Oil Filter Relocation

[cvtroger]

Has anyone done this on a previa?

Just curious, looking at trying to upgrade a few things in the previa with cooling and came about the idea along with the oil cooler. I searched and haven't come across anything for the previa.

Pros/ cons?

[TheMAN]

oil cooling is definitely a good idea
you can use a kit that works with the UZ engines, same diameter filter
these UZ engines are found in Toyota trucks and SUVs, also Lexuses

[cvtroger]

When my transmission was going out, a mechanic told me a transmission cooler does wonders and I should look into that after it gets fixed. I just thought to myself mind as well do a oil cooler and filter relocation as well.

I was actually searching for ideas on where to mount the filter and didn't know if anyone had done this before.

[TheMAN]

mount it under the hood
with it there, you shouldn't ever have to jack up the van to change the oil again... getting to the drain plug is easy on these vans

[cvtroger]

mount it under the hood
with it there, you shouldn't ever have to jack up the van to change the oil again... getting to the drain plug is easy on these vans

I was thinking that. Gonna measure length and see how long. I know some kits come with precut tubing.

I'm gonna get an estimate on a transmission cooler install next week. The transmission shop got the tranny mounts in and he is gonna give me a quote on an install while its there.

I am at a point where I want to keep the motor and transmission a bit cooler to protect it a bit.

[pdgizwiz]

I guess it depends on your climate and how you use your van, but IMHO this isn't a good idea. A cooler, unless equipped with a thermostatic bypass valve, could slow the warmup cycle. This falls into the "if it works don't fix it" category.
Yeah, the filter is hard to get to, but a pair of ramps and a sheet of cardboard take care of that. Quality oil and regular changes take care of the rest.

[timsrv]

I hate to be a kill joy, but I tend to agree with pdgizwiz. Unless you're towing or putting an unusual strain on the vehicle, I don't think it needs any additional coolers. As to relocating the filter, I think you'd be increasing back pressure AND increasing your chances of a leak. Unless done with the highest quality of materials and installed with the highest degree of professionalism, these type mods will often create more problems than they solve. I know your trying to protect against future failures, but regardless of what you do, sometimes things just fail. I vote for leaving it the way Toyota designed and saving your money. Tim

[cvtroger]

Thank you gentlemen.

I was thinking about the pressure of the oil if I moved the oil filter to a further location, hence why I started to look into the oil pressure and temp gauge install information.

Would you gentlemen feel the same towards the transmission cooler too? It wouldn't be under anymore strain that normal and hauling family.

Honestly, it is a preventative maint deal for me since I went with rebuild rather than replace.

I have had these on my other cars, but obviously, the previa being mid engine is different and the distance seems kinda longer than the hoses that would come with a kit for a vehicle that has the engine under the hood.

[timsrv]

If you're towing or otherwise overworking your transmission, then having an additional cooler can help prevent future loss. I'm not so worried about increasing warm-up times if you get a "high end" aircraft style cooler. If you choose the appropriate product, they are "self regulating" (basically it goes into a bypass mode based on the temp or "viscosity" of the fluid). Don't waste your money on the cheap inefficient coolers (looks like a wiggly tube with fins around it).

When it comes to transmission coolers, I don't think it hurts to have one if it's installed correctly, but if you're not towing or otherwise stressing it's just a waste of money. The biggest problem with aftermarket installs is quality of materials and installation errors. I can't tell you how many times I've seen leaks and other problems created by the installer (improperly) running long lengths of flexible hose. IMHO, these hoses/lines should be no less than the quality of hoses used by Toyota (steel wherever possible) and installed in such a way to avoid potential damage (very rare to find an installer who will do.............or is even capable of doing this). Unless it's installed to these standards, it's more likely to cause you more heartache than it will prevent. Here's a couple pictures of an install I did on my van (it's overloaded and tows a trailer):

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a23/timsrv/11xmsncooler.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a23/timsrv/12xmsnlines.jpg

[cvtroger]

Thanks Tim,

You are correct, I am not over working my transmission. When my transmission was going out, the mechanic (who I do trust when it comes to knowledge) that I went to said it would be good to put a transmission cooler as it is something that can help reduce damage to the transmission.

The transmission shop that just did my rebuild is going to come up with a quote if I really want it. Since he also builds race transmissions and this is his field of expertise, I might ask him for opinions, but I would definitely go with size that would just reduce the temp a bit.

Honestly, just looking at ways to improve my van in general.