FAQs

What is the difference between an Oil Temperature Control and an oil thermostat?

What are the applications for ThermoStasis Oil Temperature Controls?

Why should I install a ThermoStasis Oil Temperature Control?

Does the ThermoStasis Oil Temperature Control open or close at the specified temperature?

What is the temperature tolerance for ThermoStasis OTCs?

What is the maximum horsepower engine on which ThermoStasis OTCs can be installed?

Are 3/8"-NPT ports restrictive for 1/2" oil lines?

Are AN-6 ORB ports restrictive for 1/2" oil lines?

Will installing a ThermoStasis Oil Temperature Control reduce my oil pressure?

Is it possible for a ThermoStasis OTC to block the flow in an oil circuit?

If a ThermoStasis OTC fails, how will it fail?

What is the difference between an Oil Temperature Control and an oil thermostat?

There is no difference. An Oil Temperature Control and an oil thermostat perform the same functions, reducing warm-up time and maintaining lubricating oil at the optimum operating temperature.

What are the applications for ThermoStasis Oil Temperature Controls?

Primary applications include motorcycles, automobiles, boats and recreational vehicles with air and liquid cooled 4-cycle internal combustion engines with external oil coolers. Additional applications include vehicle transmissions and industrial equipment and machinery with external oil coolers.

Why should I install a ThermoStasis Oil Temperature Control?

There are two reasons to install a ThermoStasis OTC:
1. Fuel cost savings - resulting from quicker warm up times and operating at optimum oil temperature.
2. Increased engine life. Oil is maintained at optimum operating temperature. This prevents prolonged engine operation with low oil temperatures resulting in crankcase oil dilution and contamination leading to internal engine corrosion and accelerated wear.

Does the ThermoStasis Oil Temperature Control open or close at the specified temperature?

Neither. The OTC maintains the oil temperature at the specified Operating Temperature by constantly metering oil flow to the oil cooler and through the center bypass. In practice this means that during most phases of engine or equipment operation the center bypass remains slightly open.

What is the temperature tolerance for ThermoStasis OTCs?

The thermal motor in every ThermoStasis OTC is calibrated for a tight temperature tolerance. Our OTCs will maintain the oil temperature at the specified control temperature plus or minus 1C/2F. Remember that the oil temperature sender and the oil temperature gauge in your vehicle or equipment are also subject to manufacturing tolerances and may introduce some inaccuracy into your oil temperature reading.

What is the maximum horsepower engine on which ThermoStasis OTCs can be installed?

We specify our OTCs by maximum oil line internal diameter (I.D.). This refers to the I.D. of the EXISTING oil lines running to the EXISTING oil cooler or other external cooling device. Our OTCs with 3/8"-NPT or AN-6 ORB ports are suitable for installation on oil lines with a maximum I.D. of 1/2". In practice this translates approximately to engines up to 120 HP. Our OTCs with AN-10 ORB ports are suitable for installation on oil lines with a maximum I.D. of 3/4". In practice this translates approximately to engines up to 450 HP.

Are 3/8"-NPT ports restrictive for 1/2" oil lines?

No. 3/8"-NPT ports are NOT restrictive for 1/2" I.D. oil lines. The internal diameter of hose barb fittings for 1/2" oil lines - for example AN840-8 and AN844-8 fittings - is .400" to .405". This internal diameter runs through both the hose barb and 3/8"-NPT threaded portions of the fitting with no restriction or change of I.D. The typical internal diameter of a 3/8" NPT to -8 AN adapter fitting - for example Aeroquip FBM2007 - is .391" all the way through the fitting, again with no restriction or change of I.D.

Are AN-6 ORB ports restrictive for 1/2" oil lines?

Yes. AN-6 ORB ports are slightly restrictive for 1/2" I.D. oil lines. An AN-6 ORB port is slightly smaller than a 3/8"-NPT port, so that the internal diameter of a typical AN-6 ORB to -8 AN adapter fitting is limited by the I.D. of the AN-6 ORB end of the fitting, which will be no larger than .359" I.D., compared to .391" for an adapter fitting for a 3/8" NPT port.

Will installing a ThermoStasis Oil Temperature Control reduce my oil pressure?

No. In fact, installing a ThermoStasis OTC may slightly increase your oil pressure when it is most needed Ð during cold starts. The OTC achieves this by offering a shorter, less restrictive flow path to the lubricating oil while the engine is cold. The cold oil bypasses the oil cooler, eliminating the small pressure drop that would otherwise occur.

Is it possible for a ThermoStasis OTC to block the flow in an oil circuit?

No. A ThermoStasis OTC cannot in any circumstances, whether operating normally or operating in a failed condition, block the oil flow in the oil circuit.

If a ThermoStasis OTC fails, how will it fail?

ThermoStasis OTCs are designed to operate reliably for many years. Our OTCs are designed to be fail-safe, with no possibility of obstruction of the oil circuit. However, failure of the thermal motor will result in an operating condition where the internal oil bypass remains open, leading to operating oil temperatures that are higher than normal. Should this condition occur, please remove the OTC from service and return it to ThermoStasis for repair.