Oil cooler purchase
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Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2008
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Oil cooler purchase
I'm going to replace my oil cooler on my 2001. Anyone have experience with any aftermarket ones? Or don't jack around with it and just get an OEM one? Have a leak on the front seal but figure since truck has 215k on it just replace the cooler while I have it apart.
Thank you
Thank you
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 1,221
Likes: 94
I would go OEM they do sell an O-ring kit if you just want to replace those. The 2 places oil and coolant can mix on these engines is the injector cups and oil cooler. An internal seal failure down the line could put ya in a rough spot plus cost a couple oil changes getting coolant out of the system trying to save a few bucks.
http://www.dieselorings.com/docs/OilCooler.pdf
http://www.dieselorings.com/docs/OilCooler.pdf
Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 11,286
Likes: 263
From: North of Greenville
If the cooler heads or tube body are not cracked/warped, do not waste your money on replacing them. The o-ring kit is a little under $100, and that should be all you need to replace.
When I recently re-sealed the oil cooler on my 2003 Excursion, it had 205K miles and only had some oily gunk buildup in the shell side of the tube body. I soaked the tube body in gasoline for a while, and also used a couple of cans of Brakleen to clean out the oil side of the tube body. You also may be able to use a 22 cal bore brush to clean out the tubes as long as you're not overly aggressive. If you use the solvent to clean out the oil side, just make sure to rinse it exceptionally well with degreaser, drain it thoroughly, and blow some air through the ports to help make sure you don;t leave any solvent or soapy water inside before putting it back together.
It's a messy job, but not overly difficult, and there are plenty of 7.3 coolers running around with well over 300K miles with no problems. I've got almost 290K on my truck right now, and it's not leaking, but is probably nearing the point of needing o-rings again -- they were replaced the first time at roughly 150-170K miles.
When I recently re-sealed the oil cooler on my 2003 Excursion, it had 205K miles and only had some oily gunk buildup in the shell side of the tube body. I soaked the tube body in gasoline for a while, and also used a couple of cans of Brakleen to clean out the oil side of the tube body. You also may be able to use a 22 cal bore brush to clean out the tubes as long as you're not overly aggressive. If you use the solvent to clean out the oil side, just make sure to rinse it exceptionally well with degreaser, drain it thoroughly, and blow some air through the ports to help make sure you don;t leave any solvent or soapy water inside before putting it back together.
It's a messy job, but not overly difficult, and there are plenty of 7.3 coolers running around with well over 300K miles with no problems. I've got almost 290K on my truck right now, and it's not leaking, but is probably nearing the point of needing o-rings again -- they were replaced the first time at roughly 150-170K miles.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,953
Likes: 120
From: Mcdonough, GA
completely agree with above. Just reseal yours unless damaged
Genuine Ford Oil Cooler Repair Kit with 2 Genuine Ford gaskets and 4 o-rings for the Ford 7.3 Diesel
Genuine Ford Oil Cooler Repair Kit with 2 Genuine Ford gaskets and 4 o-rings for the Ford 7.3 Diesel
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,953
Likes: 120
From: Mcdonough, GA
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