I haven't posted for a long time - it would be great if anyone could answer this. My question is are the oil cooler o-rings a special size or something? The gaskets are only 6 bucks at NAPA, but they don't have a size for the o-rings - a kit is $65-100 ... why the price difference??? Thanks! DT

 

if you have a couple days i'd just run with this kit-- Replacement O-rings for Ford Diesel Engines

the o-rings are freaking thick. way thicker than any other o-ring i have ever seen, but that doesn't mean they are special. i would guess they are special though..

 

I'd buy that kit Travis linked to. That is a GREAT price on those parts.

I bought my parts from the Stealership and they'll make you buy the whole pack of 4 o-rings each size and they are not cheap.

Make sure you lube them up with oil really good before putting the caps back on.

 

Thats the kit I have on stand by for if and when it happens to mine.

 

Thanks alot I think that's what I'll go with.

 

Good luck! Long extensions are a lifesaver for the front bolts. Get to them through the wheel well.

 

Whats the normal life expectancy of these coolers?

 

Typically the same as other o-ring type stuff. Expect failure somewhere betwen 1 and 1,000,000 miles depending on weather. Colder winters appear to shorten the life span a little. I've got 348,000 miles on my stock oil cooler. I'd say fix it when it leaks.

 

I had to remove the exaust manifold to remove my cooler.I have a 450 superduty 2 wheel drive,not sure if that makes a difference.

 

My cooler didn't leak until last winter when it dropped down to about 20 degrees.

Need to check the center tube for rust also if you are in a road-salt state. And check the end caps for cracks.

 

I know the book says not to use sealant on that front gasket but you should. I've rebuilt a lot of them and the only time I didn't use sealant it leaked. Be sure to use the RIGHT torque wrench and torque specs. Remember to be accurate with a torque wrench you can't use an extension and the torque needs to be in the middle 50% of the torque wrenches range. In other words a 20-250 ft pound wrench is not accurate doing 250 foot pounds but it is if you are doing 125. And also to be accurate the bolt threads need to be clean and lubed.

If you don't have a shop press a big ratchet strap helps a ton putting the headers back on too!

 

I didn't use sealant on the gaskets and it worked fine. Be sure you lube up the o-rings really well, and the ratchet strap helps getting it back together.

 

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I cant remember where I got the pic , but it shows pressure testing as well...

 

Good picture. Definately put the o-rings on the tube part, not in the end cap.