Oil leak when cold
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 86
Likes: 1
From: CA
Only do the Header if it [Header] is leaking. Use OEM O-ring's and Gaskets:
Oil Cooler Seal Kit - Ford 7.3L Powerstroke
Oil Cooler Seal Kit - Ford 7.3L Powerstroke
Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 11,271
Likes: 1,654
From: Las Cruces New Mexico
If your replacing gaskets do all of them
theres a reason it comes with all of them
you go thru the trouble of removing and installing the oil cooler to later find out your leaking from the front
theres a reason it comes with all of them you go thru the trouble of removing and installing the oil cooler to later find out your leaking from the front
Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 11,271
Likes: 1,654
From: Las Cruces New Mexico
Not much, I think theres some holes on the cross member where you can access those bolts, some swivels and extensions do wonders
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 86
Likes: 1
From: CA
What you'll find is; most people that tell you to do something..... Have never done it themselves or have not done it in-frame.
Here is what you'll need.
10mm Socket with ratchet or breaker bar, Short extension for rear header bolts, about 2 feet worth of extensions for front header bolts, Gasket scraper, Soft / Rubber Faced Mallet (don't use a regular hammer!),
Screwdriver (to clean any scale on O-ring seats), Emory Cloth, Brake Cleaner, Brass Wire Brush, Oil / Lubricant (Dielectric) / Assembly / Whatever.... for the O-rings).
Loosening the Header is no problem whatsoever, using a 24" Extension and Swivel Head Shallow Socket and a Breaker Bar.
The same can not be said for reassembly. Post back with the level of difficulty.
Don't complain when the Header Gasket Leaks. Especially with the Dorman. They do have some quality gaskets. But, primarily for the 6.0L, not so much for the 7.3L. And, IMO: stay away from anything Dorman where it contacts Oil.
Good luck!
Here is what you'll need.
10mm Socket with ratchet or breaker bar, Short extension for rear header bolts, about 2 feet worth of extensions for front header bolts, Gasket scraper, Soft / Rubber Faced Mallet (don't use a regular hammer!),
Screwdriver (to clean any scale on O-ring seats), Emory Cloth, Brake Cleaner, Brass Wire Brush, Oil / Lubricant (Dielectric) / Assembly / Whatever.... for the O-rings).
Loosening the Header is no problem whatsoever, using a 24" Extension and Swivel Head Shallow Socket and a Breaker Bar.
The same can not be said for reassembly. Post back with the level of difficulty.
Don't complain when the Header Gasket Leaks. Especially with the Dorman. They do have some quality gaskets. But, primarily for the 6.0L, not so much for the 7.3L. And, IMO: stay away from anything Dorman where it contacts Oil.
Good luck!
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 27,352
Likes: 5,946
From: Lake Hartwell, GA
I have not done the oil cooler, and hopefully never do. Although, I trust the members of FTE to steer me in the right direction based on their experiences or what they have learned. This does not mean that I should take their word as gospel, but should take their word as a starting point to do my own research and make an informed decision.
Alternatively, you could pay someone to do the job for you and hope that it is done correctly.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 6,339
Likes: 588
From: Amarillo, TEXAS!
Every time I've resealed an oil cooler I've pulled the front mount. I've had no problems reinstalling one.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 5,647
Likes: 891
From: north of Minneapolis, MN
This is what you get with free advice which you have gathered on an internet forum. I will say this though, "most" of the information on FTE is better than what you can get anywhere else for free, sometimes even when you pay for it.
I have not done the oil cooler, and hopefully never do. Although, I trust the members of FTE to steer me in the right direction based on their experiences or what they have learned. This does not mean that I should take their word as gospel, but should take their word as a starting point to do my own research and make an informed decision.
Alternatively, you could pay someone to do the job for you and hope that it is done correctly.
I have not done the oil cooler, and hopefully never do. Although, I trust the members of FTE to steer me in the right direction based on their experiences or what they have learned. This does not mean that I should take their word as gospel, but should take their word as a starting point to do my own research and make an informed decision.
Alternatively, you could pay someone to do the job for you and hope that it is done correctly.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,902
Likes: 2
From: Pasadena, Maryland
My experience sucked when I did this. I couldn't get that front header to seal to save my life. Two sets of seals from International at 60 bucks a pop plus coolant and oil. Third time was a charm for me. There was absolutely zero difference between OEM and Dorman at the time.
The ONLY reason I would pull that front header is if it was leaking. Just my .02.
The ONLY reason I would pull that front header is if it was leaking. Just my .02.
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 11,273
Likes: 100
From: North Dakota
Mine leaked once so far this winter. It was 0* out and I started it up without it being plugged in. It leaked tell it warmed up. Since, I've plugged it in, and haven't had a leak. But ordered orings and gaskets so I can do it at next oil change. Not looking forward to it, as I just did a coolant flush and installed cat ELC.....
It looks pritty easy to me.... But I've got some experience in repair....
It looks pritty easy to me.... But I've got some experience in repair....
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Lliamspop
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
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Dec 26, 2015 10:02 AM