Oil change during cooler install?
 

Novice question I know, but I want to make sure I understand this correctly. I changed my oil about 1200 miles ago but am planning to install my 25 row cooler this weekend and do not want to waste the money on a premature oil change if I don't have to.

It seems most people change their oil when they do this, so I didn't know if there was a proper procedure for installing without simultaneously changing the oil. Yes, I know I will need to add ~1 quart regardless.

Change it. Oil is cheap.

Or wait a few thousand miles to install the cooler.

I figured it would be an easy way to save $75, but with autoX, a trip to Dynosty and potential track nights coming up I may as well refresh it for the season.

Thanks guys.

I did my install when I changed my oil, for the same reason that you are asking. Change the oil install oil cooler

Make sure to top up the oil cooler with oil when you do the install and be careful about contaminants getting in it when doing it. I waited to do my install at the next oil change also. If you need to do it sooner, just change the oil again. It is cheap all considering.

It's only done at same time for convenience but not a requirement in anyway. If you remove the filter and let it drain you'll be fine adding the cooler and topping off the oil level. Pre fill the cooler as well so you don't have some massive air pocket.

Do you pre-fill the cooler by pouring into one of the core's AN fittings?

Yep! As long as your cooler fittings face up.

Great. And the air that will be trapped in the lines when first installed will just be pushed out of the breather valves, correct?

What ever air that is trapped in the lines will go through the oil system. At some point, it will bleed out. Either threw the bearings, or else where. That little bit of air won't hunt if you just leave the engine idle until it builds pressure. This is why it's best to pre-fill the cooler first. You don't want that big gulp of air.

It will just get pushed through, same thing as a dry filter. Its not really a big deal it is just simpler to prefill the cooler than it is to prefill a filter so why not.

I prime the oil system to build pressure before letting it start after adding an oil cooler or opening oil cooler lines. I either disconnect the injector harness or unplug the fuel pump and make sure there is no fuel pressure in the system then crank it until the pressure light turns off. Of course I also pour in whatever oil I can get the cooler to take before making the hose connections.