Dry sump and oil cooling

[Shaun_E]

Before I put my Laminova up for sale, has anyone who runs a Caterham dry sump set up (K-series) needed any form of oil cooling?

I had the Laminova fitted plus Apollo before I bought the dry sump setup as I had experienced high oil temperatures on track. I didn't fit the Laminova with the dry sump and to date have had no oil temperature issues.

The car is a 1.6 supersport and is used for road and a handful of trackdays a year. I don't really want to fit the Laminova if it isn't necessary but don't want to sell it if I might need it in the future.

 

Yellow SL #32

[Jason Plato]

I used a laminova with my dry sump but for completly opposite reasons - never once did I have any issues with the DS temps on track . And it should be noted that the R400 racecars dont have any issues either with the same setup

 

But I found it realy hard to get sufficient temperature *into* the oil on road and sprints . I found it would take 8 miles or so to get the oil up to temp ( 80C) , with the laminova I would achieve 80C in less than a few miles ( once the water had come upto temp )

 

I also found it good for sprinting as I could warm the oil in the paddock much quicker before a run .

 

The downside is that the Laminovas can create a large back pressure against the pump owing to their very desugn and purpose . I used mine on the return , low pressure hose to belltank for this reason .

 

Dave

 

C7 TOP Powered by Hellier Performance 😬

South Wales AO

[Foxy Smith]

This may have no relevance to you as I have a Vx with Caterham dry sump system. My concerns were that the oil would take forever to get warm and never really get that hot. I had the opportunity to buy a Laminova cheaply and plumbed it in so that the coolant was supplied from the heater circuit so that the oil would be heated quickly. This seems to work well although I have to say I'd like to see the oil get a little warmer. I think there may be an oil temperature sensor issue here as well so not really clear cut but I would'nt scrap the Laminova just beacaue you're going dry sump, you may need it for a different reason.

[Jason Plato]

try placing a small length of rubber hose over the brass temperature sensor and wire where it screws into the belltank . The passing cold air on the outside of the tank at speed cools the sensor and provides a false reading

[Shaun_E]

So the consensus is that I don't need the Laminova for cooling but I might want to consider it for warming the oil from a cold start?

I don't seem to have that much of an issue with the time it takes the oil to warm so I think I'll put it up for sale - I've had enough of playing mechanic and just want to drive the car 😬. Still got a couple of things to do before I can say the rebuild is complete but I'm nearly there.

 

Yellow SL #32

[Foxy Smith]

Nice one Dave The simple ideas are always the best. What's difficult is figuring out why I did'nt think of that

[Steve Cragg]

Shaun,

 

Interested in buying your laminova if you decide to sell. Will send you PM

 

 

 

Steve

Superlight #63

[Shaun_E]

Steve YHM

 

Yellow SL #32

[jackb_ms]

I agree with Dave,

I have a VVC dry sump and in winter or on cold morning the oil will not warm up, therefore the engine will not as well.

 

You need lots of miles to warm it up.

 

Jack

 

Emily, The Very Yellow 21