- 19 deep-cut huge external radiator fins provide more surface area to the cool air moving under the truck.
- The die-cast process provides a smoother interior surface which improves oil flow to the pickup tube and drain.
- A smooth, streamlined area around the oil pickup with an engineered anti-cavitation dimple improves oil flow to the pump by reducing restriction at the filter inlet.
- 15 internal fins absorb more heat from the oil than a stock or any other aftermarket pan.
Banks proprietary FlowThru Fins maximize thermal energy transfer by lining up the internal and external features with each other.
Engine heat is efficiently drawn from the sump where the hottest oil rests. Cooler oil retains the proper viscosity, which means metal-on-metal surfaces remain properly lubricated.
With more internal heat absorption surface area and more external heat radiation surface area, your motor oil stays within its optimum operating temperature, which prevents oxidation or breakdown even when hauling up a grade.
Oil Flow Improvements
The CoolRunner oil pan features a 1/8" NPT port for an auxiliary temp sensor, is able to hold an additional two quarts of oil compared to stock, and allows for complete oil drain free from the sludge known to stay within the stock pan.
Unlike competitors, which feature small grooves that run against the oil's return flow and disrupt the oil pickup tube's action, the CoolRunner's deep fins properly direct fluid to the oil pickup.
The area under the oil pickup tube features a unique anti-cavitation dimple which smoothly redirects oil flow upwards.
Both the internal cooling fins and dimple reduce windage common in other aftermarket designs and extend the service life of your oil.
The factory pan uses drain plug that threads into a welded bung that protrudes inwards. This bung blocks oil from completely draining once it hits the top of the threaded bung.
The CoolRunner uses a flush-mounted, downward-facing drain plug with a face-sealing viton o-ring. This allows for full drainage during an oil change.
Thanks to a high static oil level, pressure on the pickup tube inlet prevents oil from escaping during an oil change. This leaves almost half a quart of liquid sandpaper in your engine
The Banks oil pan allows every drop of fluid to drain from the pan, allowing the pickup tube to also drain completely removing the risk of captive sludge buildup.
Sealing Enhancements
Duramax oil pans use an RTV-style liquid gasket that must fully seal to prevent leaks. Poorly designed pans with an improper sealing surface can result in leaks or damage from strands of RTV falling in, clogging the oil pickup tube, or jamming the pump.
Borrowing from decades of reliable military development, the CoolRunner uses an OE-style full-length squeeze gap that runs the entire inner perimeter of the pan. This precision-machined feature prevents small RTV strands from breaking off, falling into the sump, and damaging your engine.
RTV was properly applied to the PPE’s sealing surface, then mated to a 2019 Duramax mid-pan and allowed to cure for 72 hours. After separating them, it was clear that the RTV in the hopscotch machined features was not yet cured, despite the RTV’s normal cure time of 48 hours. More importantly, RTV had been compressed so thin that it protruded randomly around the circumference of the sealing surface. Over time, pieces were likely to break off and fall into sump.
Die-Cast vs Sandcast
All Banks lubrication cooling products are die-cast, not sand-cast like competitors. Made with far greater precision, a die-cast part is denser, smoother, and has virtually no porosity compared to the equivalent sand-cast part.
Sand-cast parts often retain the sand they were molded with. Sand is an abrasive material that is bad for bearings and cylinder walls. In other words, you don’t want sand in your oil. Finally, our long, thin cooling fins are only possible with a die-cast process. Although this process costs more, it's worth it.
Fluid Dynamics
- Internal cooling fins run inline with the drain port with streamlined passageways
- Anti-cavitation dimple directly under oil pickup improves oil flow rate
- Downward-facing port eases oil change process
- Lower aeration means longer oil life
Technical Specs
- 1/8 NPT port for aux temp sensor
- External heat radiation fin count: 19
- Internal heat absorption fin count: 15
- External heat radiation surface area: 657 in2
- Internal heat absorption surface area: 387 in2
- Fasteners: 26 x stainless steel M6 flange hex bolts
- Material: A380 aluminum diecast with CNC machined surfaces
Oil service
- Heat resistant Ferrite Magnetic Drain Plug
- Fully drains oil pickup tube for quicker oil changes
- Banks recommends Amsoil 15W-40 Signature Series Max-Duty Synthetic Diesel Oil
- Adds 2.0 qts additional capacity(Check OEM Owners Manual)