Remove Oil Cooler without Engine Drop

cperedina · 03-08-2008, 03:59 PM

I've found some threads which discuss removing the oil cooler (to replace seals) without dropping the engine, and some that say it's not possible.

My questions are:
1. Is is possible?
2. After removing the HE's, oil lines, engine tin, etc. is there a baffle on top of the oil cooler that needs to be removed?
3. Does anyone have experience with this?
4. Does anyone have a pic of that section of the engine?

Thanks!
Curt

boyt911sc · boyt911sc's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by cperedina

I've found some threads which discuss removing the oil cooler (to replace seals) without dropping the engine, and some that say it's not possible.

My questions are:
1. Is is possible?
2. After removing the HE's, oil lines, engine tin, etc. is there a baffle on top of the oil cooler that needs to be removed?
3. Does anyone have experience with this?
4. Does anyone have a pic of that section of the engine?

Thanks!
Curt

Curt,

Some answers to your questions:
1). It is not impossible but would take a lot of skill and creativity.
2). Yes. There is a fiberglas top cover for the engine oil cooler. If you can reach and remove the inner bolt beside the engine thermostat, then removing the cooler is doable.
3). Someone may have tried this before. Not sure I would do it this way.
4). Yes. See pictures below.

The degree of difficulty of achieving this task successfully without an engine drop is beyond my comprehension. Good luck.

Tony

zotman72 · 07:53 PM

I have removed my oil cooler before on my 2.4S MFI engine, as the oil cooler failed. It can be done while the engine is in the car, not so sure about a CIS engine. The cooler just pulls off straight away after you get the 3 nuts off. Several extensions needed on your socket wrench. YMMV

mjw · 03-08-2008, 08:33 PM

I was able to pull oil cooler on my 73 2.4T, to replace the three seals. It was a fairly straight forward operation. If I remember correctly, I removed the right rear wheel, the top duct and some sheetmetal.

RarlyL8 · RarlyL8's Garage

Done on my 3.0L SC as well. NOT easy but can be done. The engine was dropped a few inches in my case.

Walter_Middie · Walter_Middie's Garage

I have removed the oil cooler a couple of times on my 75 with CIS. I did not have to remove the heat exchangers or drop the engine. It helps to have a picture of what you are doing - like the one above - as you can't see what you are doing while working on it.

rusnak · 03-09-2008, 10:54 AM

There is a tech article on this subject by Stomski. Check out the tech articles section of this website.

SteveM911 · 03-10-2008, 03:19 AM

I took the cooler off OK on my SC, partial engine drop and a bit of dexterity
needed, certainly a fiddle, I took the rear wheel off but didn't need to touch the Exhangers.

afterburn 549 · 03-10-2008, 07:33 AM

Did it on a 2.7

david482 · 03-10-2008, 10:54 AM

I have a 1970E and was able to do it. The hard part was drilling out the rivits on the shroud to get the plastic top off the oil cooler, needed to get to the last 2 bolts. Other then that I was able to get to all the bolts from under the car.

rusnak · 03-11-2008, 12:42 PM

I'm getting ready to help my friend with a neglected 911SC replace his oil cooler seals. I have to pack up my tools and drive 45mins to get there, so I need to be ready.

If it is necessary to drop the engine partially, do I need to disconnect the cv joints, or can I get away with just the shift linkage, harness, throttle, oil line, fuel, and cruise control?

afterburn 549 · 03-11-2008, 12:55 PM

.. I think I did a partial drop (8 yrs ago) no need to unhook much..just 2 rear bolts as I remeber , Leave CV joints alone. seems there is one plastic cover that was hard to reach to get unbolted..anyway ( over the cooler ? )was not too hard or I would remember more about it.
Bring a floor jack so you do not over do your drop......LOL

rusnak · 03-11-2008, 01:01 PM

Thanks afterburn. I am reading old threads, and they refer to 3 bolts and a plastic cover (see pics) over the cooler that may be a pita to lift so that you can move the cooler out of there.

dshepp806 · dshepp806's Garage

How about on a 89 3.2L?

afterburn 549 · 03-11-2008, 01:24 PM

I am no expert, did it on a 2,7 They are all about the same (i guess ) On mine I ended up doing a overhaul....had too many problems.thats an other story

Decolliber · 03-11-2008, 01:42 PM

I removed the oil cooler on an 88 Carrera to replace the seals. Time consuming but not difficult. I removed the air filter box to get access to the cover on top of the cooler. It helps to have thin arms and small hands.

rolls 912 · rolls 912's Garage

Is it possible to do this without removing on a 3.2? Thanks.

Derek911 · 03-15-2015, 08:32 AM

On a 3.2 I know people have taken off the Fuel injection and intake to tackle the triangle of death in lieu of an engine drop.

I would assume it would be easy to get to the plastic top and engine cooler with the fuel and intake off?? Correct?

Is this a viable option compared to a partial or full drop the engine? Or does the complete job require both a partial and intake removal?

afterburn 549 · 03-15-2015, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rolls 912

Is it possible to do this without removing on a 3.2? Thanks.

I am sure you can., you may have to remove exhaust and stuff in the way.

Derek911 · 08:45 AM

ok. I just checked my folder of handy tips.
On a 3.2 people have hit the triangle of death by removing only the air box and AFM. No Partial drop. My only question would be with the air box and AMF removed, would the Air cooler be accessible for removal?

Ok, John C has answered the question.. It is possible with thin arms, small hands and patience.