An oil cooler can enhance the performance and lifespan of you or your customer’s machine. But why should you consider an aftermarket oil cooler?
This guide covers everything you need to know about aftermarket oil cooler replacements.
We’ve asked our team of shop technicians to weigh in. So that the next time you’re considering a replacement, you’ll have all the details to make the right choice!
Now, let’s get into everything you need to know about aftermarket oil coolers.
This Post Covers:
- What is an industrial oil cooler?
- Are there different oil coolers for engine oil vs. hydraulic fluid?
- How does an oil cooler work?
- What is the importance of an oil cooler?
- What are the different styles of oil coolers
- What is an air to oil cooler?
- What are the benefits of an aftermarket oil cooler?
- What are the signs that you need a new oil cooler?
- Is an aftermarket oil cooler worth it?
- What makes West End Radiators oil coolers unique?
- High Quality Aftermarket Oil Coolers Available For Shipping Across Canada & The U.S.
What is an industrial oil cooler?
An industrial oil cooler is an important device that controls the temperature of engine oil and/or hydraulic fluid.
It ensures optimal performance and extends the engine’s lifespan.
Because oil coolers reduce the temperature of oil and hydraulic fluid used in heavy machinery, they prevent overheating and promote efficient engine operation.
Are there different oil coolers for engine oil vs. hydraulic fluid?
Yes, there are different oil coolers for engine oil and hydraulic fluid.
Why?
Because oil coolers designed for engine oil can be used at different pressures and temperatures than oil coolers designed for hydraulic fluid.
Usually, oil coolers for hydraulic fluid work at higher pressures. Whereas oil coolers for engine oil operate at lower pressures.
How does an oil cooler work?
As the engine runs, the oil absorbs heat. If the engine is running at high speeds or operating in extreme temperatures, the heat generated can exceed the oil’s ability to dissipate it. This causes it to become overly hot.
If the oil becomes excessively hot, it can cause increased wear and potentially damage the engine.
An oil cooler helps by transferring heat from the oil to another fluid, typically coolant or air. This process lowers the oil’s temperature before it returns to the engine.
What is the importance of an oil cooler?
Simply put, oil coolers keep engine oil at an optimal temperature.
Therefore, oil coolers ensure engines don’t overheat, even under extreme conditions.
What are the different styles of oil coolers
Oil coolers come in three distinct styles:
1. Tube & Bundle
In a tube & bundle oil cooler, oil flows through a bundle of tubes. Simultaneously, cooling fluid circulates around the tubes. Heat transfers from the oil to the cooling fluid through the tube walls.
2. Plate
A plate oil cooler has stacked plates with passages for oil and cooling fluid to flow through. As the hot oil moves through, the cooling fluid flows in the opposite direction, taking heat away from the oil.
3. Tube & Fin Style
In a tube & fin oil cooler, oil flows through the tubes. While air or water flows through the fins to carry the heat away.
At West End Rad, We carry all 3 styles and manufacture tube and fin style oil coolers in-house at our aluminum manufacturing plant.
Our in-house manufacturing allows us to customize the oil cooler to fit your machine’s exact needs.
What is an air to oil cooler?
Like the name suggests, an air to oil cooler is a type of heat exchanger that uses air to remove the excess heat from oil.
Air to oil coolers work by sending the oil through a network of tubes and fins. These tubes and fins increase the surface area exposed to the air.
As air flows through the cooler, it carries away heat from the oil. This helps to keep it at an optimal temperature.
What are the benefits of an aftermarket oil cooler?
Aftermarket oil coolers have several benefits.
Here are a few of the key advantages:
1. Durability
Aftermarket oil coolers use higher quality materials than the OEM. As a result, they are more capable of withstanding the extremes of heavy-duty industries.
2. Improved Cooling Efficiency
Aftermarket oil coolers dissipate heat quickly. Therefore, they reduce the risk of your engine overheating. And they help extend your engine’s lifespan
3. Customizability
If choosing an aftermarket oil cooler, you will likely be able to customize it. Just like we offer here at West End Rad. can custom manufacture you an all-aluminum oil cooler and tailor it to your specific needs and equipment’s specifications.
We’ve custom built aftermarket oil coolers for a range of industries, including;
What are the signs that you need a new oil cooler?
A damaged oil cooler can cause a range of issues that may affect your machine’s performance and potentially lead to more significant engine problems.
There are several signs that you may need to replace your oil cooler.
Here’s what to watch out for:
- Leaking oil
- Overheating engine
- Reduced engine performance
- Unusual engine noises
- Discolored oil
Is an aftermarket oil cooler worth it?
Yes! Aftermarket oil coolers have a lot to offer. Especially if you work in an extreme environment like mining, oil & gas or construction.
Aftermarket oil coolers can be customized to fit the exact needs of your industry. As we do here at West End Rad in our aluminum manufacturing plant.
What makes West End Radiators oil coolers unique?
There are three main factors that make our oil coolers stand out from the OEM:
1. We are the only aluminum oil cooler manufacturers in Western Canada
Our in-house aluminum manufacturing plant means we can custom-manufacture heavy-duty aluminum oil coolers built for your exact needs.
2. Our oil coolers are ready in half the time
Our aluminum can be ready within 1-3 business days from estimate sign-off.
3. We carry high-quality seal kits in our warehouse
We supply new high-quality replacement seal kits for all CAT tube bundle coolers.
High Quality Aftermarket Oil Coolers Available For Shipping Across Canada & The U.S.
We are proud to serve radiator shops, fleet owner-operators and small to medium sized mechanic shops across Western Canada.
Our high-quality aftermarket oil coolers can be customized to meet your work extremes. You can rely on our dedicated team to provide you with top-quality oil coolers that meet your exact needs.
Curious about what aftermarket oil coolers are available in Western Canada? Contact our team for more information.
Toll-free: 1-877-RAD-CORE (723-2673)
Winnipeg: 1-204-633-5648
Estevan: 1-306-634-2055
Saskatoon: 1-306-934-7005
