Right, I've used the search function and found no definitive answer to what I'm looking for, so here's to a new post....

I'm looking to fit an oil cooler to my 1800 zetec GTS (still in the build process). I know for a fact and from reading on here that the zetec likes to run oil a bit warmer than most engines, and as such I want to get a thermostatic sandwich plate which only lets the oil through when it reaches a certain temperature, yes?

I already have the Mocal oil cooler sat boxed in the garage, so I'l going to need the thermostatic sandwich plate and conecting pipework.

But there's more....

I'm currently running a small oil filter, as the steering column runs rather close to the block, and think that a standard escort/mondeo filter would fowl the column, something I'm not keen on. So, what I thought I'd do is try and incorporate a filter relocation unit at the same time as pumbing in the cooler. What is required for this though, apart from the relocation housing unit and two additional pipes? I'd probably want to put the oil temperature thermostat for the dashboard guage in somewhere as well, could I combine all three at the same time?

Any ideas/suggestions, pics, or general pointing in the right direction for parts would be greatly appreciated. I remember seeing in the Merlin Motorsport catalogue some bits, but can't now find it for love nor money.

I have a remote oil filter mounting running standard filter to clear the steering shaft, there is no need for a cooler as the engine needs hot oil.

If I was to run a cooler I would test it first with a temperature gauge.

My ST170 engine had a small water cooled jacket just behind the filter (which I'm not using now) but standard zetecs do not run or need a cooler.

[Edited on 25/11/09 by coozer]

Pics are of Franky's car but principle will be the same


oil system top view

Bits are available from Merlinmotorsport or Think auto amongst others.

I was told that my Mocal thermostat sandwich plate opens at about 79 degrees.

Mark