Filtered oil is delivered to the heat exchanger via an opening (1) where it is circulated through the heat exchanger core. Coolant is pumped through a similar opening (3) into the heat exchanger core to cool the oil. The cooled oil then exits the heat exchanger (2) and flows to the main oil gallery. The coolant then flows out of the heat exchanger (4) and through the rest of the cooling system.
1. Oil in; 2. Oil out; 3. Coolant in; 4. Coolant out
An additional benefit of the heat exchanger is that, as the engine coolant reaches its operating temperature more quickly than the engine oil, the oil is heated by the engine coolant at lower engine temperatures; this allows the engine oil to reach its optimum operating temperature more quickly, thereby helping to improve engine oil life, reduce exhaust emissions and reduce engine wear.