Any car is equipped with a lubrication system. But it also requires cooling. For greater efficiency, an oil cooler is used on the machines. UAZ "Patriot" is also equipped with it. What is this element? Let's look at the device and features of the oil cooler.
What is it for?
The operation of the internal combustion engine is based on energy conversion - an explosion of the fuel-air mixture pushes the piston down. This is how the working move takes place. However, not all energy is converted into mechanical energy.
Part of the heat is transferred to the cylinder walls. Of course, we can mention the cooling system. After all, it is antifreeze that does not allow the engine to boil. However, heat is also transmitted to the oil. Overheating of lubricants must not be allowed. With temperature, the viscosity of the oil changes. This entails unpleasant consequences.
To prevent overheating of the lubricant, use an oil radiator. UAZ-3163 is equipped with it already from the factory. The characteristics of the device can eliminate overheating of the lubricant in off-road driving conditions.
Why is it so important to observe the temperature regime?
When the oil overheats, its properties change. An increase in the temperature of the liquid entails the destruction of additives and the formation of deposits inside the oil jacket.
The consistency becomes more fluid. As a result, part of the oil leaves through the sealing elements - gaskets and seals. The fluid level in the engine gradually drops. The motorist asks the question: “Why did the motor eat more oil?” The answer is quite simple - the fluid works at elevated temperatures. However, do not exclude wear on the
oil scraper rings and crankshaft oil seals. This is especially true for the rear seal. Its replacement is a rather laborious process, therefore, many motorists put up with this problem and drive, constantly adding oil to the engine. But let's not be distracted from the topic.
Do you need a radiator in an UAZ?
Many cars are not equipped with such a device as an oil cooler, including the UAZ-452. In general, sports cars are equipped with such an element, the engines of which are subjected to significant loads.
But do not forget that UAZ is a terrain vehicle. In 90 percent of cases, it is bought for operation in the absence of roads. Accordingly, when driving off-road, the engine and gearbox will work with loads. Add to this the low power (120-150 "horses") of the motor itself and get oil overheating. Yes, this problem was taken into account at the
Ulyanovsk Automobile Plant. So, the crankcase began to be equipped with additional ribs. But this did not give a significant effect.
Using an external heat exchanger (such as an oil cooler), the UAZ Hunter was no longer exposed to oil overheating. His temperature was in the normal, working range.
About design
This device is a standard cooling radiator, which includes a tubular coil with additional fins. The item looks like in the photo below.
As you can see, the oil radiator (UAZ "Partiot" including) has a lot of fins. An element is installed in front of the main cooling radiator on special brackets. Also, the design of the device includes a fitting, tubes and valve oil cooler. UAZ is equipped with a fitting with a restriction valve. One tube goes to the oil supply, the second to the drain. Often car owners complain about a tap leak. But this problem is solved by using a building fum tape. Oil pressure is normalized, leaks are excluded.
Benefits of using
Is it profitable to put an oil cooler on an UAZ ? Owner reviews note the following benefits:
- Possibility of additional oil cooling. This has a positive effect on engine life and performance.
- Low cost device. Oil radiator (UAZ "Patriot") costs about one and a half to two thousand rubles.
- Easy to install. If you go to put an element on old UAZ models, you will have no difficulties. The whole procedure can be done with your own hands. In addition, ready-made kits with all the necessary brackets are sold.
disadvantages
Now about the cons that the oil cooler has.
UAZ after installing this mechanism will require a greater amount of lubrication, as the volume of the system as a whole will increase. The efficiency of the heat exchanger is achieved only at speed. At idle, the oil cooler is ineffective - fins on the crankcase are just as successful.
And the last drawback is the vulnerability of the system. The oil cooler should be installed wherever it is damaged. Otherwise, a breakdown of the heat exchanger will provoke a leak of liquid, and, as a result, oil starvation.
Therefore, the optimal location for the mechanism is in front of the main radiator.
How to replace?
Consider the process of installing an additional heat exchanger using the UAZ Patriot SUV as an example. First, note that it is not necessary to drain oil from the system. The radiator is connected to the engine lubrication system through rubber hoses secured with clamps. To remove the device, you need a 12 key and a minus screwdriver.
So, let's get to work. To begin with, we unscrew the radiator grill and four bolts of the heat exchanger shield. Next, unscrew the side shield with an open-end wrench. We take both elements out and put them in a dry place.
Next, unscrew the two bolts that secure the oil cooler. UAZ continues to stand still. Then we take out the heat exchanger from the seat. To finally remove the radiator, proceed to disassemble the hoses. We need a minus screwdriver. Unscrew the clamps - first the top, then the bottom. Next, remove the tubes from the system. We take out the heat exchanger assembly. The installation process is performed in the reverse order. In time, the entire operation takes from 15 to 30 minutes.
Useful advice
When dismantling the element, it should be noted that the temperature of the oil in working condition is about 90 degrees.
Therefore, we do the work strictly on a cooled engine. If time does not allow, we carry out the procedure with fabric gloves. Also pay attention to the time of removal of the hoses. Oil may spill out of them. To prevent leakage, keep the hoses in the highest position when dismounting.
Can the radiator be repaired?
The oil heat exchanger device allows repair work in case of breakdown.
The holes can be sealed. However, experts note that it is not worth doing repairs on an oil cooler. Repair location may leak again. Therefore, if your oil level starts to disappear and you find a crack or breakdown, such a heat exchanger should be replaced as a whole. Moreover, its price does not exceed two thousand rubles.
Instead of a conclusion
So, we found out what an oil cooler is. As you can see, this is by no means a useless thing. It maintains an optimum engine oil temperature. This radiator is especially useful in off-road conditions, when the engine suffers tremendous loads.