Oil Cooler, Is It Really Needed?
#1
Oil Cooler, Is It Really Needed?
Hi Guys, I really want to eliminate the engine oil cooler on my 1996 F350 4x4 Crew 460 so I don't have coolant leak into the engine oil and trash the motor. I know that eventually happens. Ford no longer sells the cooler and it was $1400 when they did. Whew! Long Coolers Inc. was the original part manufacturer for Ford. Some guys added an external Air to Fluid cooler but I am not big on routing the hoses under the belts to get in front of the radiator. Is this oil cooler REALLY NECESSARY?? The truck was built to be a heavy duty work horse. However I use it as a daily driver and don't pull backhoes or toy haulers. Mostly a hunting truck and spare daily driver. Only 100,000 miles on a 15 yr old truck. So, has anyone else eliminated the cooler altogether?? Is it really necessary?? Any thoughts at all?
Last edited by teddeshong; 05-13-2011 at 12:22 PM. Reason: correct info
#2
Its only really can be called nessacary if your beating on the motor. The high heat of working a truck, combined with the higher T-stat temps cooks the oil. Greatly reducing its life span. So like you say just a fancy driver I can't see how it could fail, but if you do tow something heavy. Just change the oil alot sooner. So if you think it is close while towing lets say a travel trailer. Pull over and get it changed.
Or if you have no leaks I would consider Synthetic. Becouse its carbon chain make up is better for high heat, high stress situations.
Or if you have no leaks I would consider Synthetic. Becouse its carbon chain make up is better for high heat, high stress situations.
#3
#4
if you're not towing (or working the truck)
you should be ok without it.
is your oil cooler an Air to Water cooler? (coolant leak into the engine oil)
I'd consider throwing a regular Air to Oil cooler on since you've got the lines
you may not NEED the extra cooling
but anything to keep the oil cooler will help keep it from breaking down
and protect your engine better
same goes with Transmission fluid
I've got the fluid going thru the factory cooler in the radiator, then going thru an external cooler, then back to the tranny
I'm kicking around the idea of adding an engien oil cooler to my truck
you should be ok without it.
is your oil cooler an Air to Water cooler? (coolant leak into the engine oil)
I'd consider throwing a regular Air to Oil cooler on since you've got the lines
you may not NEED the extra cooling
but anything to keep the oil cooler will help keep it from breaking down
and protect your engine better
same goes with Transmission fluid
I've got the fluid going thru the factory cooler in the radiator, then going thru an external cooler, then back to the tranny
I'm kicking around the idea of adding an engien oil cooler to my truck
#6
@Bear: LOL, straight to the point. My reason for making changes is that other guys are losing their stock water to oil cooler and coolant is dumping into the block and wiping it out. Ford no longer sells them and neither does the aftermarket. Therefore the only choice is adding lines and going with an air to oil cooler, which I am not thrilled about, but I have decided that will be my ultimate change for all of the obvious reasons. Keep the oil as cool as I can. Especially in Phoenix, AZ. For now I reinstalled the stock cooler until I gather the air to oil kit. Good news, my oil leak went away!! The oring on the cooler was dried out and leaking. Thanks for your reply!
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#8
Ahhh.. well that sure changes things a bit. Maybe a trip to the pick and pull?? The 89 set up (not sure what other years had it) seems bullit proof to me and after 22 years still never an issue. My truck is 95% tow use and has yet to ever even get warm. The offset filter location even allows clearance for a longer filter if you so choose. Just a thought for ya to get away from your current set up and still use a "stock" cooler.
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