Author Topic: How To Modify Side Case For Oil Cooler...  (Read 55996 times)

J6G1Z

  • Global Moderator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1597
How To Modify Side Case For Oil Cooler...
« on: September 14, 2014, 12:17:14 am »
There has been some discussion about oil coolers & how to plumb the cooler, etc.   Before I go any further, I am no expert on the subject & I'm only displaying pictures of one way to modify the side case. This side case came to me already modified. If someone knows of a better way to plumb a cooler, please post it up.

J6G1Z

  • Global Moderator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1597
Re: How To Modify Side Case For Oil Cooler...
« Reply #1 on: September 14, 2014, 12:20:02 am »
In picture #1, you can see the feed & return. You can also see the machine screw that has been used to intersect the internal oil passage.

J6G1Z

  • Global Moderator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1597
Re: How To Modify Side Case For Oil Cooler...
« Reply #2 on: September 14, 2014, 12:22:03 am »
In this next picture you will see where the set screw intersects & blocks the internal oil passage.

J6G1Z

  • Global Moderator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1597
Re: How To Modify Side Case For Oil Cooler...
« Reply #3 on: September 14, 2014, 12:24:12 am »
Here is the lower port. Drilled, tapped & fitted with an elbow.

J6G1Z

  • Global Moderator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1597
Re: How To Modify Side Case For Oil Cooler...
« Reply #4 on: September 14, 2014, 12:30:02 am »
I have seen one other FT Ascot side case that has been modified for an oil cooler. Instead of using a machine screw to block the oil passage, he used some JB Weld poured into the area where my finger is pointing. He made sure the area was clean & oil free before he applied the JB Weld.

There you have what is probably the most common way to tap into the system. Like I said, if someone knows of a better method, please let us know.

Thanks
J.

thumperdh

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 142
Re: How To Modify Side Case For Oil Cooler...
« Reply #5 on: September 16, 2014, 10:27:12 am »
I'd been wondering about this for quite some time now. Thanks for the helpful information as always J.
1982 FT500
Conti Classic Attack tires
Foam filter mod
Round headlight
Rejetted carb
Progressive springs
Supertrapp muffler
Thumperstuff header

J6G1Z

  • Global Moderator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1597
Re: How To Modify Side Case For Oil Cooler...
« Reply #6 on: September 16, 2014, 10:49:38 am »
I wouldn't take this side case as the gospel on how to plumb a cooler. There is some debate on the Yahoo users group. I found another side case yesterday that had been modified also. Forgot that I even had it. It was plumbed for a Lockhart cooler & is done the same way except they used an epoxy like substance to fill the oil port to block it. So far, I have seen 3 of these covers modified the same way. It may not be the best flow of oil for the engine, but it seems to be the most common way to route the oil flow to the cooler & back.

I'm open to suggestion. I would like to learn the "best" way to plumb a cooler.

Thanks
J.

smcohio

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 20
Re: How To Modify Side Case For Oil Cooler...
« Reply #7 on: May 21, 2018, 07:09:51 am »
Hey J.
I have heard of people plumbing the return line into the valve cover to help with the poor delivery to the head that the bike has. Have you talked to anyone that has actually do e this?

J6G1Z

  • Global Moderator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1597
Re: How To Modify Side Case For Oil Cooler...
« Reply #8 on: May 21, 2018, 09:07:34 am »
I've heard of that being done also. Have not seen any examples though.

J.

smcohio

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 20
Re: How To Modify Side Case For Oil Cooler...
« Reply #9 on: May 24, 2018, 05:45:02 am »
Ended up finding some xr500 guys that have ran it to the valve cover.
http://advrider.com/index.php?threads/1980-xl500s-a-top-end-job-turned-restoration.834942/page-2

FT500R

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 186
Re: How To Modify Side Case For Oil Cooler...
« Reply #10 on: October 08, 2020, 10:37:36 am »
It has been a while since the beginning of the topic. Are there potentially new insights into the whole oil cooler fitment?
Thinking about putting an oil cooler on the FT racer but have to figure out plumbing.
Since rubber lines and hose clamps are not allowed I would have to go for AN fittings or Banjo's.
Problem with those is that they require a 10mm hole to fit in and looking at the way it was installed in your example J, I am sceptical there would be enough meat for that.

murdo

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 138
Re: How To Modify Side Case For Oil Cooler...
« Reply #11 on: October 09, 2020, 02:39:44 am »
With a HOT summer coming up here in Aus I have also been thinking along the lines of fitting a cooler to my FT500. Are there any suggestions regarding the size of the cooler required or will any that fit do. And is it worth putting in a pressure and temp gauge to keep an eye on things?

J6G1Z

  • Global Moderator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1597
Re: How To Modify Side Case For Oil Cooler...
« Reply #12 on: October 12, 2020, 12:19:56 am »
Oil temperature testing PDF below. Click on link.

J6G1Z

  • Global Moderator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1597
Re: How To Modify Side Case For Oil Cooler...
« Reply #13 on: October 12, 2020, 12:23:21 am »
Are there potentially new insights into the whole oil cooler fitment?

Not that I'm aware of.

I am sceptical there would be enough meat for that.

Not sure, but I believe you may be correct.


FT500R

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 186
Re: How To Modify Side Case For Oil Cooler...
« Reply #14 on: October 13, 2020, 02:43:37 am »
Thanks J.
Very interesting file.

Seems like an Oilcooler is not top of the priority list for now ;)

murdo

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 138
Re: How To Modify Side Case For Oil Cooler...
« Reply #15 on: October 13, 2020, 02:55:53 am »
Thanks for posting that J6, very good to get some actual numbers. Seems I won't need a cooler as I don't ride full on all the time and if it gets that hot outside then I will probably stay inside until the heat passes.
Do you think a pressure gauge is a worthwhile addition?

J6G1Z

  • Global Moderator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1597
Re: How To Modify Side Case For Oil Cooler...
« Reply #16 on: October 16, 2020, 11:57:02 pm »
Do you think a pressure gauge is a worthwhile addition?

Maybe. Do you know what normal operating pressure range should be?

murdo

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 138
Re: How To Modify Side Case For Oil Cooler...
« Reply #17 on: November 23, 2020, 03:24:06 am »
I have scoured the workshop manual and other internet sources and none can tell me what pressure these engines run. Will just have to fit a gauge one day and see for myself.

triguyracer

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 111
Re: How To Modify Side Case For Oil Cooler...
« Reply #18 on: November 23, 2020, 04:38:22 pm »
I would think that it being a roller bearing crankshaft instead of a plain bearing type that your oil pressure might read lower than you think it should when you are able to check it without knowing what the factory calls for , I use 20'50 Valvoline race oil , I live where it gets pretty hot for 3 to 4 months ,like hundred plus for days on end ,don;t ride much in the real hot weather but have had good luck with said oil which I use in my race bikes also just a diff weight. just change it a lot and the filter seems to work well. Now off subject does anyone have info on fixing the speedo , mine broke about 3 months ago like it to able to keep it reading close to the actual miles which was just under 8000 a few months back when it broke.