Extra engine cooling

[Jlhollowx13]

I have been thinking about some ways to help keep my van cool in the summer while working hard. I work the van, and although it does well, id like to do something to help it out since we all know they can have a hard time.

I already have a high efficiency 4 core radiator with electric fans, but i am looking into either an engine oil cooler or auxiliary heater core that will act as another heat sink like Tim did to his van. I was rummaging around the garage and found an old school bus heater with fan that i could use for the coolant side or i found a transmission oil cooler, which i think i could use for the engine oil. I also have my old ac stuff, so i thought maybe that could be used either for coolant or oil if cleaned out well? I dont think i need both as it might be overkill and would probably try to make a bypass for the winter. Im wondering if one would be better than the other, or easier to install, or any other input people might have.

Generally the time i think this extra cooling capacity would be nice is when im loaded down and going up mountain passes. Im usually going about 35 to 45 mph, so not terribly fast with good airflow, so something to consider for incorporating a fan. I was thinking having extra oil capacity might not be a bad thing, but im not sure if the core would hold alot of old oil when doing oil changes. Having extra coolant capacity would also not hurt, but its another place for a leak and also im not sure if going after the oil or coolant would have more benefits.

Thanks for any input!

[trestlehed]

I remember about 5 years ago when I bought my van I was looking at Yotavans.org and the site owner/administrator had an article on a custom mod which was basically a small chimney/snorkel that ran up the passenger side pillar (inside the van) with some small computer type fans to draw excess engine heat directly out of the engine bay. I can't remember if it vented out the roof or out the top side of the van body. I think he did this mod on a 4x4 van that was seeing heavy off-road use. Anyhow, just an idea to research or think about.

[Jlhollowx13]

Thanks that is something to consider.

Does anyone know how one would install an oil cooler? Where would it be best to hook it up to?

And also the same for an auxiliary heater core, best location/ lines to tie into?

lastly, would it be ok to use the transmission cooler I have in the coolant system instead of the other larger heater core I have if I thoroughly clean it before hand? it looks much easier to mount and is about the same size as a normal car heater core, where as the heater core from the bus would almost be like putting in another radiator completely, it's big!

thanks for any insight!

[pinkgrips236]

Tim's Previa Heater Core Mod:

http://www.toyotavantech.com/forum/showthread.php?2759-Cooling-system-Mods

I also did something similar, though I pulled the rear heater from the van and remounted it behind the front bumper. I also took the AC condenser out which gave plenty of space. I had some issues finding a connector to go from the (I think) 3/8" existing heater hose down to the 1/2" on the rear heater.
Barbed fittings were just a challenge to find.

[djshimon]

On this thread Timsrv puts in a oil cooler "sandwich". I wonder how long the gasket lasts on these "sandwiches". Anyone had one fail yet?
http://www.toyotavantech.com/forum/showthread.php?752-New-guy-wanting-to-say-H-i-and-a-tachometer-question&highlight=cooler+sandwich

[Jlhollowx13]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I have tims write up favorited for when i decide how ill do it.

I have all my ac stuff out but the bus heater core is big and would probably need to be mounted as the ac was and thus need a fan. I would also make a way to bypass it for winter.

The other core i have would easily mount as tim did it, but im not sure if its ok to use it in the cooling system or not.

More research!

[Jlhollowx13]

So here is a phot of what i have to work with if im going to do it cheaply and reuse what i have. Quite a difference. Can of wd40 for size.2795

Think the big one is too much?

[technocj]

I purchased previa heater core from rock auto, installed it behind bumper in airflow using heater hose, pex fittings and a manual ball valve. It drops the temp about 10 on a 90 degree day. I feel it's a little insurance, like installing a 170 degree themostat, which has not adversely affected drivability of my vans.

[Jlhollowx13]

I purchased previa heater core from rock auto, installed it behind bumper in airflow using heater hose, pex fittings and a manual ball valve. It drops the temp about 10 on a 90 degree day. I feel it's a little insurance, like installing a 170 degree themostat, which has not adversely affected drivability of my vans.

Thanks for that. I have an old heater core from my fj40, about the same size as the core with orange in the photo. I think i could also use that, but it may have a leak. Ill also have a leaky front core from my fj60 soon that i coukd get fixed or i havr a spare rear core from my parts fj60 but it looks really small.

Id like to use the smaller core in the photo, but does anyone know if i can use it in the cooling systen if its had tranny fluid in it? Id wash it of course.

[highwind]

Where do you plumb in, an extra heater core?

[technocj]

I have not tried posting pics here. I believe Tim has a posting with pics using the previa heater core. Not my original idea. I used 5\8 heater hose, pex tees and a ball valve, cut the hoses to the existing heater core, and mounted the previa core behind the bumper in the air stream as much as possible. The installation is a bit different from 85 to 86 and newer models. I know it helps, I can see it on the gauge. I also use an after market 170 degree thermostat. This may be the first full winter here in western NY for my 85, it is pretty rough and i may part it out next spring.I may have to increase thermostat tempo to get sufficient heat in the winter.Yoda vans are uncommon here in the Northeast.