Road Racing Sidecars

[HackNutz]

I have a vintage road racing sidecar that uses a 1980 Suzuki GS750 motor. I've made a new oil filter cover so that I can route the oil out of the motor, through an external oil filter, through an external oil cooler then back into the motor. I do this because the fiberglass body reduces airflow over the motor significantly.

The stock oil filter is history/unused.

Question: Where is the best place to get the oil temperature? As it leaves the motor (when it is the hottest) or as it reenters (when it is the coolest).

This may sound stupid, but I'm stumped. I can see pros/cons either way.

 

[CATERHAM]

Originally Posted By: HackNutz

Question: Where is the best place to get the oil temperature? As it leaves the motor (when it is the hottest) or as it reenters (when it is the coolest).

As it renters but you could for interests sake wire in two two sensors with a toggle switch so that you can read both. At maximum rev's when the oil is up to temperature the difference between the two readings should not be much since the oil is circulating so quickly through the engine.

 

[BigCahuna]

If you put one sensor as it enters, and one where it exits, you can measure if it's doing what you wanted and how much heat it's actually removing.,,

 

[HackNutz]

Interesting idea but I only have one probe and one gauge. Looks like I'll install it on the return side. That will also be the easiest.

 

[CATERHAM]

Exactly.

 

[CATERHAM]

Originally Posted By: HackNutz
Interesting idea but I only have one probe and one gauge. Looks like I'll install it on the return side. That will also be the easiest.

Yes would need to get a second sensor (which are readily available) but you don't need a second oil gauge, just a conveniently located toggle switch to switch between the two sensors. But that is something you can consider doing later if you want.

And yes in the meantime just mount it on the return side.

BTW, I have converted and water temp' gauge (that happens to be properly calibrated) to measure both water temp's and oil temp's.
Same principal as sited above, just mount a second temp' sensor for that gauge in the sump' oil wired to a toggle switch to switch between water and oil. Works great.

 

[HackNutz]

I like the idea and will try to do that later. I'd really like to know how the engine performs and I have an Innovate MTX-D recording gauge for that reason.

BUT ... there is nothing cheap about racing and I have a large list of things to do before the Loudon race in June and the bride is closely guarding the checkbook