Oil Cooler and Second Front Disc Brake

[bigmac103]

I’ve searched the forums (quickly) and haven’t come across any questions about oil cooling or adding a second front disc! The last 2 Z’s I had were in the UK so I didn’t think it was necessary to fit either. The job I have here in Spain is perfect for the ol’girl (Z900A4) or is it? When the summer gets here the temperature can go as high as 47°C. I know it’s cold back home right now but it is a chilly 20°C down here so I’m having to wear a fleece on my way to work!!!
What’s your opinion on adding an oil cooler and/or a second disc brake?

[tlc]

I would say that you don`t need an oil cooler unless you increase the temperature within your engine ! Manufacturers design their motors to run in Florida and in Norway, so unless you tune it there`s no need.

I added a second disc to my KZ1000, does it make it stop any better. Well I locked the front wheel in the dry last summer and nearly came off. That tells me that my tyres are now the weakest link in the chain !

[bigmac103]

Thats very interesting about the brakes. I take your point about the oil cooler, that's £300 you've saved me thanks.

[Jeff Saunders]

You don't want to run an oil cooler unless absolutely necessary.

The problem with oil coolers in the UK is they overcool the engine. You end up with condensation in your oil (the milky white stuff) and tolerances within the engine being out of range.

Additionally, the Zed's run very low oil pressure. When you add a cooler, you are reducing the oil pressure at the top of the engine.

Lastly, depending how a cooler is installed, the oil will drain out of the cooler back into the sump - when you start the bike, oil have to be pumped through the hoses, the cooler and eventually it makes its way to the engine... not good.... so NEVER install a cooler with the oil feeds at the BOTTOM of the cooler...