Hi folks...

I did a quick search with no results on the forum, so if there is a tread ill can this one if someone can link it.


So The inevitable has finally happened on my foundation here in the rust belt... The oil cooler has sprung a seep, to the outside world, through the corrosion on the cooler... Darn salt...

So Being a Ford trained Tech.. Instantly A FORD cooler comes to mind, with a coat of paint.... to help with corrosion in the future...

So begins the price shopping for the part. and I can find a few ford ones here and there (Ok.. So riff raff and well yes riff raff) But alot of dorman ones pop up too.. Then this is the interesting part... The dorman one claims to be made out of Aluminum... and up here in Hampshire, the rust belt.. welll this sounds about awesome...

However I have had mixed emotions with dorman... Im a ASE Master Tech by trade, And install alot of dorman parts in the aftermarket world, However.... I had serious issues with a dorman front cover on a 7.3 and its poorly machined air gap for a CMP.

So heres what im seeking... Pure input before i pull the trigger on buying the dorman one... Anyone have one? Installed one? Issues ( I hope not)

thanks guys....
Jeremy

 

Jeremy,

Seems you've answered your own question. I do mostly A6 work now. And, on such a critical part, I would go OEM. True, Aluminum doesn't rust. But, it also doesn't forgive heat exposure.

 

I have two things to say, not that I'm an expert...paint will make a layer that will inhibit cooling, an insulator you might say. And Dorman? Their stuff is all Chinee and I have an overall disdain for their quality. Not to mention how much of their stuff does not fit right.

 

well the oil cooler is a liquid to liquid cooler, so I'm not super concerned about the painting
end of it... But I guess I was just looking to see what others thought.... Im thinking OEM is the way to go.. **** this one lasted 15 years and 196k... sooo im thinking the next one will too... just the aluminum thing was where I was stuck.. I could care less about price... This thing is the Main Artery on my Baby.... and I want another 15 years out of her!

Looks like ill check tomorrow for my price at the local Stealership, But im thinking Clay has another order coming his way

 

I'd check a couple of junkyards before I bought a new one

 

Here is a quote from O'reilly's website:

Dorman OE Solutions - Oil Cooler Kit

Part Number: 904-225

Line: DOR
limited lifetime warranty
• UPC: 19495381099
•Oil Cooler Kit Includes Required Gaskets and O-rings
•Material: Coated Steel

Detailed Description

Dorman's Engine Oil Cooler is quality-engineered to provide reliable, efficient cooling. The Cooler helps prevent fluid leaks and overheating, protecting the engine from possible costly damage and prolonging its life.

Additional Details
•Depth (In): 15.50 Inch
•Gasket Included: Yes
•Inlet Diameter (In): 3 Inch
•Installation Hardware Included: No
•Number Of Rows: 27
•O-Rings Included: Yes
•Outlet Diameter (In): 3 Inch

It appears to be the same material as a stock engine oil cooler, but I'm not promoting this product.

 

I have not had much luck using Dorman parts. OEM would be my choice.

 

The engine oil cooler is a pretty important major component that I would not want to risk failure. The OEM has a better track record for reliability. In this case, I'd stick with it.

 

Aluminum may not "rust" but it corrodes rapidly in any kind of salt environment. You will not find many aluminum components on boats fitted for a salt water application. Yes there are boats that are made of it but with special alloys and coatings and still require considerable maintenance.

 

I just recently purchased my transmission oil cooler from Autozone. Price was $250 with free freightto my house. Also had a $50 store gift card. I added another $50 dollars to the order and recieved an additiona $25 gift card. Unit is a Dorman. It came within 2 days and was in great shape. I had no issues with installation. Haven't had a chance to put it to the test as of yet.

 

For us parts buyers there is certainly a lack of quality control information available to us. The OEM stuff presumably has somebody at some level holding the manufacturer accountable. But there are potential holes in that process as well. The odds are probably better that OEM is more reliable. After-market manufacturers are certainly using the price difference as a sales incentive, but provide no documentation about quality control. It is hard to make buying decisions with inadequate information about a particular company's approach to Q.C. Many companies also buy parts from another manufacturer and market them with their own brand name on them. The chain of possession can get pretty disjointed!
Larry