1987 series 3 with a 4.2 6 cylinder. I'm wanting to perform a compression test on a used engine that I want to install. The old engine that's out milkshaked itself. The used engine that I want to install has zero history. Both of these engines that have the oil filter adapter on the side of the block are setup to run an external engine oil cooler. Can anyone tell me if the engine oil cooler adapter is thermostatically controlled or is it going to flow 100% of the time? I've looked in the series 3 engine repair guide that my boss has but there's no mention of any oil thermostat in that adapter. So my plan is I want to mate the engine and transmission on the ground, install the starter, add oil to the engine and spin it over for a compression test. That is if I can prevent oil from gushing out of the external oil cooler ports on the oil filter adapter.

 

I've never seen or heard any mention of thermostat control of any kind in this application. I would assume it just flows all the time.

Cheers
DD

 

For the limited purpose of a compression test where no heat is involved, the cooler is unneeded. To assure oiling to the wear points in the engine, a simple loop plumbed in should do just fine.


Not sure if this is a full flow system or merely a bypass. f the latter, mere plugging the inlet and the outlet would suffice. but, caveat, if it is full flow, that would deprive the wear points of lubrication. not good.


For complete results, I'd suggest first the dry test, then the wet test.


Carl

 

There is no thermostat. There is an internal spring-controlled bypass that operates if the oil is too thick when cold--much like the similar bypass that dumps oil directly to the pan. The spring valve can be removed to provide a bigger internal bypass opening. It's then safe IMO to block the hose ports--3/4 inch copper water pipe cap fittings work well.