Is there a certain way to go about removing the oil cooler that mounts where the oil filter is on a 351?

I probably wont ever use it, but would like to avoid damaging it.

 

Take the oil filter and coolant hoses off and remove the center threaded stem that the filter threads onto with a 7/16 allen wrench. Wallah
Replace your lower rad hose with a 302 hose and your done. Now you will be able to run a FL1A filter too.

 

You should probably leave it on as it will only lenghten your engines life span by better regulating the lube oil temp. Unless of course it is leaking, then I would repair or replace it and keep it.

It does two things for you, it helps to warm your cold oil up, and we all know warm oil lubricates better right?

Second, it keeps peak oil temps down, and we all know that overheating oil, or exceding a certain oil temp reduces the lubricity, right? As well as shortening the oils service life (and by extention, your engines!)

At least that is why oil coolers are a good thing!

David

 

Oil/gear oil/Lubricants in general, has a short life...And each 20* of the engine, reduces that lifespan by 1/2...

So if your engine is SUPPOSED to be 195*...And it's running at 215*....It's considerably shortened in terms of the lifespan...


Btw...Cleaning the sludge and grime off the sides and bottom of the engine, helps reduce heatsoak, etc...And allows more transfer of heat away from the engine...Also reducing engine temps...Which in turn extends oil life, and engine life...

 

I'm rebuilding this 351 to replace my 302. Either way it has to come off. The 302 has almost 300,000 miles on it and never had an oil cooler. I've never had a vehicle that had one.

Thanks guys for clearing up how it comes off. I'm undecided about reusing it. I'm also not even sure if its in usable condition or not.

 

If it isn't leaking, or plugged up...USE IT...

Every time that your engine temp spikes....You MARGINALLY hurt the engine..