engine oil cooler leaking
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Joined: May 2010
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From: Des Moines
Well, searching the forums would be your first step. Lots of info out there on it. But, in a nutshell, getting it off and on the engine is the hardest part. Loosening the driver's side motor mount and lifting the engine seems to be the ticket. Plus, taking off the driver's side front wheel.
After it's off, it is real easy. Either use a soft-faced mallet or hammer and 2 x 4 to gently tap off the end caps. Clean the H**L outta everything. Get new seals (two on each side, one large and one smaller O-ring, dealership item) Grease it up so they will slide easily (I use STP oil treatment. Slickest stuff around, never have pinched an O-ring yet) Use a press or a large clamp to press back together. Put new gaskets on it, clean the block, and re-install.
Everyone cusses the take out and installation, so, must be the bi**h of the whole process.
About a 3 or 4 on the difficulty scale for a reasonable mechanic.
After it's off, it is real easy. Either use a soft-faced mallet or hammer and 2 x 4 to gently tap off the end caps. Clean the H**L outta everything. Get new seals (two on each side, one large and one smaller O-ring, dealership item) Grease it up so they will slide easily (I use STP oil treatment. Slickest stuff around, never have pinched an O-ring yet) Use a press or a large clamp to press back together. Put new gaskets on it, clean the block, and re-install.
Everyone cusses the take out and installation, so, must be the bi**h of the whole process.
About a 3 or 4 on the difficulty scale for a reasonable mechanic.
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 337
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From: Des Moines
If either side O-rings are bad, they allow oil and coolant to mix. Also, there are tubes that run the length of the 'bundle'. They can leak coolant into the oil and vice-versa if they become damaged or pin holes thru cavitation.
Hey, I didn't design them, but, coolant is the best medium, lots more efficient than air, at removing excess heat from a liquid (oil in this case) in a heat exchanger, which is basically what this is.
Design is OK, just harsh on O-rings.
Hey, I didn't design them, but, coolant is the best medium, lots more efficient than air, at removing excess heat from a liquid (oil in this case) in a heat exchanger, which is basically what this is.
Design is OK, just harsh on O-rings.
Senior User
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 337
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From: Des Moines
One thing I do just as a personal reference however, is to mark one side with either a scratch mark or a mark by a center punch. I just like putting them back the same way they came apart, with the tube at the same rotation relevant to the end cap.
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