Is an oil cooler necessary???

[XS1100 Newbie]

I would like to know if the cooler is necessarybike. I don't ride in stop and go traffic much, i don't ride in hot weather much, i don't ride the bike hard. Just don't want to throw something on just to say i have it. I believe that our oils are fine with the temperatures that we normally operate at. I could see the need if i planned on visiting Death Valley in the mid of summer maybe.

[Schming]

I would like to know if the cooler is necessarybike. I don't ride in stop and go traffic much, i don't ride in hot weather much, i don't ride the bike hard. Just don't want to throw something on just to say i have it. I believe that our oils are fine with the temperatures that we normally operate at. I could see the need if i planned on visiting Death Valley in the mid of summer maybe.

I think You kinda answered Your own question there. No they aren't necessary XSpecially where we live. IMHO these bikes are a bit cold blooded and run great when hot. I though,will be installing one on mine with an oil temp. thermostat to open at 180*F as I'll be full dressing it. It might pay to install an oil temp. gauge first to see if a cooler is in fact necessary on your particular machine. HTH

[motoman]

Interesting to see how you have arranged for using a coolant thermostat......aside from that, in reality, using an oil cooler on these bike WILL increase engine longgivity by keeping components a more constant temperature. Less temperature fluxuation of the metal componants equals less adnormal wear due to extreme heat temperature fluxuations..

[DenyP]

For me there have been very few days in riding around home that one would have been needed. My trip last July from Central Minnesota to SLC Utah and back the Timemachine was running dang hot. I plan to make another trip like that this year. A cooler is a must have for the next trip.

Deny

[cycleguy]

If an oilcooler was nesessary--would'nt the factory have put one on? I did put one on my 78 after riding in 120 degree heat-(AZ) back in 1979. Had amsoil in motor, motor made a bit more noise,hence the oilcooler install next morning !

[dbeardslee]

I had an aftermarket oil cooler on mine, and I took it off. Didn't notice much difference in engine temp. I think the 78's were the only ones that came with an oil cooler, so evidently yamaha determined that they weren't necessary.

[motoman]

oil cooler

In answer to both cycleguy and dbeardslee's questions...........81 Venturer 1100 came from factory with an oil cooler.......and it still resides on my bought new in 81 Venturer.

[crazy steve]

...I think the 78's were the only ones that came with an oil cooler, so evidently yamaha determined that they weren't necessary.

Neither of the '78s I own had coolers on them (one bought new); I thought the cooler was a 'euro' thing, only being installed OEM on the non-US versions or maybe if you bought a 'dresser' model...

'78E original owner

[dbeardslee]

I wonder if the engineers thought it was necessary with the Venturer's full fairing disrupting the airflow across the engine. I checked mine (nekid standard) with an infrared thermometer with the cooler on and off and only noticed about 10 degrees difference in engine temp. It fluctuates a lot more than that depending on the ambient air temp - with or without a cooler. The other thing an oil cooler can do is cause problems with some aftermarket exhausts due to the adapter plate above the oil filter housing. I'm not a big fan of them, and I'm glad I removed mine - it mostly just got in the way.

Steve - you may be right about the european models. In looking at the old brochures I saw where the nekid '78 australian model had a cooler, but it doesn't show in the US add. Makes a lot more sense on a full dresser IMHO.

[BossMaverick]

Newbie, I think you answered your own question. It's not needed but it can help. I will admit that my bike doesn't need it 99% of the time but I was sure glad I had it when I was stuck in stop and go traffic in a construction zone for 20+ miles on a 90 degree day (I did stop and let it cool down a few times since I could feel the heat pouring off of the engine).

Has anyone done any real temp tests of the cooler with airflow going through it? Seems that I've only read people take about taking the temp reading while the bike was parked.

[The Lorax]

I think "Hobbyman" did some in depth testing with an infrared thermometer a year or three ago. do a search on his threads and you will find it although it may take a few minutes as he has a high post count. I don't remember what his final findings were, only that he was looking into it with youthful enthusiasm.
have a nice day and ride safe

[petejw]

Im sure all the aussie models came standard
with an oil cooler, i know my 81 sports did.

[Schming]

Interesting to see how you have arranged for using a coolant thermostat......aside from that, in reality, using an oil cooler on these bike WILL increase engine longgivity by keeping components a more constant temperature. Less temperature fluxuation of the metal componants equals less adnormal wear due to extreme heat temperature fluxuations..

Hi Motoman, this is the oil temp. thermo. that I will be using in the set up on my '80G (3/8" FPT)
http://www.jegs.com/p/Perma-Cool/Per...48655/10002/-1

And the set up;

to be determined by these
I'll either use the XS850 adapter plate with cut and reversed 850 hose ends with AN weld fittings and make custom hoses as seen here;
and here side veiw;
or the stock XS11 adapter plate and cut the XS11 lines somewhere in this area; all to be determined by the exhaust and the Pacifico fairing

[xs1100rider]

oil cooler

My 81 Venturer came with a oil cooler, but my 80STD came without the cooler just a loop of hose. When the high temp stainless hose blew while giving SWMBO a ride and cost me the engine I vowed never to use one again. And when I put my 80 back on the rode with a engine from a 79 Special I made sure it did not go in with a cooler or any of its parts.

[Schming]

My 81 Venturer came with a oil cooler, but my 80STD came without the cooler just a loop of hose. When the high temp stainless hose blew while giving SWMBO a ride and cost me the engine I vowed never to use one again. And when I put my 80 back on the rode with a engine from a 79 Special I made sure it did not go in with a cooler or any of its parts.

That's the exact reason that I'll be installing oil temp. and pressure gauges in my system Do You still have a cooler on Your Venturer? If so would You post a pic so I can see how it fits with the fairing? TIA