Oil cooler removal
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Tuned
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 306
Likes: 12
From: Greenbush, Minnesota
Oil cooler removal
Picked up a used Excursion a month or so ago. We had a trip this past weekend and I noticed my oil pressure dropping when I was coming to a stop. Pulled over and checked my oil level and naturally it was way down on the stick. I topped it off and kept the oil level correct till we got home.
I believe I've got an oil cooler leaking. My coolant looks like root beer in the expansion tank. I've got no other leaks that are visible and no smoke out of the tailpipe. Truck runs great. My question is how do I remove the cooler?
In the picture I've attached, I assume the cooler is item 6A642. I plan to remove it and pressure test it for leaks. I've done some searching and from what I can tell there is a hex head inside the filter nipple that turns out allowing the cooler to be removed. 14mm? 9/16 hex? I've got everything drained down and just need to figure out how to get it apart. I'm hoping its a simple fix. Is there any other place that can leak oil into the coolant? I'd like to cover all the bases while I have it torn apart.
Thanks,
JEV
I believe I've got an oil cooler leaking. My coolant looks like root beer in the expansion tank. I've got no other leaks that are visible and no smoke out of the tailpipe. Truck runs great. My question is how do I remove the cooler?
In the picture I've attached, I assume the cooler is item 6A642. I plan to remove it and pressure test it for leaks. I've done some searching and from what I can tell there is a hex head inside the filter nipple that turns out allowing the cooler to be removed. 14mm? 9/16 hex? I've got everything drained down and just need to figure out how to get it apart. I'm hoping its a simple fix. Is there any other place that can leak oil into the coolant? I'd like to cover all the bases while I have it torn apart.
Thanks,
JEV
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,564
Likes: 11
From: Wayyy NoCal, USA
Your guess on removal is spot on. I recall it is a 14mm socket head. I just cut a 2" stub off a 14 mm hex key and slipped that into a 14 mm socket.
The other possibility was 12mm....
Before unscrewing it, try tightening it just a scosche. If it was loose, you may be able to fix it just by tightening it back up. If it is tight, then remove and proceed with testing/replacement.
Let's hope that is the root cause! It likely is. The other possibilities are much more frightening.... Cracked head, cracked block, blown head gasket....
The other possibility was 12mm....
Before unscrewing it, try tightening it just a scosche. If it was loose, you may be able to fix it just by tightening it back up. If it is tight, then remove and proceed with testing/replacement.
Let's hope that is the root cause! It likely is. The other possibilities are much more frightening.... Cracked head, cracked block, blown head gasket....
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 306
Likes: 12
From: Greenbush, Minnesota
Well, I got the cooler off and pressure checked it. Good news is, it checked out fine. Seemed to be no leaks. Bad news is, now I have to try and pull the rest of that assembly out to try and get at that gasket. Not looking forward to having to pull the motor mounts loose to get it out.
Tuned
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 320
Likes: 47
From: Eastern TN
You don't need to pull the motor. Unbolt the motor mount, put a jack under the motor and raise the drivers side up to allow removal of the cooler. You will also need to remove the inner fender. When I fixed mine on my 04 the cab was off so it was real easy.
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