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MG MGB Technical - Oil Cooler on 77 MGB ?

Hi:

I'm currently restoring a 77 mgb roadster, North American model, this car did not have an oil cooler fitted when new, should I fit one now?

Gary

It depends. It is my understanding that they may no longer be needed because of advances in oil technology. I did fit one to a bebuilt 18V engine (60 over, 717 Kent cam) and it occasionally engages, I say ocassionally because I also fitted an oil thermostat in the line.

Living in Canada, you probably should consider a thermostat so that the oil reaches its operating temperature.

rn
RN Lipow

that's "rebuilt"...
RN Lipow

There is some doubt as to whether the oil cooler was ommitted due to advances in oil technology or reductions in cost accounting .
S Best

The Parts Catalogue indicates that the cooler was fitted as standard to all models at the end of production.

The word is that it became standard because of concerns about low hot running oil pressure. The cooler makes a significant difference on my V8 where one can watch the pressure drop from as much as 35 psi immediately after running on a cold day to 20 when left idling for a few minutes, especially as it has the electric fans allowing the water temperature to rise. In summer it can drop to 15 psi. However the roadster doesn't show a similar drop unless it is left a very long time on a very warm day. But not even the V8 shows much difference in running pressures, hot or cold, immediately after a long idle or a long run in free air. If you don't see a similar drop you probably don't need one. But if you do see the drop it may benefit in hot weather, and so will a stat in cold weather.
Paul Hunt

My ex-californian '75 didn't have one either, but they are easy enough to fit and I put one on mostly because I felt it didn't look right without one. I also felt that it would have to extend the life of the oil and hence engine, though I was probably rationalizing.
wrt the thermostat, nice if you can afford one, but if you become concerned there is always the uption clipping a cover over the oil cooler in the winter
peter

My understanding was that it was a standard fitment on the late models, whether it is needed or not will probably depend on how you drive and what your climate is. It is also worth noting that the crankcase in the MGB is sheltered from the airstream by the front crossmember more than in most cars so you aren't getting as much cooling there.
Although mine has one fitted as standard I have serious doubts as to whether it is needed in the Scottish climate, and I usually run with it blanked off in the cooler months.
Oil running too cool can damage the engine but I'm not all that convinced that these aftermarket thermostats are any good.
Ron
R. Algie

I have added one on my 1980 B. It's an easy add-on and you can always cover it if the weather gets too cold. If you are near Calgary, send me an E mail and you can come have a look see at mine. Dave.
Dave Pearn

As an extra to Ron Algie's comment. I also live in Ayrshire and I have an oil thermostat on my oil cooler. It is supposed to open at 85 celcius. The stat almost never opens the cooler into the circuit in this climate. I often open the bonnet at my journey's end and check the cooler pipes - almost always cold. Even when in the south of England, it needs to be a really warm day (like 24 celcius plus) before the cooler starts getting used. I conclude therefore that it isn't necessary in temperate zones. I also used to have a 1275 midget, and that really did need an oil cooler. Oil pressure improved dramatically after I fitted one.

Mike
Mike Howlett

This thread was discussed between 08/05/2004 and 10/05/2004

MG MGB Technical index

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