1931 60 Oil temp regulator

[Campbell11]

Hi,

I recently acquired a 1931 60 Phaeton. The car is in great shape, and runs very well.

However, I noticed that the oil temp regulator has been disconnected

and bypassed. After searching the posts here, I haven't come across any

discussion of this issue. Is this a common problem? Am I courting trouble and

need to rebuild and reconnect the regulator, or not? I run modern oil, modern filter

and generally use the car for weekend jaunts, no extended tours (yet).

Campbell.

[Mark Shaw]

If you are referring to the oil cooler, yes it is common to see these disconnected. The little heat exchanger inside probably has a leak that would add water to the oil. I really don't know if these are necessary, but it couldn't hurt to get it fixed and re-installed correctly.

[Campbell11]

Hi Mark,

I am indeed referring to the oil cooler. I read elsewhere that the purpose

of the device was actually to bring the oil up to operating

temperature faster than it otherwise would for the purpose of

improving lubrication to some specific part. I wish I could locate

the article though...

Campbell

[Guest imported_arbys]

I remember reading that in a book or article about the "New" 31's. I would bring it to a reputable radiator shop and see what they could do.

[Guest Fr Mike]

Just as documented info, the Buick Reference Book 1931, Third Edition (Flint, Mich: Buick Motor Co., 1931), pages 15 &16, describes the purpose & function of the '31 Buick oil temperature regulator. I scanned this & tried to attach it to this post, but wasn't able to convert the scanned file into the file type needed. Maybe somebody with more computer skills than I have could do it, it you think it's worth while (?). The book I have is widely distributed as a reprint of the original.

[Mark Shaw]

Pages 15 & 16 of the original 1931 Buick Reference Book has a complete description with cut away drawings. Send me your email address & I will send you scans of these pages. The files are too big to post here.