Most car engines are cooled by a gas or a liquid coolant (radiator fluid, or antifreeze) that runs through a radiator. Some vehicles, however, use oil to cool the engine. Oil coolers are common in heavy-duty vehicles like tractor trailers, recreational vehicles, tow-trucks, and airplanes. In addition, a motorcyclist or race-car driver may add aftermarket oil coolers to improve his or her engine’s performance. Since an engine generates a lot of heat, it has to be cooled continuously in order to function properly.
An oil cooler cools the engine oil through a heat transfer system, and the lower temperature oil keeps the engine from overheating on long hauls or in very hot weather. Cooled oil also flows around other parts of the motor, like the crankshaft, the camshaft, and the rods and pistons. There are also transmission air coolers that keep transmission oil cool in situations that require a lot of gear-shifting. Oil Coolers in Indiana are important for keeping a vehicle running at peak performance and efficiency.
There are two types of engine coolers: tube and fin coolers and plated coolers. The first style circulates oil around the engine in a series of tubes. As the oil moves further away from the hot engine, the oil’s heat is vented through the fins, and the oil is cooled. The plated style cools oil by forcing it over a series of stacked metal plates. By spreading the oil out over a large surface area, the heat of the oil dissipates. Both methods are effective, but the stacked-plate coolers don’t work quite as efficiently as the tube and fin type because it takes longer.
Oil works best at a temperature between 180 and 200 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature is any higher, the oil can break down. Once oil starts to degrade, it is no longer an effective lubricant, and this can cause major problems with the engine. Symptoms of a malfunctioning cooler can include a loss of power, misfiring, black exhaust fumes, and an increased engine temperature. If your vehicle has an oil cooler, make sure to inspect it regularly and keep it well-maintained. Get additional info here about Oil Coolers in Indiana.
