DIY power steering cooler using 3/8" copper pipe?

[CRE]

I've been looking around and can't find any info on this. I need to swap out my PS cooler as it's in the way of the oil cooler I want to install. The GE oil cooler jumps across the gap between the bumper support and the rad (and A/C condenser). I need to place my oil cooler between where the intercooler would go and the A/C condenser.

I could swap in a GTE PS cooler, but was wondering if a DIY PS cooler made in a similar for to the GTE cooler would work? I could put a couple loops of wire around the ends and solder them on to create a solid bead...

Workable? I think it would probably cool better too.

Would 3/8" be the right size?

 

[IJ.]

I just bought a tiny Davies Craig cooler for mine, it doe a pretty important job so I wouldn't risk anything marginal. (look at most of the DNF's back in the Group A days and they were steering related after cooking the pumps)

 

[CRE]

I just figured it would be as good, if not a little better, given that it'll be copper as opposed to the stock steel one... just thinking of reliability. Just so much to shoe-horn in there you know?

 

[HommerSimpson]

I used the factory oil cooler for my PS cooler

 

[shaeff]

^ That was going to be my suggestion. Though, I was going to try to get it set up with -AN fittings.

 

[CRE]

Well, I'm N/A so no stock oil cooler present... I could buy one, but in that case I think I'll just try to find something small.

Does the temperature need to be regulated?

Can I forgo running hoses all the way up front by just cutting the stock cooler and running hose off of that?



EDIT: I had really intended this to be posted in "General Discussions". So if anyone feels inclined to move it...

 

[foreverpsycotic]

Why not do what I did, go to your local auto parts retailer, and buy a transmission cooler for under $50 and run that? You can adapt the stock lines to whatever you need.

 

[CRE]

That's one of the three options I've got open to me: DIY copper cooler, GTE cooler or a small aftermarket cooler.

If I go aftermarket I'm thinking something like this:
http://www.amazon.com/Derale-13222-...dp/B000CJ48YS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=automotive

If I went copper it'd be approx the same size and shape as the stock GTE PS cooler although it should cool better too.

I can't imagine swapping in a stock GTE cooler, the cost of a used one along with shipping would put it at the price of the previously mentioned options.

Whatever i go with it's going to need to be mounted in the pre89 nose vent area... so, think small. I don't know which would be more effective though, a length of copper approx 2.5' doubled over (so 5') or a 1' doubled over (so 2' effective) with cooling fins. It depends on the area of the fins and the efficiency of the material used in the fins. I think they'd at least be on par with one another.

 

[jdub]

These would work well too:
http://perma-cool.com/Catalog/Cat_page15.html

 

[bluezone]

it's too bad mk1's are so rare. they had a nice ps cooler on them.
wonder why they stopped using them.

 

[92nsx]

As long as the copper has a OD of 3/8 it should work. I am guessing around (4) 90 degree elbows, and 6-8 feet of copper pipe, some solder and a tourch. Less then $10. Paint it black and I think it will work. Post some pics when you make it

 

[CRE]

Can't imagine why I'd want to insulate a cooler with paint...

I'm going to go the route of a premade rail type cooler. Does anyone know the diameter of the stock cooler's pipe? I think I'm going to cut it off up front and use it to feed the rail cooler to avoid having to bend the tubing all over.

 

[jetjock]

Can't imagine why I'd want to insulate a cooler with paint

Slept through physics did we?

 

[CRE]

Nope... at least not that I recall... it's just apparently been that long. No idea on the diameter of the stock cooler?

 

[jdub]

-8 hose fits over the tubing...the problem is PermaCool rail coolers use -6 male fittings. You'll have to get a female -6 to male -8 adapter.

 

[CRE]

Thanks, I'm hoping to just find a cooler with hose barbs... just trying to find something they carry on Amazon so I can finally use up a gift certificate I've had on there for some time.

 

[IJ.]

Davies Craig cooler in the low pressure return line works fine for me. (bottom of page)

 

[jetjock]

Stock is 10 mm iirc. 3/8 hose will work.

What color are almost all OEM and aftermarket coolers? Why do you suppose that is? Anyone? Bueller?

 

[IJ.]

Because black is beautiful
(and some say radiates heat better)

 

[CRE]

To prevent oxidization? So paint poses no resistance to radiant energy, fine, but what you got against patina?

Thanks for the measurement.