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Oil cooler

JohnC

JohnC

Street Cruiser
I'm in the process of putting a 86 back together, but taking care to check and clean as much as I can. Since the oil cooler was off, I decided I should clean it as I could easily see a lot of debris that was blocking quite a bit of it. First step, de-greaser, a stiff brush, and the hose. Result, got some out, but still a lot there. Next step, stronger degreaser and a pressure washer. Result, still a lot there. I ended up getting two blowgun darts and using them as pick tools to physically dis-lodge each item, which took some time. Now if you think this was a bit much, take a look at just a very small part of what I got out of it. <a href="http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2508567090053698080qQOaVy"><img src="http://inlinethumb53.webshots.com/46004/2508567090053698080S500x500Q85.jpg" alt="IMG_0483"></a> Now if you don't run a fender extender and you notice the engine running warmer, then I'd strongly suggest that you check the oil cooler. This pic shows what I used as a pick tool to get the stuff out. Yes, one has a slight bend on the end, to pull items out. <a href="http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2289112970053698080dQfmfu"><img src="http://inlinethumb10.webshots.com/44361/2289112970053698080S500x500Q85.jpg" alt="IMG_0486"></a> tcars, John, COG 4157, AMA & ROK Central Jawja AAD
 
... and you have blow darts for ????? -- Steve Smith, COG #3184 COG Northeast Area Director (somewhere in south central CT)
larryline.gif
If you're not living on the edge, you're taking up too much space.
 
Ye-e-e-eah, that was my question also. (How do you think he got all those volunteers for the rally) LOL Thanks for the insight John, good stuff!
 
The blow darts are left-overs from Ky and that was over 14 years ago (no telling on how old they really are, but was bought to keep neighbors pets away with the blunt tips). When unpacking I found an un-opened package of them. I've lost a few over time, but wish I had a few more as I have found a lot of other uses for them. Now as for insight, I have some info on the metal pipes in the cooling system. One of the parts bikes I tore down had a major portion of one end of a pipe rusted past the point of me wanting to re-use it. This was under the hose connection and only short of failing. This engine only had 26k on it and I drained Prestone out of it when I tore it down. So if you have an older model with some miles, I'd suggest take the entire cooling system apart and check it at some point. I'd suggest replacing all the hoses. In my case, the hoses were over 20 years old and Murph has a complete set at reasonable prices. tcars John
 
A man and his tools..... John, Any insights on the type of debris? Or is it just general road grit and gravel? My Katana 600 is air/oil cooled and has a LARGE oil cooler, mounted where a radiator would go though it's not as large and sits higher. My Intruder 1500 oil cooler is the same as the Katana, since it's also air/oil cooled. Most of the oil cooler protective gratings would stop rocks but not this kind of stuff. Perhaps a fine wire mesh would allow enough airflow and still provide the protection you need. David in Jax COG# 7898 NE FL AAD & COG Vendor www.dreamjobresumes.com preparing resumes for COG members and friends I ride a KAWASAKI ZZR1200 - Euro http://www.motorbikestoday.com/reviews/Articles/ZZR1200.htm US http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/roadtests/2002_kawasaki_zzr1200/index.html
 
I spoke with Island Bob (formerly Idaho Bob) about this problem several years ago. His S.O.P. when he bought new C10s was to immediately change the brake pads to HH (I believe) to preserve the rotors and cover the radiator and oil cooler guards with window screen material secured with tie-wraps at the edges of the guards. The screen keeps out nearly all of the road junk and cleans up easily with normal bike washing. He may have also used a fenda-extenda but I don't remember for sure. I should have done the same with my bike 84,000 miles ago....
 
Any insights on the type of debris? David: As for type, a little bit of everything. There were some pieces that were quite large, thus took quite a while to get out. Then I'd have to straighten up the fins I bent to get them out. As to how much road grit, I'd say what you are seeing in the picture is less than 1/6th of what I got out of it. Radiators are next. I've got two and not impressed with either of them. tcars John
 
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