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Has anyone installed an oil cooler, or transmission cooler (Aftermarket)

Discussion in 'Prime Accessories and Modifications' started by Hoan, Nov 24, 2021.

  1. Hoan

    Hoan Junior Member

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    I have a 2020 Prius Prime/ I want to add an external oil cooler, and transmission oil cooler kit. Has anyone done this yet?
     
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  2. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    Nope;).

    Any reason why you want to:whistle:?

    Good luck and if you proceed, share the results (y).
     
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  3. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    For an engine oil cooler, I would look at one that mounted on the oil filter location and relocated the actual filter, assuming your Prius has a canister filter.
    https://images.app.goo.gl/nwmQTjUZsx1B668TA
    (Sample image)

    There is a fluid to fluid heat exchanger for the transaxle ATF already. (The pump only turns when the engine is on, not in EV mode)
     
    #3 JimboPalmer, Nov 24, 2021
    Last edited: Nov 24, 2021
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    you'd be better off with a battery cooler, and a protective screen for the existing radiators from rock damage, unless prime has upgraded this area
     
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  5. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    Absolutely a BAD idea.

    Unless maybe you are planning to tow a semi-trailer or run in an actual competitive race.......or have some other way to operate the vehicle that FAR exceeds it's basic capability.

    Otherwise, doing that might cause it to operate at a temperature BELOW the design spec's and that might cause a build up of water or sludge and would do more harm than good.

    Vehicles that have those devices are designed for them from the ground up.
     
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  6. pghyndman

    pghyndman Active Member

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    Wow, gave me flashbacks of VW/Porsche dune buggies and kit cars. Those were air cooled engines and did benefit from the added cooling and increased oil capacity, but on a Prius Prime? Say what?!?


    AIr cooled kit car (built during my gear head days)

    29 Benz SS.jpg
     
  7. MTN

    MTN Active Member

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    No.
    Why?
     
  8. Bill Norton

    Bill Norton Senior Member

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    What makes you think the oil runs hotter than the engine coolant?
    And if you live in Tucson that may happen, when climbing mountains, but what makes you think it's a problem for the synthetic oil the engine uses?
    If anything you'd want a coolant-to-oil heat exchanger to help get the oil up to temp quicker. Too cold oil is a problem.

    The transaxle already has a coolant system.
     
  9. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    And what exactly makes you think that the oil is NOT hotter than the coolant ??
    It's a design thing, along with simple physics.
    The oil will ALWAYS be hotter than the coolant.......because it is physically closer to the combustion chambers.
     
  10. MTN

    MTN Active Member

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    "ALWAYS"...?
    During warm up of an ICE, coolant gains heat much faster usually, simply due to the specific heat of water vs oil.
     
  11. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    I failed to find a relocation setup but did find a sandwich plate setup by a hobbyist

    The 2zrfe external oil filter conversion | Toyota Nation Forum



    "Check out this DIY on how to change over to the 2016 oil filter setup:

    http://www.armstrongfamilyblog.com/armstrong-racing

    Conversion part numbers:

    Bracket - 15609-0T060
    O-rings - 96723-24020
    Union - 90904-04006
    Filter - 90915-YZZF2

    Oil cooler parts:

    1) Thermostatic oil sandwich plate (185)/$165 - Mishimoto Thermostatic Oil Sandwich Plate

    2) 10 row oil cooler/$125 - Universal 10-Row Oil Cooler

    3) (2)Sandwich plate fittings/$24 - Sandwich Plate Fitting M20 x -10AN

    4) Sandwich plate adapter for Toyota/$22 - Stainless Steel Sandwich Plate Adapter, 3/4 -16UNF

    5) (2)5ft stainless steel braided hoses/$180 - 5ft Stainless Steel Braided Hose w/ -10AN Fittings

    Of course you may be able to find oil cooler lines and fittings cheaper elsewhere, but at least now you have an idea whats needed."
     
  12. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    Ridiculous assertion.
    And what exactly is "specific heat" ?
    I think you are blowing smoke.
     
  13. MTN

    MTN Active Member

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  14. Bill Norton

    Bill Norton Senior Member

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    I had a car with a coolant temp and oil temp gauge, You?
    Can you post any data on your statement?
    The Prius will need an add-on oil temp sensor, right?
     
  15. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    If you are going to spend the time doing a search, you should scan ALL of the information that it gives back:

    .......than if you were just using oil alone.

    As a general rule of thumb, after the car is warmed up, oil tends to be a few degrees warmer than the coolant (usually 10-15 degrees Fahrenheit).
     
  16. MTN

    MTN Active Member

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    You said ALWAYS

    and I proved you incorrect. Specific heat of liquids is "simple physics" :-D
     
  17. Bill Norton

    Bill Norton Senior Member

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    Congrats to that....:unsure:

    Now, back to the young man planning on spending money on cooling components to add to a stock Prius.
    You'd need a Thermostat in the oil cooler line. You don't want the oil running too cold in the winter.
    You want the oil close to the coolant temp or higher.
    Oil needs to be at a high temp to burn off the moisture in it.
     
  18. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    Yes, while you can buy sandwich plates without a thermostat, the one I quoted has a 185 F 85 C degree thermostat. That seems a reasonable choice, lower temperature would worry me.
     
  19. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    Allowing a little slack would be nice.
    I should have said something like: Once the engine is fully warmed up.......

    And a simple explanation of "specific heat of liquids" would be nice too instead of creating a useless pissing contest.
     
  20. MTN

    MTN Active Member

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    Someone was wrong on the internet and I had to correct them! lol - sorry
    I'd argue that this entire thread is useless. OP hasn't stated why they need an oil/trans cooler for a Prius Prime. Probably thinking they can extend the life of the components and are somehow smarter than the Toyota engineers who designed the car.*

    *edit - yep. OPs other posts are regarding a chasses / strut tower brace and oil catch can. Sounds like any Civic/econocar forum from years ago. Maybe this Prius is going to be a #becauseRaceCar
    BECAUSE RACE CAR | Know Your Meme
    [​IMG]
     
    #20 MTN, Nov 29, 2021
    Last edited: Nov 29, 2021
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