Oil cooler leak

Joe Ricard · Joe Ricard's Garage

Not sure what I did but I know it wasn't right. I just put my engine back in about 200 miles ago. Now I seeem to have an oil cooler leak.
So on to my question: Can I remove the fan housing and tin to get to it with the engine still in the car?

Clay Perrine · 02-04-2002, 07:24 AM

You can remove the fan shroud and all the assorted junk to get the cooler seals changed, but why do you need to? If the oil cooler is leaking, from under the car, you can remove the bolts holding the cooler, and slide the cooler to the front of the car. The seals will just fall out. Then take some grease and a big flat blade screwdriver and stick the new seals in place. Then slide the cooler back in place and install the nuts.

Joe Ricard · Joe Ricard's Garage

Well I looked at that method. Either way it is going to be a pain. I can see the two nuts but not the third one Guess it will be by feel. I will let you know how it goes.

02-04-2002, 07:44 AM

Sorry to hear it Joe. From what I've read you can do it without dropping the motor. Looks like it would be pain but probably better than dropping the motor.

However, if you made the mistake I did (due to an error in the Haynes manual) and installed washers between the oil cooler and the case then you might have to pull the motor to remove the washers.

Let us know how it turns out.

Clay Perrine · 02-04-2002, 07:45 AM

You can remove the fan shroud and all the assorted junk to get the cooler seals changed, but why do you need to? If the oil cooler is leaking, from under the car, you can remove the bolts holding the cooler, and slide the cooler to the front of the car. The seals will just fall out. Then take some grease and a big flat blade screwdriver and stick the new seals in place. Then slide the cooler back in place and install the nuts.

Clay Perrine · 02-04-2002, 07:48 AM

You can even drop the cooler with this method. You follow the same procedure, then use a pair of needle nose vice grips to unscrew the studs, and then just lower the cooler.
You can then add the missing washers and reinstall the cooler.

02-04-2002, 07:52 AM

Now you tell me...

Va914 · 02-04-2002, 11:39 AM

How do you test for leaks in the oil cooler?

Thanks
Kerry

Clay Perrine · 02-04-2002, 11:45 AM

Don' bother. If you even suspect the cooler is leaking, buy another. It's cheap insurance. You can have a partially clogged one too, and that wil affect the oil temp badly. You can get a new cooler from our sponsor. If you find a leak, you can't do a thing about it execpt replace it.

Va914 · 02-04-2002, 12:24 PM

Well I removed the oil cooler to do alittle bit of engine cleaning and to replace the pushrod seals. I figured since it was out get it tested.

I'll check the prices on PP for a new one.

Kerry

Dave at Pelican Parts · Dave at Pelican Parts's Garage

We have a tech article on this very subject. Take a look in the 914 Tech Articles section. It can help out in a lot of cases.

--DD