Oil cooler replacement while in car??

[silver2.0]

I have just finished my engine rebuild, and the good news is my car runs perfect. The bad news is that my oil cooler decided to start leaking now. At least I am 99 percent sure that is what it is. It appears that I didn't have the clamp support bracket perfectly aligned or something, because it is leaking in the fins along the side away from the fan housing. It also looks slightly distorted.
I feel pretty stupid about the whole thing, but I should have replaced the oil cooler anyways as Dave had suggested. THe only reason I didn't is because the motor didn't grenade, it was just worn out, with bad heads.
So, now for the question- Can I replace it with a new cooler and seals while the motor is in the car? I purchased new items from this site already, so now I just need some info and suggestions. Thanks. I know that the seals can be replaced while in the motor is in the car, but how about the actual cooler?? Thanks for your suggestions

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

You might, just barely, be able to replace the cooler without removing the engine from the car. But it will be much more work than simply dropping the motor and doing the replacement with the engine out. Several times more difficult, in fact.

--DD

[Jason Porter]

Wassup man?!?! Glad to hear the engine is in, and almost all is well.

Check out this thread:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-914-914-6-technical-forum/157422-r-r-oil-cooler.html#post1256442

Hope this helps. Jason

[Bleyseng]

I have done it and it is a ***** to do. If you have the room drop the motor/trans and then do it.
If you are space impaired like I was a few years ago then just remove nearly everything and get to the cooler. I'll bet its just the seals or the oil pressure sender that are leaking.

Geoff

[Kevin Powers]

while everything was off during a conversion on the he's on the 75 i thought about doing it while the engine was in. after looking pulled the engine.

kevin

[silver2.0]

Thanks for the advice guys. I guess I will be pulling a motor/trans. tonight. I am pretty sure it is the oil cooler, because the fins are a little tweaked where it is leaking from, right around where the support bracket goes. You can bet I will be more careful in the future. If it's just the seals or the sender, at least I had an excuse for a new cooler!! Mine was rusty anyway. Besides, I have to justify it in my head someway, or I will be pissed.

Tony

[silver2.0]

Well, it was definately the oil cooler, it was leaking inbetween a couple of the fins as I had suspected, your right, it was only a bout 2 hours to pull the motor, and I never would have been able to pull the cooler without yanking it. Thanks for the advice guys.