Covering the oil cooler for winter

[Atesz792]

Hmm, cardboard maybe not.. but ill see what I can mock-up tomorrow maybe give you some ideas. you're just talking above covering the oil radiator right?

Yes, I'd like to reduce the flow through the radiator only. Cylinder heads are right behind it, wouldn't want to reduce airflow there, not even in cold weather.

I glanced at a piece of "flashing" material used in roofing that I had in my garage. Metal, should not rust (galvanized?) easy to bend by hand and shape, and dirt cheap. I think it was $0.99 USD. Could be fitted to droop around and behind the cooler and secured with straps that'd resist heat? Just an idea.

I get where you guys are coming from but I'd hesitate without knowing actual "normal" temp ranges. If the manual lists -15C as an operating temp it implies Suzuki has foreseen that temp, designed accordingly?

PS is there an oil cooler thermostat after all, or does the oil flow through all the time? Also would the cover be needed in motion at -15C or only during warmup? Wondering out loud.

Not sure I'd use a material too durable either, safety first. What if it just falls off? If it gets caught in the chain, it should just get torn apart. That's why I'm thinking about some water-proof paper-like thing.
Yes, knowing normal temp ranges should help, that's why I'm thinking about buying a dipstick thermometer. They're really expensive around here, though.
I don't know about a thermostat. If there is one, covering the radiator would be pointless Would be great! Tomorrow is the next time she gets ridden, maybe I will let her idle a bit longer before, and compare radiator and left side engine cover temps by hand for a while. If they are identically warm to the touch before riding, that should imply that there is no thermostat.

Oil temp gauge? no problem! lmao
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=40955.0

Yes, they are widely available around here, but not cheap...

Nice but the site doesn't list GS500. Is this listed for a different bike but compatible with ours?

I would only buy and use one if they list the GS500. Even then, I'd compare the length to the original dipstick before...

[Janx101]

What is the cooler made of? ... if aluminium/alloy then a metal cover should be made of similar metal, if copper then copper. .. etc etc. .. cardboard? .. what about that waxed stuff (boxes) they use for transport lettuce and vegetable in?
The similar metal thing. .. when I had a aluminum boat, it was highly recommended to not drop steel fish hooks down under seats etc...  electrolysis/corrosion etc can set in and chew through the hull... similar for an oil cooler on salted winter roads?

[twocool]

This whole deal seems like a lot of work to solve a problem which may not exist.

Anybody actually have any bad effects of cold weather operation of a GS 500 ??


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