How To Install An Engine Oil Cooler

How To Install An Engine Oil Cooler

If you’re anything like me, nothing gets your heart beating faster than wrenching on a project car and squeezing out extra performance while keeping things reliable. Let’s be honest—nobody likes watching oil temps creep higher on spirited drives or track days. You might have even smelled overheated oil once (yeah, that burnt toast smell but way worse). That’s when it hit me: installing an engine oil cooler isn’t just a “cool add-on”—it’s a must for protecting your engine and unlocking consistent performance.

So if you feel your car running hotter than you’d like or you’re prepping for some long summer highway runs or towing missions, today’s guide has your back. Grab a drink, maybe a garage mat, and let’s dive in together, enthusiast to enthusiast.

Why Bother With an Engine Oil Cooler?

If you’re reading this, you probably already suspect that engine oil temps matter. But allow me to reinforce just how crucial this upgrade really is.

Hot oil thins out. Thinner oil = weaker lubrication and higher wear. Ever heard rod bearing knock? Not fun.

Installing an oil cooler helps:

• Reduce oil degradation
• Maintain consistent viscosity
• Improve engine longevity
• Increase performance stability

The cooler kicks in especially when:

• Towing heavy loads
• Climbing hills
• Racing or spirited driving
• Running high-compression or turbo engines

I installed my first kit when prepping for a track session. The temp needle used to flirt with the danger zone—after installing the cooler, it barely moved. And IMO, that peace of mind alone was worth the effort.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Oil Cooler Kit

Before grabbing tools, make sure you’re working with the right kit. Here’s what you should look for:

Universal vs. Vehicle-Specific Kits

Universal kits are flexible and often cheaper but require more planning.
Vehicle-specific kits fit like Lego pieces but cost more.

Ask yourself—am I comfortable improvising brackets and hose routes? If not, specific kits are your best friend.

Plate vs. Tube-Style Coolers

Oil coolers generally come in two flavors:

• Tube-and-fin coolers: Good for budget builds and light loads
• Stacked plate coolers: Better heat dissipation and durability

If you push your engine hard, stacked plate coolers are worth it.

Size and Placement

More rows = more cooling capacity.
But don’t go oversized—restricted oil flow is the last thing you want.

A medium 10–13 row cooler works for most street builds. Performance track setups may push into 19+ rows with thermostatic control.

Pro Tip: Look for a kit with a thermostat-controlled sandwich plate so the oil isn’t too cold during normal driving.

Step 2: Prepping Your Workspace and Tools

Installing an oil cooler isn’t brain surgery, but being prepared makes the job smoother.

Here’s a basic tool list:

• Socket set and wrenches
• Hose cutter
• Screwdrivers
• Oil drip pan
• Thread sealant
• Zip ties or P-clamps
• Torque wrench
• Fresh oil and filter

Also, set aside a couple of hours. Don’t rush. This is your engine’s lifeline we’re talking about.

Step 3: Mounting the Cooler Itself

Now we’re into the fun stuff—the hands-on part.

Pick an Ideal Location

Popular spots include:

• In front of the radiator
• Behind the bumper grille
• Along the lower core support

You want:

• Good airflow
• Safe distance from debris
• Minimal risk of heat soak from exhaust components

I’ve personally mounted mine right behind the bumper grille—it gets excellent airflow without being directly exposed.

Bracket Fabrication and Mounting

Most kits include brackets, but universal kits may demand creativity.

Mount the cooler so:

• It’s secure and flat
• Lines won’t kink
• Vibration won’t wear through aluminum

Use rubber grommets if possible to prevent stress fractures.

Step 4: Installing the Sandwich Plate Adapter

This part connects the cooler to the engine’s oil system.

Removing the Oil Filter

Place a drip pan under your filter and unscrew it. Expect some oil runoff.

Installing the Sandwich Plate

Slide it onto the engine block. Make sure:

• O-ring surfaces are clean
• The plate is oriented correctly
• Ports face outward for hose routing

Torque it down per manufacturer specs—not hand-tight, not Hulk strength.

Key Takeaway: A thermostatic sandwich plate is gold because it allows oil to bypass the cooler until it reaches operating temp.

Step 5: Selecting and Routing Hoses

Hose routing is where neatness and forethought really pay off.

Types of Hoses

Good kits use:

• Braided stainless steel
• High-temp AN line

Avoid rubber-only lines—they degrade faster and risk leaks.

Routing Guidelines

Your hose route should:

• Avoid sharp bends
• Stay away from exhaust heat
• Not rub against moving parts

Secure lines with:

• P-clips
• Insulated clamps
• Zip ties as backup (but don’t rely on them)

Run hose A from the sandwich plate to the cooler inlet, and hose B from the cooler outlet back to the sandwich plate.

Important: Follow marking direction if your cooler has directional flow.

Step 6: Tightening Fittings and Leak Prevention

A dry connection is a happy connection.

Check that:

• AN fittings are seated properly
• Thread sealant is applied where recommended
• Hoses are firmly attached

Do not overtighten AN fittings—they seal with compression, not brute force.

Step 7: Priming the System and Checking Oil Level

Before firing up the engine, add a little extra oil to compensate for cooler volume—usually 0.25–0.5 quarts.

Priming Tips

• Fill hoses lightly before installation
• Pre-fill the cooler if accessible

This prevents dry starts—absolutely essential for engine longevity.

Step 8: Testing for Leaks and Flow

Now it’s showtime. Start the engine and let it idle.

What are you watching for?

• Oil pressure warning lights
• Hose vibration
• Leaks around fittings and sandwich plate

Let it run a few minutes. As oil heats up, thermostat opens and oil begins flowing to the cooler. Touch the cooler gently—it should warm slowly.

If everything looks solid, shut the engine off and recheck fluid level.

Step 9: Securing Everything for the Long Haul

Once leak test passes, tidy up your install.

• Zip tie loose sections
• Protect hoses near metal edges
• Check that nothing contacts the fan or belts

I like to do a quick visual inspection after first drive AND after a week—just paranoia talking but it’s saved me once 😅.

Common Installation Mistakes to Avoid

Here are avoidable pitfalls that bite beginners:

• Mounting cooler too low (bye-bye airflow)
• Routing hoses near exhaust (melt city)
• Skipping thread sealant (leak fiesta)
• Not priming oil flow (dry starts—ouch)

If you dodge these, you’re well ahead of the curve.

Maintenance After Installation

Congrats—you’ve installed your cooler! But now what?

Checking your system regularly ensures it performs like day one.

What to Inspect

• Hose clamps tightness
• AN fitting wear
• Cooler fins clogged with debris

Cleaning

Occasionally spray cooler fins with compressed air to remove bugs and dirt.

Oil Change Adjustment

Because extra oil volume cycle exists, you may need:

• Slightly more oil per service
• Longer warm-up times before spirited driving

A performance gauge for oil temp is a great upgrade—it lets you see the cooler working in real time.

Benefits You’ll Notice Right Away

The moment you drive with an oil cooler, you’ll feel:

• Improved throttle consistency
• Less heat soak
• Better power retention over long runs

Your oil will also stay cleaner and fresher longer, meaning fewer engine deposits and reduced wear.

When I installed mine, I especially noticed how much steadier temps were when pushing up steep mountain roads. No panic glances at the gauge, just smooth pulling all the way up.

Is This a DIY Job for Everyone?

Most enthusiastic wrench swingers can tackle this with patience and planning. But ask yourself:

• Do I understand basic plumbing and fittings?
• Am I comfortable drilling brackets?
• Do I have access to torque specs?

If not, there’s no shame in handing it to a mechanic. Better a pro installs it than you risk an oil starvation failure.

Final Thoughts — Enjoy the Cooler Confidence

Installing an engine oil cooler is one of those upgrades that rewards you immediately and long-term. You get cooler temps, longer oil life, smoother performance, and protection against nasty heat failures.

Today you learned:

• Why oil coolers matter
• What kit to choose
• How to mount and plumb the system
• How to test and maintain it

So grab your tools, plan your route, and dive in. Whether you’re prepping for mountains, track days, towing, or just want peace of mind, this mod pays you back every time you start the engine.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a cooler flush and inspection waiting in the garage. Your move—ready to wrench?