Author Topic: Oil Cooler Leak  (Read 4668 times)

Offline RVimana

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Oil Cooler Leak
« on: July 15, 2018, 10:05:05 AM »
Good Morning!
This is on a 1987 Chevy P30 chassis with a 7.4L 454 that sits underneath a Class A motor home (24'). It was a daily driver for a few months (long story), but didn't miss a beat.

However, I did notice and engine oil cooler leak within the fins. I ordered the new B&M oil cooler and have it in hand.

A friend was over initially helping with the smog pump (http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=36587.msg307694#msg307694) and attempted to remove the bottom fittings. Obviously he is much stronger than me, and the fittings on both sides were difficult. Right side should be able to be removed, but the left side (drivers side) is the one that is leaking - now even more as the integrity of the pipe is questionable. The tube/pipe is twisting with the rotation of the fitting itself (see pics)

My questions are:

1) Can these two aluminum inlet and outflow tubes be replaced with rubber hoses and clamps? Is there a fitting that would go to from the inlet/outflow of the oil cooler that would allow me to do this?

2) Would there be any trouble bypassing this so that I can drive it to someone who knows what the heck they're doing?

Suggestions and opinions are welcome. This is more motor work than I've been involved with for over 30 years.

Thanks in advance,
Erich - RVimana

Offline VileZambonie

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Re: Oil Cooler Leak
« Reply #1 on: July 15, 2018, 11:24:27 AM »
My advice is to eliminate the oil cooler altogether. It is unnecessary and poses risks that are catastrophic when it fails.
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74 GMC, 75 K5, 84 GMC, 85 K20, 86 k20, 79 K10

Offline RVimana

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Re: Oil Cooler Leak
« Reply #2 on: July 15, 2018, 05:22:56 PM »
VileZombie,
This RV tows a bass boat - in an ideal world...ALL the time! Would eliminating this cause any issues with temp?

What would be the easiest way to remove it from the system all together?

Thanks for the advice.

Offline ehjorten

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Re: Oil Cooler Leak
« Reply #3 on: July 16, 2018, 08:58:15 AM »
That oil cooler is still available.  You can buy it new.  However, the lines are not available.  They are an O-ring swaged end and what I have found are that nobody makes an AN or JIC fitting with the proper sizes.  RockAuto does have a Oil Cooler Lines kit for your vehicle.  Not sure if it has all of the right fittings to make up your lines, but hopefully they have it all worked out.  Looks like they may be using pipe fittings.
-Erik-
1991 V3500 - Gen V TBI 454, 4L80E, NP205, 14 bolt FF, D60, 8" Lift on 35s
1977 K20 Silverado - 350, THM350, NP203, 14 bolt FF, D44, Stock Lift on 31s
1969 Chevelle Malibu Sport Coupe - EFI350, THM350
1968 Chevrolet Step-side Pickup - 300HP L6

Offline VileZambonie

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Re: Oil Cooler Leak
« Reply #4 on: July 16, 2018, 05:24:02 PM »
VileZombie,
This RV tows a bass boat - in an ideal world...ALL the time! Would eliminating this cause any issues with temp?

What would be the easiest way to remove it from the system all together?

Thanks for the advice.

Negative. Just don't run walmart oil :)

All you need is MFA350 https://www.summitracing.com/parts/mel-mfa350

autozone usually has these in stock
,                           ___ 
                         /  _ _ _\_
              ⌠ŻŻŻŻŻ'   [☼===☼]
              `()_);-;()_)--o--)_)

74 GMC, 75 K5, 84 GMC, 85 K20, 86 k20, 79 K10

Offline RVimana

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Re: Oil Cooler Leak
« Reply #5 on: July 19, 2018, 03:52:20 PM »
Are these pressurized lines?

Would it be possible to cut both of those aluminum lines (I have a tubing cutter) and just connect both with a rubber hose? It's coming from a rubber hose/line, correct?

I know it's not the ideal fix, but this bus is going to NY in about 6 days.

Thanks in advance.

Offline VileZambonie

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Re: Oil Cooler Leak
« Reply #6 on: July 19, 2018, 04:40:05 PM »
Yes and that is a bad idea. It's only 2 bolts holding the adapter on. Why not do it right and be safe?
,                           ___ 
                         /  _ _ _\_
              ⌠ŻŻŻŻŻ'   [☼===☼]
              `()_);-;()_)--o--)_)

74 GMC, 75 K5, 84 GMC, 85 K20, 86 k20, 79 K10

Offline RVimana

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Re: Oil Cooler Leak
« Reply #7 on: July 20, 2018, 02:11:02 PM »
Do the aluminum lines run to the adapter?

If so I don't have any of the tools, parts or pieces to modify or create connections. Except for that tubing cutter I mentioned.

And at least some (4"-6") of one of those lines is going to need to be removed.

Thanks,
RVimana