Best Way to Clean Oil Cooler?

[IAN]

I have removed the cooler from my 72 911T. I want to take it somewhere to have it cleaned. What kind of process should I be looking for?

What is the most effective process?

Thanks,
Ian

[Superman]

Some say you can clean them ultrasonically. But the folks who really know will tell you this is not true. If there are bits inside the cooler, like for example if the engine had a bearing failure, then that stuff will find its way into your expensive new motor, even after an ultrasonic cleaning. According to the Wise Ones.

But if it's just the outside you're thinking of, I think you can plug the ends and place it in a BFPW (very large parts washer) such as those owned by mechanics for washing parts. It's like a home dishwasher, only much bigger.

[Tex3]

What about a radiator shop? Don't the fix and clean Aluminum radiators. Maybe they can clean your oil cooler. I would check first to see what kind of stuff they use.

[Early_S_Man]

Heated ultrasonic cleaning tank at 120°F for 8 hours ... in a new gallon [or two] of Berryman's B-12 Chemtool! Clean the external part of the cooler BEFORE you put it in the ultrasonic tank!

[Jerome Ryals]

If you know anyone in the heating and air business get them to 'donate' some coil cleaner, strictly for the exterior stuff though.
It is a spray on water-wash off solution.

[pwd72s]

Ian, run it by ROTHSPORT...ask Jeff what to do. It'll cost ya $80 or so...it'll be clean. I just had a cooler cleaned there for Evren...yes, ultrasonic... Super? I'd like to know who "those who really know" more than an Alec Job crew chief are...

[Superman]

Well, that's what I had heard, anyway. In the context of an engine failure where bits of metal are in the oil.

When JW cleaned mine, he plugged the holes and it went into his BFPW. Perhaps they can be effectively cleaned, and I'd suppose that if there is sludge only in there with no metal bits, then perhaps it's safe and effective. What I had heard is that with engine bits in the cooler, you can try to clean them but bits will stay in, and eventually ruin your new engine.

Wow. Seems to be alot of experts here today. I had mine ultrasonicly and came back just like new. It was also preasure tested. They even wrapped it in a cryopack bag. Then I did my oil tank which came back the same way. A new coat of etched primer and heat paint in a rattle can. Best 125 bucks I spent in a while and didn't have to get that dirty.

[IAN]

The local radiator shop said they could steam clean my oil cooler.

Would this cause any damage?

Thanks.
Ian

[Quicksilver]

Steam cleaning won't hurt but I would question its ability to get it really clean. To get it really clean you have to get rid if any viscosity that is holding the contamination in place. The heat from steam would help but some sort of solvent action is really called for.

Wayne