oil cooler

[thebig450es]

With my build comming up, im thinking of adding an extra oil cooler like four stroke techs. How hard is it? IS it worth getting FST cooler or can i find one cheaper somewhere else. I'll be adding a spal fan also to this.

[Muzzgit]

I would go with the SPAL and shrouds before messing around with a larger cooler.

My 400EX used to get hot in the dunes and simply installing the SPAL fan made a difference.

Shrouds was going to be my next move but I got a Raptor instead. :D

[400man]

well I think the main benefit from the FST cooler is that it runs engine oil from the bottom end up into the cam/topend for alot better oil cooling and lubrication. if it were me i'd look into this kit.

[Pipeless416]

Originally posted by 400man
well I think the main benefit from the FST cooler is that it runs engine oil from the bottom end up into the cam/topend for alot better oil cooling and lubrication. if it were me i'd look into this kit.

the oil line already goes from the bottom end to the top, but the FST cooler cools it in between. if i had to choose between the first option of a bigger oil tank, SPAL fan, scoops, and piggybacking an extra cooler in line with the stock one, or the second option of just an FST cooler, i would choose the second option all day long. I have had all of these except the bigger tank (which just prolongs the heating up process) and now i currently run the FST cooler and the fan. it definitely gets the job done on hot summer days. i had some major heat fade problems before, but not anymore.

Overall:
tapping into the existing oil passages is tricky, but definitely worth it.

[thebig450es]

Iv'e tried the search function, is there part#'s and directoins to do it ur self. Where do you tap for the lines. Thanks

[Pipeless416]

i would email FST for the instructions. i used to have them, but not anymore :( . basically, you need to get 2 3/16" (i think) 90 degree elbows, about 4 feet (to be safe) of oil hose, a drill, a tapping kit, and some jb weld. you tap into the valve cover, right on the big flat part on the right side, and then under where the clutch cable bracket is on the right side case. i can get some pictures if you want.

[Nac's22]

I'd like to see some pics if it wouldn't be a problem.

[Pipeless416]

here's one that shows kind of how its routed

[Pipeless416]

sorry i don't have any close ups, but this will give you an idea of where they go. once the new holes are drilled and tapped, you have to tap some threads into the old oil passage and then block it off with a bolt.

[riotact]

I have a copy of the fst pdf.It wont let me post it here so if you pm me your email Ill send it to you.

[thebig450es]

Thanks for all the info, should it help if i used a spal fan on each cooler

[riotact]

Sent :D

[thebig450es]

Thanks riotact, im looking at jegs for the cooler and found this one....
http://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS-Performance-Products/555/60380/10002/-1?parentProductId=1032941

Which ones are you guys using? Thanks

[tri5ron]

a few months ago there was a thread from a fairly new member, who had done a similar oil cooler installation.
I don't remember his name, and I don't remember exactally when he posted it, but it was within the last 3 months or so.

I do remember that I was VERY impressed with the attention to detail that he exhibited, and the overall professional quality job he had done.

I SEEM to remember that he said he had the oil lines custom made to facilitate the installation. This is what impressed me about him, and I remember thinking that I could do the same, and have the lines custom made from my hydraulic hose supplier.

If any of this rings a bell with some of the members here, and you know witch member I am reffering to, I'd like to see that thread again, and model a cooler installation after his. He did have some pics of the install included in the thread.

It was one of the very few installations I have seen, that I thought was as good or better than Mike's cooler.

I wish I would have saved a link to it.

[400exmxrider15]

Originally posted by tri5ron
a few months ago there was a thread from a fairly new member, who had done a similar oil cooler installation.
I don't remember his name, and I don't remember exactally when he posted it, but it was within the last 3 months or so.

I do remember that I was VERY impressed with the attention to detail that he exhibited, and the overall professional quality job he had done.

I SEEM to remember that he said he had the oil lines custom made to facilitate the installation. This is what impressed me about him, and I remember thinking that I could do the same, and have the lines custom made from my hydraulic hose supplier.

If any of this rings a bell with some of the members here, and you know witch member I am reffering to, I'd like to see that thread again, and model a cooler installation after his. He did have some pics of the install included in the thread.

It was one of the very few installations I have seen, that I thought was as good or better than Mike's cooler.

I wish I would have saved a link to it.

Found something off trx450r.org...pretty good lookin

[tri5ron]

Here is a Very impressive custom cooler w/ spal fans that NacsMXer did a while ago.

http://www.exriders.com/vbb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=391138&perpage=10&highlight=cooler custom lines spal&pagenumber=1

and here is a clean and simple "piggy-back" installation, added to the existing stock cooler.

http://www.exriders.com/vbb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=384244&highlight=cooler+custom+lines+spal

[sneaky11]

This is what we're looking for!

ModifY!!! (http://www.exriders.com/vbb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=446745&perpage=10&highlight=cooler&pagenumber=2)

[tri5ron]

Originally posted by sneaky11
This is what we're looking for!

ModifY!!! (http://www.exriders.com/vbb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=446745&perpage=10&highlight=cooler&pagenumber=2) That's the one !
Deffinately one of the CLEANEST cooler mods I have ever seen done. BRAVO !

[dariusld]

Fst says theirs is the only one that does anything for cooling. Shrouds, bigger coolers, and bigger tanks do nothing, according to them.
Someone's directions cooler (http://webpages.charter.net/tandrus4700/400exCoolerMod.pdf)
Small article with cooler (http://www.off-road.com/atv/review/mickey-dunlaps-four-stroke-tech-honda-400ex-cool-kit-21715.html)

[duroc825]

I bought a fan from Northern Tool for about $5 and have done three races with no problems so far. Figured I'd try it before spending $75 for the SPAL fan. Seems like it helps a bit and I'm only out 5 bucks!

[thebig450es]

Thanks for all the help guys, this thread has alot of great info and links.

[Pipeless416]

Originally posted by dariusld
Fst says theirs is the only one that does anything for cooling. Shrouds, bigger coolers, and bigger tanks do nothing, according to them.
Someone's directions cooler (http://webpages.charter.net/tandrus4700/400exCoolerMod.pdf)
Small article with cooler (http://www.off-road.com/atv/review/mickey-dunlaps-four-stroke-tech-honda-400ex-cool-kit-21715.html)

having a SPAL fan seems to help when doing lower speeds, because it pulls air through the cooler when there would be any airflow otherwise. i do agree that i can't see a bigger cooler making too much of an impact and if you're going to go through the trouble, you might as well have it cool down the oil right before it gets to the head. the FST cooler made a huge difference for me.