oil cooler upgrade?

Discussion in 'Mechanics Garage' started by Chris71Mach1, Aug 11, 2011.

  1. Chris71Mach1

    Chris71Mach1 Insider

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    So after seeing other threads around where people have attributed the running temp of their viffers to the small oil coolers that they come with, I'm wondering if anybody has found a larger oil cooler suitable (and able to even fit on) one of the 2nd gen bikes. I find that it is already bigger than the one on the 5th gen (man i have NO idea why Honda put such a small oil cooler on those bikes), and seemingly the same size as the 6th gen oil cooler, but I'd still like to look into the possibility of something bigger that can either fit right in, or be made to fit with relatively little mauling/modification to the brackets.
     
  2. matt1986vf500f

    matt1986vf500f New Member

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    I do know that the 00-01 RC51 coolers will fit on fifth gens not sure if it all bolt to other models.
     
  3. Singer732

    Singer732 New Member

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  4. Chris71Mach1

    Chris71Mach1 Insider

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    And while I'm on the subject, does anybody know the total coolant capacity on the 2nd gen VFR's?
     
  5. Chris71Mach1

    Chris71Mach1 Insider

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    funny thing, those are actually the 2 threads that I've been reading that kinda inspired this thread to begin with. I took a long, hard look at both the RC51 and the GSXR1000 oil coolers that are pictured in the "RC51 oil cooler on 5th gen HOW-TO" thread, and it doesnt look like either will work for a 2nd gen VFR. I am just looking to throw down yet another small project on my 87 in an effort to improve it just a little bit more....
     
  6. Spike

    Spike New Member

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    what is the difference in size?

     
  7. Singer732

    Singer732 New Member

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    I was doing a little research on-line and found these guys.

    Jagg and Setrab USA

    They have a whole range of oil coolers in different sizes w/ different fittings and inlet/outlet placement. I'm thinking about doing a custom setup based on one of these. I'm just not sure how much increased oil cooling is enough and when you get to "too much". Their radiator cores are built like a water radiator with tanks on either side. That would increase the amount of oil in the system by probably a little less than a quart (eyeball measurement) and that would have some effect on the systems ability to move heat also. Under hard acceleration that should be good, because the oil system would absorb a lot of heat initially. A degree in automotive(motorcycle) engineering would be helpful right now.
    Anyway that's what I'm thinkin' so far.


    :cool::cool::cool::cool:
     
  8. Chris71Mach1

    Chris71Mach1 Insider

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  9. Chris71Mach1

    Chris71Mach1 Insider

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    ok this is the first attempt ive made at posting pics like this, but here are 2 pretty good pics of the stock 2nd gen VFR oil cooler...not the worst in the world, but FAR from the best, and theres a lot of room for improvement....maybe sending these pics to that Jagg and Setrab website might yield some results
     

    Attached Files:

  10. matt1986vf500f

    matt1986vf500f New Member

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    The later year were mounted differently on the bike and the fittings are turned and makes it were the stock OC lines won't work on it.
     
  11. Rangerscott

    Rangerscott New Member

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    There is a 400 fourwheeler oil cooler i had my eyes on before finding a rc51 cooler. Its about the same size but I cant remember the connections. I'll see if I can find the model again.
     
  12. Chris71Mach1

    Chris71Mach1 Insider

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    hey Rangerscott, in the thread where you upgraded your oil cooler, I noticed you posted a pic of an oil cooler from a GSXR1000.....do you still have that cooler laying around, and if so, is there any way you could measure the mounting points (center to center on the bolt holes in the mounts). I'm looking at that oil cooler and thinking that using the oil pan ends of the VFR oil cooler lines, and splicing those to the cooler ends of the GSXR cooler lines, that GSXR 1000 oil cooler (and half the lines) may just be the solution for this. once we get this figured out, I'll write up a thread with a step-by-step howto on getting this upgrade done.
     
  13. Rangerscott

    Rangerscott New Member

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    To be honest I think the gsxr cooler would be too much. The RC51 cools too much during the winter/fall on my 5th gen. I have to cover most of it up. I'll try to get the measurements tomorrow. PM me to remind me.
     
  14. matt1986vf500f

    matt1986vf500f New Member

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    What are your engine temps when spirited riding?
     
  15. NorcalBoy

    NorcalBoy Member

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    Oil Cooler Build-Off Competition!




    .
     
  16. NorcalBoy

    NorcalBoy Member

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    Winner!, you just asked the right question.






    .
     
  17. Spike

    Spike New Member

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  18. Spike

    Spike New Member

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    surprised you have to cover part of it up, unless you are riding in super low temps. I would think it would take a few minutes longer to get to operating temp, but not that much longer. Or were you not reaching temp at all? Or was it just riding rough for more than you liked?

     
  19. Rangerscott

    Rangerscott New Member

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    Super cool. :cool:


    Well. It's been 3 digit temps for the last 30 days or so. It's hard to tell since even the air is hot. Yesterday it was 103F. While on the high way, temp was showing high 180/low 190's I think. Maybe mid 190's.

    The bike still gets in the 200's while slow riding and stopped. You can't avoid that.

    The problem is it cools too much even if the outside temp is in the 70's. It does get annoying having to block it off, then you're riding through town so you have to stop and take it off, then your back on the highway and you have to cover it back up. I usually block off half of it.


    I'm thinking of getting a Delta 12v computer fan. These things are VERY strong and pull a LOT of air for being a PC fan. They can easily slice your finger off and they are very LOUD! The only problem would be bugs/grime. There's really not a way to keep them off since you cant fit it on the backside of the cooler since there is little clearance.

    Welcome to Delta Electronics, Inc. - Components

    12 Delta fans! - YouTube
     
  20. tinkerinWstuff

    tinkerinWstuff Administrator Staff Member

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    Any additional oil cooling would be a problem on my 3rd gen as it runs very cool 3 seasons out of the year.
     
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