I have a 1992 jeep xj 2dr 4x4 4.0 5 speed with a radiator going springing a leak. I am most likely going to replace it with a 2 row that has the integral tranny cooler. What would be the thoughts on plumbing the unused tranny cooler to act as an engine oil cooler. I thought it would add oil capacity to the engine and help to normalize the temp between the oil and the coolant. My thought is that the oil staying cooler keeps the oil from breaking down as quickly from heat. My main concern would be overtaxing the oil pump. Is the oem oil pump good to flow oil well enough through the bypass and cooler without reducing pressure and flow through the engine. I dont think it will hurt anything but thought it was worth asking and getting some feedback.

 

Are you having thermal breakdown issues?

 

To some degree yes. I dont keep the honey appearance for very long after a fresh oil change. But then again she is a 170,000 mile motor. Mostly just looking to keep her as cool as I can overall.

 

Im assuming youre talking about the in radiator "cooler"?
I guess I dont know what oil normally runs at, but I think keeping it ~210 all the time doesnt sound like too good of an idea...

 

Oil color in itself is not a indicator of thermal breakdown. Air/fuel ratio, how clean/dirty the motor is internally and oil change intervals have more to do with the oil clarity after X miles.

 

Yes.. do it. Why not? Your oil pump won't even notice it. I don't think you should worry about the color of your oil tho.. It's not only lubricating, it's also removing impurities like carbon etc. that your old engine produces. That's why 'new oil' doesn't look new for long.. not cause it's immediatly 'breaking down'. I don't know how you'd hook it up (plumbing) but I know it's done all the time. I'd get 'how to' info on an aftermarket oil cooler for help with that.