'88 ' oil cooler '
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 926
Likes: 2
From: chandler az
'88 ' oil cooler '
Is the oil cooler that uses radiator water necessary? The crossover tube on mine is leaking (between the leaf spring and the framerail) and I am trying to determine if I should replace it or just remove it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 8,838
Likes: 31
From: Australia
You can remove the coolant lines with no changes / effects to the engine except your water will run outwhile you have the hoses disconnected.
To remove the cooler from the block you have to remove the oil filter first ,then unscrew the oil cooler
To remove the cooler from the block you have to remove the oil filter first ,then unscrew the oil cooler
Last edited by rodj; Oct 15, 2005 at 07:23 PM.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 926
Likes: 2
From: chandler az
Someone a while back said there was a large nut that held on the oil cooler. so you are saying that it just screws on like an oil filter? Does it have room to spin after the hoses are removed?
Racer
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 445
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After removing the oil filter, you'll see the thread for the filter. This has a large nut attached to it. this turns inside the cooler, so the housing doesn't move. Undo this and the whole unit will drop straight down...real easy, although I would stick with the system and fix the leak...more than likely the problem is the front hose where it attaches to the al. pipe going to the cooler. To make changes after discarding the cooler will be painful as it is so tight under there. Good luck...
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 926
Likes: 2
From: chandler az
I solved the water leak - the AL tube that runs across the oil pan and then up across the frame was worn through in the area that was leaking. I re routed it using heater hose.
But while I was up under there I see also that the cooler is leaking oil from where it mounts to the block.
Does it just use an oil filter gasket? Where do you get just the gasket?
But while I was up under there I see also that the cooler is leaking oil from where it mounts to the block.
Does it just use an oil filter gasket? Where do you get just the gasket?
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Advanced
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 66
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From: levittown NY
Originally Posted by Pete K
If it were mine, i would fix it and keep if functional.
It is both an oil heater and oil cooler. The first car I had, that had one, was a 62 Volvo P1800. The car had an oil temperature gauge as well as pressure. On a long trip or when in traffic you could watch the two temps (oil & water) become the same. Constant temps mean constant expanision of parts and = longer engine life. That engine went 300K with the head never being pulled. So keep it as GM was doing you a big favor. JMHO
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 22,209
Likes: 12
From: OBAMA IS HITLER
Originally Posted by Corvette0096
I thought it was a oil warmer? I threw mine in the trash. Last thing I wanted was that thing to start leaking antifreeze into my oil. 
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 11,506
Likes: 4
From: Vancouver,Wa.
Originally Posted by Hot Rod 90
you shouldn't have done that! news ones cost about $225
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,812
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From: eastern NC
Originally Posted by Corvette0096
So if it starts to leak internaly how much would that cost..My oil temps are about the same with or without the thing. I bet the newer vettes don't have them..
It is far more likely that ATF on cars with automatic transmission would leak into a radiator, as does happen occassionally on poorly maintained radiators.
And you're right... GM did away with the oil cooler when they went to Mobil 1 oil as they deemed it unnecessary.
GUSTO
