Any point in keeping this oil cooler?

The cooler had already been installed before I got it, so I don't know why it was installed but would assume it was intended as a performance upgrade? Far as I can tell the only version of this that came stock with one was the UK version - according to the Haynes book - which this is not.

I want to remove it because it makes oil changes more difficult becuase of the extra inch or so that it pushes the filter housing out into the exhaust headers, making it a real pain to get it out. On top of that, it now has a leak that I can't seem to solve. Don't know if it's because the mating surface is not entirely clean (even though I tried and tried to clean it but I just can't get in there very good with anything because of the exhaust in the way), or if the o-ring is failing. But in any case, if it's not needed I'm thinking I might as well just remove it, esp since the cooler fins are damaged anyway...

Is it worth trying to save this thing, or should I just go back to the stock configuration?

 

disregard -- spam filter troubleshooting. mods please delete

 

@chacal has spin on filter conversion kits that will allow you to keep the cooler and fit a spin on oil filter. You can contact him at info@XJ4ever

https://xjbikes.com/forums/threads/converting-to-a-spin-on-style-oil-filter.55881/

 

Our spin-on kit may or may not fit that style oil cooler plate (at the engine)......the factory oil cooler plate uses a special union bolt which is a specific size and length, and our spin-on kit is designed to work with it (or with a stock engine w/o oil cooler). The mounting plate for that aftermarket cooler may (or may not) have the proper dimension to accept our spin-on kit plate.....would need measurements.

P.S. not a fan of the way that cooler runs the hoses right in-between the 2 exhaust pipes, they get a double-dose of heat with that routing!

 

If it's a problem, then delete it. In my opinion.

 

lol you can't see in the photos the worst part, that those hoses are literally zip-tied in place to the frame right behind those pipes. How those haven't melted yet is beyond me...

Good to know about your kit. I noticed you also sell the factory cooler kits as well - wasn't aware those would still be available. I'll probably just pull this one off for now and then grab what I need to upgrade everything later on down the road - pun intended.