WTF is this cylinder between my oil cooler and eng

There is a small aluminum cylinder that both the inlet and outlet lines go into and come out of as they go in and leave the oil cooler fromt he engine. It's a lockart oil cooler but I did not see this piece of gear on their site. Any idea what it is? Thought maybe some kind of pressure equalizer or filter but I don't really know. Any help would be appreciated. It's about it is a bit smaller than a coke can in all dimensions.

Thanks in advance!

pictures?

In line thermostat bypass maybe but without pictures, who knows...

omr got it....keeps oil cooler from running oil till engine is up to par...it's a good thing if you gotta run a cooler at all...

Hmmmm.... good info to know. I just came across the exact part you are asking about in a box of crap I have the other day and wondered what it was for as well.

does it require cleaning or maintenance at alL?

Yes it is a thermostatic bypass valve ,
Helps the bike warm up faster ,
Yes it is a Lockhart part ,
No maintenance required ,

Just don't dent it and if you have to take it out ,mark it as to where the lines go, I think they came with stickers on them.

PS make sure the cooler is warm before you change your oil or the old oil in the cooler wont drain .