Installing Exchangers, Empty Oil?

Kaliv · Kaliv's Garage

I posted this question in another thread, but I think it'll get overlooked because the topic was a bit off.

I'm looking to swap out B&B exchangers and install factory stock exchangers. The only article I can find on installing headers talks about putting in SSI. With SSI, I guess you have to change out oil lines so you need to empty your oil.

Question: Would I need to empty oil to go from B&B to Stock? I just don't want to start unscrewing nuts to find oil pouring all over me.

Thanks!

juanbenae · juanbenae's Garage

depends. if the B&B need the two stock oil lines swaped out as do the ssi's then yes. that also might mean you need the two stock oil lines.

Kaliv · Kaliv's Garage

Hmm, I've never seen what stock looks like. How would I be able to tell?

fireant911 · 05-02-2007, 08:50 AM

This situation sounds like what I previously did - removed that piece of crap B&B exhaust system... and went back to the original. I did not change the oil though I did lose several quarts because of the time delay factor causing the oil draining back to the sump. Obtaining the correct oil lines was my most difficult experience and time consuming experience - after receiving three new different oil lines that would not fit (much frustation at that point), I opted to purchase some used lines from a Pelican member here. That was the single best modification that I have ever done to my SC.

On a side note... I gladly sold that piece of trash B&B system here on Pelican for $600. I was overly-honest about all the shortcomings as well as sharing my terrible dislike of this pitiful excuse of an exhaust system but it very quickly sold. Shortly thereafter my purchaser posted the same exhaust system for sale on Pelican for $1,100. I had the original receipt and the system new was around $2,500.

Kaliv · Kaliv's Garage

You lost oil because you changerd oil lines right? Not because you unbolted the exchangers?

I still don't quite understand how changing the exchangers would raise a need for new oil lines. Could someone go into a little more detail?

juanbenae · juanbenae's Garage

the stock exchanger from 78-88 required a rerouting from the older one, hence different oil lines. if you go to SSI's (and possibly the B&B) you needed to use the pre 78 oil lines. if you go back to the stock exchangers from ssi's you will need the two original oil lines removed and replaced to install the ssi's

take a picture of the underside of you motor and post. there should be a hardline that runs from the passenger side by the on engine oil cooler, around the back by the muffler, then returning to the motor on the drivers side. the older oil line will loop over the transmission to the drivers side, and will not work due to the stock exchanger cross over pipe.

if you post a picture i can tell you if you have the one original line.

Kaliv · Kaliv's Garage

Hmm...I think this is bad news. From your description, I think I have the old oil line...not the original stock line.

The good news is that I want to go to SSI someday...so this would probably save me hassle. But I don't have the funds to dump into something I don't *need*, thus putting the old stock exchangers back on.

Edit: If anyone has a photo of what the stock underside should look like...I wouldn't mind you posting it.

juanbenae · juanbenae's Garage

you do not have the original oil line there. it looks as if somebody had that made up custom like. maybe the stock unit work with that? reroute it away from any exhaust heat area, and where it wont rub against anything and may you skate?