Author Topic: Recommendations for oil cooler adapter  (Read 5839 times)

Offline Dr_Snooz

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Recommendations for oil cooler adapter
« on: April 13, 2015, 08:56:26 pm »
The oil cooler adapter on my '90 1-ton, 454, is leaking oil where the hard lines connect. I'm reading around about the cheesy plastic retaining clips failing, letting the hard lines pop out and wrecking the engine. Having just rebuilt the engine, this scares me to death. Anyone have recommendations for a good replacement adapter?
1989 Chevy Suburban V-2500, 5.7L, TH400

1990 Chevy C-3500 Ext. Cab, 7.4L, 3L80

2009 Chevy Silverado 1500 WT 4WD, 4.8L, 4L60

Offline Dr_Snooz

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Re: Recommendations for oil cooler adapter
« Reply #1 on: April 16, 2015, 09:01:57 am »
Alright, failing recommendations for an aftermarket cooler, does anyone have any experience with the OE cooler adapter? Do those plastic retainers fail allowing all the oil to pump out on the highway? Any suggestions for improving that situation? My plastic retainers are leaking presently at a fairly high rate (1 quart per tank).
1989 Chevy Suburban V-2500, 5.7L, TH400

1990 Chevy C-3500 Ext. Cab, 7.4L, 3L80

2009 Chevy Silverado 1500 WT 4WD, 4.8L, 4L60

Offline roundhouse

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Re: Recommendations for oil cooler adapter
« Reply #2 on: April 16, 2015, 09:07:20 am »
Does summit or jegs have oil coolers ?


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Offline bd

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Re: Recommendations for oil cooler adapter
« Reply #3 on: April 16, 2015, 10:15:52 am »
Alright, failing recommendations for an aftermarket cooler, does anyone have any experience with the OE cooler adapter? Do those plastic retainers fail allowing all the oil to pump out on the highway? Any suggestions for improving that situation? My plastic retainers are leaking presently at a fairly high rate (1 quart per tank).

The plastic retainers are just that - plastic retainers.  They don't seal the hose connection, albeit they do become brittle and break.  O-rings seal the hose connection.  If the hoses are in good shape, replace the o-rings and the plastic clips.  The parts should be available from Napa, et al.
Rich
It's difficult to know just how much you don't know until you know it.
In other words... if people learn by making mistakes, by now I should know just about everything!!!
87 R10 Silverado Fleetside 355 MPFI 700R4 3.42 Locker (aka Rusty, aka Mater)

Offline Dr_Snooz

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Re: Recommendations for oil cooler adapter
« Reply #4 on: April 16, 2015, 07:24:10 pm »
Thanks. I just bought the Dorman replacements today. I hope they work well.
1989 Chevy Suburban V-2500, 5.7L, TH400

1990 Chevy C-3500 Ext. Cab, 7.4L, 3L80

2009 Chevy Silverado 1500 WT 4WD, 4.8L, 4L60

Offline Dr_Snooz

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Re: Recommendations for oil cooler adapter
« Reply #5 on: April 18, 2015, 08:22:49 am »
They look like this for anyone interested.



From what I've been reading, they are a challenge to get seated right. Hope I don't mess it up.  :o
1989 Chevy Suburban V-2500, 5.7L, TH400

1990 Chevy C-3500 Ext. Cab, 7.4L, 3L80

2009 Chevy Silverado 1500 WT 4WD, 4.8L, 4L60

Offline 78BIG-TEN

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Re: Recommendations for oil cooler adapter
« Reply #6 on: April 18, 2015, 09:38:51 am »
Ive never seen the lines pop out but have seen them leak.i just replace the fittings and while
 Im there I put a new seal on the adapter to block.Also make sure lines are supported at the
 front of the block,not just hanging there

Offline Dr_Snooz

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Re: Recommendations for oil cooler adapter
« Reply #7 on: April 24, 2015, 10:16:27 pm »
I'm putting off this repair because I'm not sure how much oil is going to dribble out on me when I try it. Should I wait until my next oil change to do this or am I overthinking it?
1989 Chevy Suburban V-2500, 5.7L, TH400

1990 Chevy C-3500 Ext. Cab, 7.4L, 3L80

2009 Chevy Silverado 1500 WT 4WD, 4.8L, 4L60