I was wondering on the reliability of the oil cooler thermostat? How often do people replace them?

 

They seem to be very reliable. I can't remember anyone ever posting about a pproblem with one.

 

Its pretty simple. After many year when they do go bad, they get stuck open. So you wouldnt or really couldnt tell the difference. Unless you compare temp & time with a known good thermostat.

 

Hell I didnt even know the OC had a thermostat... Good or bad my oil cooler seems to be doing its job just fine

 

not to thread jack but since we're on the topic, how do you change your thermostat? i have a pretty shitty idea of where it is, but im not sure.. any help would be appreciated for my little question.

 

It's not really a thermostat, it just allows oil to bypass the oil cooler until the it reaches ~150degC. Then it closes and oil is forced though the cooler. This is so the engine warms up faster.

See the FSM Lubrication chapter for location and removal. It's very simple.