil t-stat be working? I have disassembled the oil filter adapter and I'm going to test the t-stat plunger.......

Re: Thermostatic oil cooler?
 

I would try some thermostats first. 142 and 160. It definitely helped me during the late season runs. I run a crossover with bypass, and 160 T-stat has three holes in it. Holes are .155"
Do you have milk under the valve covers?

Re: Thermostatic oil cooler?
 

Yes, pretty milkshaked. I have a bung on top of crossover, I could put the Merc. tee w/check balls on, and a thermostat in the housing.

Re: Thermostatic oil cooler?
 

Crossovers can be a pain. I have been through the ups and downs.
Dean Nickerson clued me in on my current setup and it is successful. My crossover is a Stainless Marine. I usually run a 142 T-stat with (3) .188" holes, for the warmer months. I do use a Mercury Racing Oil T-Stat filter mount, also.

Re: Thermostatic oil cooler?
 

RLW, If you have a bypass what is the purpose of the 3 holes in the thermostat?

Re: Thermostatic oil cooler?
 

I would say to keep steam pockets from forming. My motor tilts back a ways, I will probably do a 3/16" hole at top of t-stat.

Re: Thermostatic oil cooler?
 

Yes, the (3) holes help keep some flow of water through the block so steam pockets do not form. That is what I have been told.
The bypass maintains a supply of water flowing to the exhaust manifolds.

HP350C,
I do not know what one 3/16" hole is going to do for you. Try it and let us know how you make out.

Re: Thermostatic oil cooler?
 

That makes sense.

Re: Thermostatic oil cooler?
 

Took apart my oil filter adapter and tested oil t-stat, no worky at all at 210 deg. Will replace that and report back. I don't think it has worked since I bought the boat, and I did not know there was a t-stat in there.

Re: Thermostatic oil cooler?
 

i thought the holes in the t stat were to keep some water flowing thru the exhaust to keep it from getting too hot while the engine has the t stat closed.