Oil cooler

[planedick]

I am looking to put an oil cooler on my bike and I was wondering if anyone had done that yet? I am interested in finding out where to connect it into the oil system without causing loss of oil pressure. I know you guys collectively have all the answers and maybe someone who does can help.

[corey]

I lack any answers that may apply to your question, planedick, but it spurs me to ask a similar question (sorry to semi-jack your thread, BTW):

While we are on the subject of oil system modification, how about a filter adapter that allows the use of a standard car filter? I saw something on the forum about this a while back, but now I can't seem to find anything about it. Did we ever get a successful one going?

[planedick]

Oil cooler

Well, after I did this new thread I got smart and did a search. DUH That worked and I got a couple of instances of prior applications and some "don't do's". As for your question, I just read something about that. Look under "tech tips/modifications/oil&lubrication, you'll fine it there.

[Pat Kelly]

planedick:
Yes there are oil coolers for the XS1100. Check Ebay as stock and aftermarket coolers pop-up all the time. Oil is usually routed to the cooler via a "sandwich plate" that goes between the engine and oil filter cup.

corey:
Same for the oil filter atapter. It bolts on in place of the oil filter cup.

I have a cooler on my E (and one that is to go on my LG). I also got the spin-on adapter but I felt the filter was too low to the ground. I sold the spin-on adapter. Others have used it with great success both with and without the oil cooler plate.

[rover]

Hi, Pat, I did get your oil filter adapter on my F, and it works great. Thanx again for the trade. I can see that if you use it with a cooler, there could be a few problems. The only mod I made was to cut off an inch from the threaded pipe, there was a lot left over. I have done one oil change since I installed it, and still no leaks. What a difference to my hands and garage floor!!!!!!

[Pat Kelly]

Hmmm..... I wonder if the two plates (oil cooler and spin-on adapter) could be combined into one plate?
I'm sure it could but at what co$t.

[corey]

MmmmmHmm... I was looking in the wrong place for sure! Sounds good... thanks guys!

[planedick]

Oil cooler adapter plate

Pat, where can I get one of those oil cooler adapter plates?

[Pat Kelly]

Keep an eye on Ebay. XS750 and 850 will work too.
Wrecking yards may have them. I've had good luck with www.ricepaddymotorcycles.com .
Make sure you get the union nut that it mounts with or else it's useless (someone said they are available at most hardware stores). The nut replaces the oil filter bolt and holds on the plate. The oil filter bolt then screws into the nut.
The cooler on my E is a Lockhart aftermarket. I don't know if they are still in business or have a website.

[MAXIMAN]

Planedick,

Call the salvage yards. I bought mine form a member here. Made a post requesting and within a day had a response. However I've found several at salvage yards. Try OZ in Ottowa, KS. He'll have one or can get it I guarantee.

Then I bought an oil cooler at NAPA. It was a plate type (not tube and fin). They exchange more efficiently. The one I got was polished...looks chrome. I also bought a thermostat from Hayden I believe NAPA too. Used SS Braided hoses. The thermostat starts opening at 160 and is fully opened at 180 degrees. I think the whole rig cost me about $200 or 250.

I added the stainless 3/8 tubing downsweeps from the cooler to the thermostat. You could use other means besides SS tubing I just wanted it to look professional.

[GNEPIG]

.. real nice cooler maximan.
the cooler looks like it should have been a stock maxim part
.. and nice fork brace too

[MAXIMAN]

Yeah well I searched high and lo for a Lockhart to no avail. They are really slick. But they don't make 'em anymore.

I found this one (Supercooler) at NAPA in their parts catalog. It's polished and looked like chrome (similar to some Lockharts I've seen). Another feature of the Lockhart I liked was the built in thermostat. So I bought a thermo since Lockhart is gone. I hear they sold out to Harley. It was Harley's main competitor regarding aftermarket coolers. I also heard once Harley bought the comp...they simply shut it down. It put no tellin how many people out of work. YET ANOTHER REASON TO HATE HARLEY DAVIDSON!

[GNEPIG]

.. no.. they are still in business, they still make oil coolers they just say harley davidson on them now

[MAXIMAN]

Well I never could find anything at the Harley site except those round looking coolers. I never could find a rectangular cooler like we used to put on Elevens in the past.

[lsippell]

Maxman,

Do you have part #'s for that cooler and thermostat?

Louis