Recommended Engine Oil Cooler for 2009 Toyota Tacoma

Question:

Can you recommend the best engine oil cooler for a 2009 Tacoma? Is it possible or even recommended to have the thermostat fitted as well? Thank you.

asked by: Ian C

Expert Reply:

Using a thermostatic engine sandwich adapter for an oil cooler set-up is recommended for those who live in areas that get cold temperatures in the winter. A thermostatically controlled cooler would allow your engine to heat up to normal operating temperature more quickly than one without a thermostat.

Since Derale does not offer a single-circuit oil cooler kit that includes the thermostatic sandwich adapter, you will need to purchase it separately. I would recommend the # D15730 sandwich adapter along with the # D13504 cooler kit. The most efficient place to mount the heat exchanger is directly behind the vehicle grille, in front of the AC condenser and the radiator. The exchanger measures 11 by 12 by 7/8 of an inch thick, so you will need to measure the available space to see if it will fit. If not, simply choose a smaller cooler like # D13501 which measures 11 by 5-3/4 by 7/8 inches thick.

The # D15902 is a dual purpose cooler, typically used to cool a transmission and engine oil. Since you have a manual transmission, you cannot use a transmission cooler. If you wish, you could use circuit to cool the engine oil and the other circuit to cool your power steering fluid.

expert reply by: Mike L