Leave the thermostat, bring the cooler.

[sumran]

After recent oil cooler discussions, I am thinking about dumping my thermostat and getting a GS-style cover. Are there any known issues with such a conversion?

I understand it might slow warm up in the winter. Maybe I could get one of those tough-looking radiator covers with Taz on it like the truck drivers use.

[kstoo]

I just bought the filter cover that replaces the thermostat and eliminates the oil cooler but I am reconsidering. I was told that because I live in Wisconsin I should never need the oil cooler on my RS but I don't feel comfortable with that. I am going to return those parts in exchange for the T-stat-less cover that plumbs in the oil cooler. I really like your suggestion; if the engine tends to run too cool then cover the oil cooler until it is needed on that hot day stuck in traffic ... only I would get one of those tough looking radiator covers with the sharks teeth on it!

[sumran]

I looked at the parts fiche for both models. Oil filter is the same part number. Oil cooler pipe and banjo bolts are the same part numbers. I expect it would bolt up without any problems. The hose length is the only remaining question in my mind.

[Boxerkuh]

I live in South Carolina and never had any problems running the oil cooler without the thermostat. You are in Florida and should even have less worries...

[brickrider]

I had a 1983 R100RT with air cooler. The thermostat opened only when the oil temperature rose above a specific value determined as harmful by the factory engineers. It closed at the lowest end of those values, and partially opened at an infinite number of points in between. Admittedly, changing the oil filter was more of a pain, but why would you want to throw away the benefits?

When the hot oil started flowing through the radiator, the heat would flow up the forks, over the tank and right into my face. On hot days it was stifling at times. The thought that the oil was actually shedding that much internal engine heat made the discomfort tolerable.

It's your engine, but you might want to think twice before going through with this.

Ride Safely,
BrickRider

[sumran]

I had a 1983 R100RT with air cooler. The thermostat opened only when the oil temperature rose above a specific value determined as harmful by the factory engineers. It closed at the lowest end of those values, and partially opened at an infinite number of points in between. Admittedly, changing the oil filter was more of a pain, but why would you want to throw away the benefits?

When the hot oil started flowing through the radiator, the heat would flow up the forks, over the tank and right into my face. On hot days it was stifling at times. The thought that the oil was actually shedding that much internal engine heat made the discomfort tolerable.

It's your engine, but you might want to think twice before going through with this.

Ride Safely,
BrickRider

Thanks for your input and note of caution. Much of the value of this forum is to think through things before jumping in. I am not planning on getting rid of the cooler. Only considering removing the thermostat from the system, like the later models.

As mentioned by Boxerkuh, it is a rare day in Florida when the t-stat wouldn't be open. The only potential problems would be installation diffficulties or overcooling. I am not concerned about overcooling. With my fairing setup, any heat from the cooler would be directed down, unless I was not moving.

[kstoo]

As I continued to look into this I finally realized that my 1988 R100RT had no thermostat and had been running for as long as I owned it (9 years) with the oil cooler active at all times. The PO had converted this and I just thought that that was what was on newer monoshock RT's. I never had any issues with running too cold or too hot. I am gonna do the same conversion on my RS.