Early 'optional' vertical 10 row oil cooler - valuation

[BLT]

Hi. Would appreciate any ballpark figures. Its good condition. Thanks

[Nick W]

Complete with pipes and tabs in place £500+

[AJB398B]

I would say it's worth £12, but I am willing to go to £15 for it?
Oh well, never mind.

[BLT]

Thanks Nick.

[bubbacluby]

REALLY!!! that much 500 pound.... WOW!!

Is that a reasonable market price or or top dollar?

(I need one for my car, but wasn't planning on paying that for one)

[Nick W]

REALLY!!! that much 500 pound.... WOW!!

Is that a reasonable market price or or top dollar?

(I need one for my car, but wasn't planning on paying that for one)

This is what they sell for at auction
I agree their not worth it

[BLT]

Agree it's a lot and I did see the one on eBay recently and couldn't believe my eyes, hence the question. But I guess they're just ultra rare as they weren't around for long and were an optional extra so not everyone had one. Prices for all Cooper stuff is massively inflated now as I'm finding out, seat belts, steering wheels, seats etc. But then it's like anything that's rare and in demand and those with deep pockets will pay whatever which drives prices up. Me, I'll probably have to sell this oil cooler to be able to afford the (imho) overpriced distributor I've been quoted for

[Pete]

The more expensive parts become the more people seem to want them. Vertical coolers would be of virtually zero benefit with today's engine oils and the pipes tend to crack due to vibration. Pretty useless bit of kit really and rarely ever ordered in period but obviously a much sort after period extra! You'd never get so much money for or interest in the aftermarket horizontal coolers that were on the market in the early 60s from the likes of Serck etc.

[dodge44]

Agree it's a lot and I did see the one on eBay recently and couldn't believe my eyes, hence the question. But I guess they're just ultra rare as they weren't around for long and were an optional extra so not everyone had one. Prices for all Cooper stuff is massively inflated now as I'm finding out, seat belts, steering wheels, seats etc. But then it's like anything that's rare and in demand and those with deep pockets will pay whatever which drives prices up. Me, I'll probably have to sell this oil cooler to be able to afford the (imho) overpriced distributor I've been quoted for

ARA167 cooler was essentially sold as an option for any 'A' series engine. Mine was given to me 20 odd years ago by someone who used to race an Austin A35 back in the day. To be fair it looks really neat in a Mini but is a bit of pain in the ar*e as it gets in the way of simple tasks like adjusting the fan belt tension. Can't really say it made any difference in everyday running though....

[BLT]

Weren't oil coolers(13 row, horizontal) made standard on S's post '66? So they must have been of some use.

[360gts]

Last one I sold (was complete with correct brackets restored to the factory specs) went for 650 pounds. Have to say it was a really nice item..no damage to the fins and had the originals ends still attached.
Putting a price on anything is difficult...all depends on who is looking at that point in time and what the condition is.
Yes, we have seen some ridiculous prices lately for MK1 S parts.
800+ pounds for seatbelts...just one example...However, as my father would say "it's like land...they aren't making any more of it".
A good vertical cooler with pipes and brackets...400 upwards...just a thought!

Now, from a technical point of view....I would think they did serve a small purpose...however, wasn't a great location for cooling as they were stuck down under the radiator. In addition, the vibration was enormous...that is why many are missing the cooler extension bits.
I still wonder what engineer designed that solution for overheating!! It is no brain-er....that the best place for any cooler is to have it out in the frontal air flow.

[Pete]

Weren't oil coolers(13 row, horizontal) made standard on S's post '66? So they must have been of some use.

Yes, primarily on the rally cars, for which they were rushed through homologation for the '66 Monte.

[AJB398B]

In most instances, an oil cooler won't be much use without an oil stat sending oil to it, but in our silly world period extras are everything. Very desireable bit of kit, hang onto it if you can.

[rumba5278]

i need the dimensions for the early vertical 10 row oil cooler,,seems like it is shorter than the other oil coolers,thanks for help

[dazibee]

I thought these were consumable items because they get filled with swarf and crap which you can't clear out so need replacing periodically? So unless it's new old stock it would seem a risk to use such a thing?

[360gts]

i need the dimensions for the early vertical 10 row oil cooler,,seems like it is shorter than the other oil coolers,thanks for help

Is this what you need?
Cheers
D

[richardACS]

I've got one of those coolers along with the pipes and brackets but far too scared to use it on my recent engine build - also there's lots of filler around the cooler unions. Still they must help a bit in cooling the temps which is possibly all they need?

Still I would imagine the feed pipes could be helped from vibration cracks by insertion along the lines with a rubber intermediate - I'm sure this was discussed a little while back.

When the bangers and cash surf blue Cooper S was being loaded onto the pallet, I recall it had one of these coolers fitted - I wonder if it went back on after the restoration...

I recall back in the day that the oil pressure would drop dramatically from 85 to 50 as the oil got warm, though many say they are not at all necessary these days with modern oils.

[360gts]

I thought these were consumable items because they get filled with swarf and crap which you can't clear out so need replacing periodically? So unless it's new old stock it would seem a risk to use such a thing?

Washing them out is easy...besides...the cooler is mounted before the oil filter to prevent any 'swarf entering the engine.

[bubbacluby]

I have a complete vertical cooler setup with brackets and pipes in good condition.
Happy to sell it on for 500 if anyones willing
Buckinghamshire area, but do get to most mini events
Cheers