Clean Oil Cooler And System After Rebuild

[Don888]

Guys,
This may be controversial. I have two major engine builders on the west coast who tell me that the oil cooler and the front Rt fender cooler and system does not have to be cleaned after a rebuild. They pointed out to me that the oil system per the Porsche system schematic demonstrates that any damaged parts are picked up by the oil pick up mesh in the oil pump and the oil filter. Any broken small parts never get into the oil coolers. They do get dirty and should be cleaned if needed, or fixed if leaking. If the pick up mesh has a whole in it then that is a problem and will spread damaged parts.

it seems that many members of this board plus, one premiere engine builder in the Bay area insists on cleaning the oil cooler, and maybe the entire system. Is this a scam to make more money on a rebuild, if the engine did not suffer major damage?

So what is the real deal on this. I looked at the schematic and it seems to indicate that the oil coolers do not pick up broken parts per Porsche's design?-- unless you have an engine just self destruct!

I need clarification on this for a shop I am working with.

Thanks for your help

[JohnJL]

You could pass a fairly long needle through the mesh. Take a look at your piston squirters...it wouldn't take much to clog one up, possibly resulting in major damage. The mesh isn't much of a filter, and there are several paths debris can bypass and get back into the passages.

Better safe than sorry.

[Porsche84]

Why take a chance? Pacific Oil cooler will clean it perfectly for about $125.

[ChrisBennet]

I suppose one could make a (so so) argument for not cleaning the oil coolers if the motor didn't have any damage.
However, the reasons you were given make no sense at all. Would one of those "major engine builders" be MM by any chance? If so, do a search on this list for their name before you deal with them.
-Chris

[asphaltgambler]

I'm at this point with my car. I think ANYONE who would discourage a complete oil system flush / cleaning after a rebuild is re-g*d*mndiculous.

Sonic cleaning the oil coolers, tank and flushing the oil lines just makes good sense. Sort of like putting on clean clothes after you shower to go out.

I personally know of one well known local shop in Va that did a very hot 3.5 (3.2) in a dedicated race car that promptly blew-up after a short practice lap(s) Seems as if a small piece of shrapnel found it's way FROM the oil tank/ system that was NOT flushed out from the previous engine diaster.

Guess what? that shop would'nt make good on the engine and it went to another well known shop for a second est. Guess what? It still had to be completely rebuilt and it was $$$ AGAIN!

Considering how much time and money is invested in doing a proper build; cleaning the outside oil system is pennies and minutes in the grand scheme of things

[Don888]

No it is not MM. It is two companes in the Bay Area.

Don