Reinstalling Aux. Cooler and Lines- Fill Them?

[KTL]

I'm reinstalling the fender cooler and the lines on my 87 this weekend. Any harm in filling them manually instead of waiting for the thermostat to open and fill them from the tank supply of oil?

Just figured it'd keep the system closer to capacity right away. I guess it's no big deal either way, but just thought i'd ask if there's any potential pitfalls i'm overlooking.

Thanks,

[katigbr]

Kevin,
I thought about the same thing when I installed my nose mounted cooler. In the end I couldn't think of an effective way to fill them without having the oil run out of the thermostat. My Mocal thermostat doesn't "trap" the oil in the lines.

I filled the tank with the standard amount and then waited for the engine to start before adding the "extra" oil needed for the lines and cooler. It probably is going to take a couple of quarts. Mine took an extra 3.

Rick

[Chuck Moreland]

Nothing wrong with filling, unless you spill and have to explain to your boss like I do.

No real reason to pre-fill though. The external thermostat opens slowly beginning about 185 F and fully opening as the termperature climbs. It's not an on-off switch.

So the lines and cooler will fill slowly, while most of the oil goes right to the tank.

Be sure you have fully topped off your oil before you go. It will take 2-3 quarts to fill up the lines and cooler. Then top it off after running it hot. Keep a close watch on the oil level for the next few drives.

[Early_S_Man]

Kevin ... it is hot SCAVENGED oil from the sump that goes through those lines, not oil from the tank! And, there is no reason to pre-fill them at all.