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Oil cooler replacement

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Old Oct 9, 2018 | 07:46 AM
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Oil cooler replacement

I noticed a small coolant leak at the front by the oil cooler. Removed it last night. Now I swear the back black O ring was not on the cooler or stuck in the oil filter adapter end. From what I understand if that was truly missing the coolant would be inundated with oil and a slew of other issues. I have a new cooler and Onring kit ready to go back in.





 
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Old Oct 9, 2018 | 08:19 AM
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I had to reseal mine once because it started pouring oil out on the ground. The o-rings were all there but very brittle. I do remember reading, and you probably already know this, that the ends should be squeezed back onto the cooler body as opposed to tapping it together with a mallet. I think I used a 2" ratchet strap to pull mine back together and it never leaked again.
 
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Old Oct 9, 2018 | 08:21 AM
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Yep I am gonna try the strap first, if that doesnt seat right my buddy has a press
 
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Old Oct 9, 2018 | 10:39 AM
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Just lube everything up good before you put it back together and should be good to go.
 
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Old Oct 9, 2018 | 04:14 PM
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Moved to the 7.3L forum.

Stewart
 
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Old Oct 9, 2018 | 10:44 PM
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I was going to use Sil Glyde on the O rings, figured it would ease the reassembly
 
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Old Oct 10, 2018 | 08:51 AM
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Did you get a new cooler, or just the O-Rings? The cooler looks to be in good shape. How does your oil look?
 
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Old Oct 10, 2018 | 09:06 AM
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Bought a new cooler too. The coolant that drained out of the lower hose had a tiny bit of oil in it. Oil was dark but what I would expect it to look like
 
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Old Oct 10, 2018 | 09:30 AM
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Hmmmmm, cooler should've been fine...but now you know I guess. Good job.
 
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Old Oct 10, 2018 | 11:09 AM
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Originally Posted by BBslider001
Hmmmmm, cooler should've been fine...but now you know I guess. Good job.
I know it cost more this way but I will know they are new and ready for service. I have new water pump, trans, and a slew of other maintenance items. I plan to tow with this rig for a long time😁
 
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Old Oct 10, 2018 | 12:26 PM
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Makes total sense. If I have the coin and it gives me peace of mind, I do it.
 
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Old Oct 10, 2018 | 12:46 PM
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No need to use a strap to push/squeeze the heads back onto the cooler tube. I stand mine upright with the bottom end on a scrap 2x4 and just press downwards with my body weight. As long as you completely lube the o-rings with oil or a tiny bit of grease, they go back together nicely without the complication of straps, presses, clamps, etc. I've done several that way, and it always works well for me. Before you ask, no, I'm not a small man, but I know of small skinny guys who have been equally successful with the same technique.
 
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Old Oct 10, 2018 | 02:29 PM
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Originally Posted by F250_
No need to use a strap to push/squeeze the heads back onto the cooler tube. I stand mine upright with the bottom end on a scrap 2x4 and just press downwards with my body weight. As long as you completely lube the o-rings with oil or a tiny bit of grease, they go back together nicely without the complication of straps, presses, clamps, etc. I've done several that way, and it always works well for me. Before you ask, no, I'm not a small man, but I know of small skinny guys who have been equally successful with the same technique.
Just make sure the locating tabs are in the proper position, even if you've checked it a few times, before you press them back together. Otherwise you could be buying a replacement. Not that I would know personally, of course.

Stewart
 
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Old Oct 10, 2018 | 04:30 PM
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Originally Posted by Stewart_H
Just make sure the locating tabs are in the proper position, even if you've checked it a few times, before you press them back together. Otherwise you could be buying a replacement. Not that I would know personally, of course.

Stewart
 
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Old Oct 10, 2018 | 08:57 PM
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Lubed up the onrings and put it together on the bench. Mounting as one unit was not that bad. Covered the front mount with a bag until in position. I am pretty sure this was the source of the leak.
 
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