the very late years 351w have a factory oil cooler setup. it has an adapter that goes between the engine and the oil filter that cools the oil. the adapter is connected to the lower radiator hose to allow coolant to flow through the adapter.

theres a few flaws to this system. one flaw is the need for a special oil filter that is much smaller than the regualr filter that is normally used and has a metric thread and is less common. another flaw is added potential for issues such as oil leaks, coolant leaks or even worse coolant mixing with oil. third flaw is the costly lower radiaor hose which usually msut be special ordered if replaced.

while im sure this system does help cool the oil to some degree, i question how much it actually does cool it. the water in the lower hose should only be warm, not hot but how much can warm coolant actually cool oil as it passes through a small sandwich adapter? this is why i am going to do a big air cooled oil cooler

i plan on doing an oil filter relocation kit so i can move the oil filter to an easier to replace and safer location. i have had issues in the past when heavy offroading where the motor mounts would flex enough to let the oil filter hit the frame and damage it.

Owner caption September 2016 · Photo 114 of 426