Hey riders. I've had my 1981 Maxim XJ650H for a year now, and think I have all of the issues worked out. It's a steady rider, but had a few questions concerning oil coolers. I see that some of the XJ's have them, and was wondering if it is possible to fit one to mine. I see the mounting bracket is there, and the paint is scuffed so I think it must have had one at one point. Also, I would like to add an oil pressure & temperature gauge. Where is the best place to hook one up and does anyone have any recommendations to brand and type?

Thanks in advance.

Michael

I wish you luck finding one.. ;) Oil coolers are a coveted jewel for the XJ, and any that hit ebay are scooped up almost instantly. If you can find one of the "sandwich" adapters that goes between the block and the oil filter, you can fabricate the hoses, and use a small transmission or power steering cooler as the radiator. You could even rig a small electric fan to the front of it to keep it cooler in traffic, if you were so inclined. As far as gauges, I am a big fan of Autometer, and I believe they make motorcycle-specific sets, which are waterproofed and vibration-resistant. Although I normally recommend mechanical gauges because they are generally more accurate and responsive, for a bike application you should use electrics, unless you mount them on the gas tank. The movement of the fork would fatigue the capillary tubing, and you risk spraying hot oil if it breaks.

Thanks!

Is there a preferred temperature range for the thermostat to the oil cooler or do folks use one or opt for a bypass?

Any recommendations on where to install the oil pressure & temperature taps?

There is no "thermostat" per se, like you have in a car engine. The oil goes out of the crankcase, through the filter, out to the cooler through one side of the adapter, and back in to the oiling system through the other side of the adapter. There is a bypass valve in the oil filter that opens when the filter gets too clogged, so the engine doesn't starve for oil, which is what you're probably thinking of. You always want the oil as cool as possible. Little engines heat up quick, so theres no need for a bypass thermostat.

For the gauges, you simply put two T's in line with each other in the cooler pressure line, making sure they are grounded properly. One you just screw the oil pressure sender into, and the other for the temp sender, you put together a series of adapters that when you screw the sender in, the sensing tip is just in the oil flow, but not restricting it.


Here's a cooler that's a little bit wider, but about the same height as the Yamaha stock one (4 1/2"x11"x1 1/2"). Made by B&M, sells for $45.95 at Summit Racing (Stock # BMM-70265):


And here's another one with the electric fan. (6 1/2"x10 1/2"x4"). Also made by B&M, $189.95 from Summit Racing (Stock # BMM-70298).. This also has a 160 degree thermostat for the fan built in.

Thanks again!

When I get the filter adapter for the cooler, I will definitely add the connections for the gauges. Should I install them on the inlet or outlet of the cooler? I would think the inlet, especially for oil temperature so you can see the engine temp, and I doubt the cooler drags the pressure down enough to worry about sensing pluggage so ganging them up on the inlet should be OK.

Is this the kind of ebay stuff I'm looking for?

1981 Yamaha Maxim XJ650 Oil Cooler Engine Parts Item number: 4560241383

Ebay XJ650 Oil Cooler

I think this is the distributor plate (sandwich) that you need to add the cooler - although this cooler looks pretty sad.

Thanks everyone for the help. I think I'm on my way to a cooler ride (not that it wasn't cool already).

At another XJ list there is a guy that makes adapters for oil coolers and spin-on oil filters too.
The list is at Xj-Owners@Micapeak. Com

Mike

Alright...looking for some help. I bought an aftermarket distributor plate for an oil cooler to cool my 1981 XJ650H.

The item on ebay is: Ebay Item 4560241383

It appears that there is an adapter missing that screws into the case where the filter bolt normally screws into to make up the length difference due to the thickness of the distributor plate. Gotta love ebay...I contacted the seller prior to this auction and asked if the auction included the ...we'll call it an "extension bolt"....as I felt it was part of the original installation kit. He said it was part of another auction for the filter cover. So I bought both and wouldn't you know it that when they arrived - no extension bolt. I emailed him back and he is willing to work with me yet, so I'm wondering if anyone out there has installed an aftermarket oil cooler kit like mine and has a photo of the extension bolt to show him so he can mail it to me. He said if it exists, then it's still in the case, he just wants to know what it looks like so he can mail me the correct part (yeah right - right up there with the three greatest lies).

If he doesn't come through, anyone have any idea on where I can get one?

I understand there is also a kit for using the screw on filters. Is this just for economical reasons, or are there other benefits I'm not aware of? I'm using Amsoil 20W50 Motorcycle engine oil, so the filter needs to be able to accommodate it. Also, would this "spin on filter" kit interfere with the aftermarket oil cooler distributor plate?

I've included the links to some pics showing my dilema.

Distibutor Top



Distibutor Bottom



Distibutor Gap



Engine Case



Filter Bolt Length




Thanks guys.

Michael

Do you have an XJ CD? You could look up the part number and order them from Zanoitti motors online.

Since this is an aftermarket component, I don't think that the Yamaha OEM part #'s apply.

I see that on the 1981 XS850H, part # 90401-20053-00 and on a 1983 XJ900RK, part # 90401-20089-00 that there is a bolt that looks like it might work, but without seeing one in a photo, it'd be a shot in the dark.

I don't think a spin-on oil filter would work with this application since the gasket seating surface is wider than I've seen oil filters have.

Are there any NEW oil cooler adapters out there for the 1981 XJ650 Maxim?

I finally bought an oil cooler for this project. It is a Yamaha OEM. Does anyone know off hand a good place to buy the hoses that are the same as the OEM on the top, but either unfinished or straight on the bottom not using the OEM bolt on connectors? I need to connect to the 3/8" connections on the adapter plate pictured above - without the hose barbs - but using an adapter same as the top.

I found out today these are compression fittings, but I do not know what size (metric or NPT) or degree. Any help guys?

Thanks.

hi there. i actually have the whole shottin match. the sandwich plate the mid bolt that holds the sand. up to the motor the cooler the hoses and the housing.they are off the 1100 but is the same on the lil brother 650.I payed 100 usd from a member on the other site i frqwent.But sorry to say it is not for sale. I need to modifiy the lower frame cross brace before i can install it. Cause the lines are a little funky in the constuction.

Could you post a photo or two. I'm trying to convince the guy I bought this off of that there is a part missing - in particular - the bolt that holds on the adapter plate to the engine case. Maybe a picture of the bolt by itself, and one with it sitting inside the adapter should do. It doesn't have to be attached to the case, sitting on a work bench or whatever will do.

Thank you for your help.

You can find a photo of what your looking for at:

http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/Yamaha_XJ650_Maxim/

Look in: Photo Albums > Maintnence > Add-on oil cooler

Thank you! That is what I was looking for. I just ordered the whole assembly from a friend who has a 1987 FZ600 with measurements that are the same, and some of the Yamaha OEM parts are simular. We'll see how everything fits. The cooler in the picture is much larger than the stock. How were you able to fit the tachometer cable in?

Find a Hydraulic or fluid power place and have them make you up some custom hoses.

Since seeing this thread Ive been thinking of adding an oil cooler to my bike also. The ongest trip Ive made on it straight was about 70 miles or so... Not like I have to have it...

Anyhow I know of a place in Findlay that has all sorts of fitting and hoses and such. THey will make you up whatever you want.

Nagy Equipment
Bill
1335 Lima Ave
Findlay Ohio
419-422-5555

If I do mine the hose/connectors will be stainless steel :) Also will have a new brake line made for the front while Im at it :D

there is a guy on the xs11 site that makes sets of brake lines for the xs for i believe 120. that is for both the front and back brakes. And otter sorry about the picture thing. But the part you are missing is a big bolt that has threads on the inside diaameter to accept the stock bolt from the filter cover. So it goes like this,first you screw the sandwitch plate to the motor,next you take your original filter housing and bolt and screw that into the sandwitch plate. heres the tricky part,on mine you have to carefully put the lines on as you put the sand. plate on like all at once.because there is a cross brace on the frame that is right in the way of putting on the lines.I'll try to get some pics of the whole thing for you.

I was asking about oil cooler lines...but that problem is solved...I think. I'll post pictures when it's finished.

However, the brake line upgrade to SS has entered my mind since I upgraded from the stock 81 single disc brake to an '82 XJ750 front fork w/dual disc brakes. The braking is better, but it could still be better. I would like to get the black SS vinyl covered hoses as a direct replacement. Could you supply me with a link to the XS11 site?

Thank you.

If I have the banjos and all of the fittings, can they make new hoses around them? I'd like to have new Black SS Brake lines and the same style for the oil cooler.