Oil cooler too big?
 

I have been having a problem with low oil temps and condensation under the valve covers. I have a Procharged custom built 496 with a R-tech intercooler making 825 hp @ 6200 rpm. The oil system consists of a Canton 10 qt. pan, -12 AN lines, Wix 51222r filter, Mobil 1 V-Twin 20/50 oil and a Hardin Marine thermostatically controlled oil cooler for engines over 750 hp. I am taking the oil temps from the oil pan.The oil lines run from the oil filter adapter to the oil filter and then to the cooler and back to the engine. I have removed the oil t-stat and tested it in boiling water and it opens as it should. I cannot get any oil temp while cruising at 3000-3500 rpm's. The only time I ever see any oil temperature is when I run the engine above 5000 rpm's for an extended period of time. The oil temps never reach the 212 degrees to open the t-stat though. Is it possible the oil cooler is too big for recreational use ? I have been told to bypass the oil cooler and see if the temps come up. If they do then get a smaller cooler?

My guess is the thermostat isnt working. You should definitely see oil temps with a functioning thermostat, regardless of teh size of the cooler (since at anything under the opening temp of the thermostat it wouldnt even be cooling any oil).

I agree. The thermostat must not be working properly. Also, do you run any water temp. I've had similer problems, all related to water and oil temps.

At idle I see 140 degrees of water temp. At cruise the water temp drops off to nothing. I run a Procharger crossover and no thermostat per Procharger's manual. I have a Hardin Marine dual stage water pump. One stage goes to the oil cooler and then the engine. The other stage goes to the intercooler only. The intercooler dumps off the side of the boat and the engine water is dumped through the exhaust. I also have 2 -6AN lines plumbed to the back of the intake manifold dumping water off the side too. The -6 lines were put there to get rid of any possible seam pockets.

youre oil thermostat should bypass the cooler till it hits the right temp then go threw the cooler is how it should be. how do you have it plumbed in?

most oil coolers send some oil threw the cooler at all times,and if you are not running hard you are not making a lot of heat in the oil,i recommend replacing the thermostat in the oil cooler with a new one as they can go bad and stick in the open position.

I'm sure you have varified ALL related plumbing.....Maybe check it again.

Ok. I'll try another t-stat. I won't be back to the boat for a couple of weeks. Thanks for the help.

Did you ever find a solution?

X2...Im chasing the same issue, running an na motor though. same issue lots of condensation under valve cover, oil in pan seems ok but not at filter. I also have a 212 oil thermo:hijack: