K11 Owners Group

kayakkermit · Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2008 7:21 pm Post subject: fuel return through oil cooler?

Has anyone tried running the return fuel through a small oil cooler mounted in front of the radiator to cool it further before it returns to the fuel tank?
I'm thinking that this would significantly lower some of the rider discomfort associated with heat radiating off of the fuel tank.

Any thoughts Question

rydor · Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2008 8:21 pm Post subject:

Not a bad idea... I don't recall anyone trying that approach.

Scott_Anderson · Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2008 9:34 pm Post subject:

I couldn't think of any reason why it wouldn't work, as long as you can route/insulate the fuel return line so it doesn't pickup heat from the rad/engine.
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chopper_harris · Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2008 10:33 pm Post subject:

Your insurance company would take a very dim view of such a mod - they will invalidate any claim if they find undeclared mods Sad

A split line on an oil cooler is annoying, with lots of white smoke. A split fuel line is potentially catastrophic.

Sounds costly, risky and LOTS of hassle Wink

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Jim · Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2008 12:05 am Post subject:

kayakkermit · Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2008 8:59 pm Post subject:

Jim · Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2008 9:08 pm Post subject: fuel cooler

hey Kermit - go for it! You won't be able to test it probably until next summer - unless you go way south.

Where the hell would you put it, though?
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1997 K1100LTSE 94,000 - still has gremlins!
1995 R100RT Classic 16,650 crashed - repaired!
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"We shall not all die, but we shall all be changed."

michaelcurrin · Posted: Wed Sep 17, 2008 8:02 am Post subject:

kayakkermit · Posted: Wed Sep 17, 2008 11:54 am Post subject:

I'm thinking that if I get a small enough one, I can fit it between the grille and the rad as there seems to be about an inchthickness of space there, and the rad is roughly 12x7? I've seen oil coolers smaller then that, so I guess now it's having patience for the right one at the right price to come up.
This may turn into a small fall/winter project. I wouldn't mind replacing all of the fuel return line while I am at it, and wrapping it in a better insulation then what I have now.
I had only taken a very quick look at where the return line attaches at the engine, and it looked like it was going to be a royal PITA to get my fat fingers in there to get at it. Am I missing something or did I just not take a good enough look?

Jim · Posted: Wed Sep 17, 2008 1:15 pm Post subject:

Kermit - which K do you have?
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Jim
1997 K1100LTSE 94,000 - still has gremlins!
1995 R100RT Classic 16,650 crashed - repaired!
1992 K75RTP 46,000

"We shall not all die, but we shall all be changed."

mrsevendog · Big Brick Rider Joined: 28 Apr 2007 Posts: 65

You could run a transmission cooler.Don't know which would be smaller.

duckbubbles · Posted: Wed Sep 17, 2008 6:06 pm Post subject:

Years ago I saw a couple of K's that had a set up like this. They used a small power steering cooler. It was maybe six inches tall and maybe two inches square, a two pass line through the fins. It should work okay if you can put it in a place where plenty of air flow can pass though it.

Never saw it again, and don't know how well it worked.

Frank
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kayakkermit · Posted: Wed Sep 17, 2008 8:00 pm Post subject: