Oil Cooler Line Replacement Front
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 375
Likes: 0
From: Montreal Drive it like you test it !
Oil Cooler Line Replacement Front
Hi,
The 97 z51 C5 is in storage for the winter. I started it because I needed to move it in the garage to have more room for an oil change. When I put it back in the garage, I saw red oil drop on the garage floor. I checked the tranny and it was ok. (I replaced it a couple of year ago). So I checked the oil cooler lines. I found the leak coming from the lower oil cooler line close to the radiator. The leak comes from a small hole at the adapter connecting the metal tube to the rubber hose. See picture below.
I that time I was not too concerned until I read the replacement steps in the shop manual. There are 32 steps for removal including : -Discharge A/C system; -Disconnect the Power Steering shaft; -Move the PS gear and cooler forward; -Remove the RH engine mount.
This is a lot of work to replace the oil cooler line. I also have to do it on jack stand.
Question #1: Do we need to do all GM steps to replace the hose? I know some time folks finds shortcut on GM recommended step.
Question #2: I know it is not the best solution, but could I cut the leaking segment and install a rubber hose with Stainless Steel Hose Clamps we use in plumbing? I did it when I installed a tranny oil cooler on the C4 and it hold very well even at track. Not sure if there is more pressure on the C5 tranny.
Thanks in advance.
ByeC.
http://pages.videotron.com/vette747/
The 97 z51 C5 is in storage for the winter. I started it because I needed to move it in the garage to have more room for an oil change. When I put it back in the garage, I saw red oil drop on the garage floor. I checked the tranny and it was ok. (I replaced it a couple of year ago). So I checked the oil cooler lines. I found the leak coming from the lower oil cooler line close to the radiator. The leak comes from a small hole at the adapter connecting the metal tube to the rubber hose. See picture below.
I that time I was not too concerned until I read the replacement steps in the shop manual. There are 32 steps for removal including : -Discharge A/C system; -Disconnect the Power Steering shaft; -Move the PS gear and cooler forward; -Remove the RH engine mount.
This is a lot of work to replace the oil cooler line. I also have to do it on jack stand.
Question #1: Do we need to do all GM steps to replace the hose? I know some time folks finds shortcut on GM recommended step.
Question #2: I know it is not the best solution, but could I cut the leaking segment and install a rubber hose with Stainless Steel Hose Clamps we use in plumbing? I did it when I installed a tranny oil cooler on the C4 and it hold very well even at track. Not sure if there is more pressure on the C5 tranny.
Thanks in advance.
ByeC.
http://pages.videotron.com/vette747/
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 2,800
Likes: 456
From: USA
cooler lines
I just went through this on my 2001. I had pulled the engine for a rebuild and I forgot to put the cooler lines back in before I put the cradle back. I tried every thing I could think of to get them in without following the gm service manual. I ended up lowering the cradle supporting the motor from above, removing the AC compressor, bracket and loosening the right motor mount to get the lines back in. I hope you can find a way but I could not and bit the bullet and followed the S/M procedure. I even got my nephew, a 20 year plus GM Tech to look it over and short of cutting and splicing he could see no other way either. Good luck and I hope you find a shortcut.
