Engine oil temperature.
 

I've been struggling to log on since Cadwell (Great weekend and nice to put faces to the names on the board) found out it helps if you use the right pass word.
Anyway here goes, I couldn't help but notice how hot the bike was running. I know the gauge isn't calibrated but it was reading 168 degrees after stopping taking off helmet etc and switching the ignition back on to check. Does anyone know if you can fit an oil cooler to the 620? The two connections for the pipes are still on the crankcase but are the internals the same as on the 600? Cadwell was not a particularly hot day so who knows what sort of running temperatures we could encounter in mid summer.

Mine runs incredibly hot, but the oil doesn't seem to have a problem at the moment. I know there's a few other with the same issue.

If you fit an oil cooler then you'll probably need to insert the blanking plate at the top of the oil filter thread that redirects oil to the cooler. I haven't the time to buy/fit one at the moment, but I might look into it before Snet if time allows.

Cheers,

Ali

Yes, and it's a really easy job to do.

There is a Ducati Peformance kit which contains all the parts you need -

964062AAA - M600
Complete oil cooler kit

964289AAA - M620 MY’02/’03/’04
Complete oil cooler kit for 620 cc engine; increases heat dissipation by about 15%

Link to the catalogue is here (0.8Mb):
http://www.ducati.com/docs_it/bikes/...df/M_EU_04.pdf

We have one fitted to our M600, which didnt take Alan too long to fit.

Stu at Spareshack has (?had?) some in stock.

I'll ask him later about the 620, unless someone else pops along:)

C

A few have already done it, as you can see above, but I haven't done it. Yes they run hot but the advice I have been given is that as long as you keep changing the oil and filters regularly (after two rounds, except Snett which I'll have fresh oil and filter for and after) you'll be ok.

If you want the extra peace of mind I don't think you'll lose anything by fitting it. It's up to you really.

[Edited on 13-5-2005 by TP]

Our M620 was running incredibly hot at the Cadwell TD - got up to 126 degC (258f) at one point, and I'm told at this temperature the oil is getting a bit thin to be effective, but it's not running for too long so maybe it'll be ok with regular changes like TP says.

We fitted a DP oil cooler kit and it never got above 108C in the races.

They're expensive tho, and I couldn't find a kit ouside the DP catalogue. Baines offered to make me up a couple of hoses and radiatior, but then I'd've had to get the fittings and deflector elsewhere which would have pushed the price close to that of the DP kit.

How much are you talking for the DP kit Nick?

To be honest I was going to do it. The two days we were on track in Almeria were 20 degree's and sunny (ahhh, :D ) and we were running half hour sessions. The track is quite big with a 1km straight so the little thing was working. It was hot after every session. As in flashing hot!

But as I say, the advice I got on it was to keep changing the oil regularly, and filters and you should be fine.

SpareShack list the m620 kit at £256.24 +vat, but that doesn't mean you can't negotiate some sticker space to get that down a fair bit!

As you say, it probably doesn't need it for 10 minute sessions.
I'd be pretty concerned about raggin' it silly at Snet for half hour though, as well as qualifying and the trackday in between.

Well mine did 12 or so 30 minute sessions in Almeria in 20 degree heat and I just made sure the oil etc was changed after it (you don't think I'd actually do it myself though do you!!!) It's still fine.

Having said that - I don't know if its just me being a fat basteward on it but other 620's were able to pull a bit of a gap on me down the straight. Not much, about a bike length. Even if I was closing on them through Barn I'd have to sit right behind them to maintain the gap and then try and pull out for a stunty outbrake manouever into the hairpin.

Must lose more weight ...

If it's running ok after that much work in Almeria then I'd suggest save your cash. Only thing is tho, an overheating engine will lose power... not much, but in top level racing like ours every tiny bit counts.

And leave the beer and cake in the fridge until November!!