heat exchanger question
 

while working on an oil leak, i had to disconnect an oil line above a heat exchanger. the oil drained out on top of the exchanger and the header tubes leading into the exchanger. now it seems there is oil inside the exchanger. the heater stinks and theres oil comming out of the exchanger at the seams. i figured these things must be air tight but apparently they're not.

are they supposed to be airtight?

i'm thinking about rigging up a set-up to flush the thing out via the air ducts. anyone ever tried this?

No, they are not airtight. The seams are folded and have gaps in them.

The oil stink is a common issue when you get oil leaks on the bottom of the engine.

Best thing I have found to clean them is to spray them down with degreaser and run the engine. the stink will go away after a few days.

AFJuvat

fyi

i removed the front and rear duct connections and sprayed the thing full of brake cleaner...about 3 times. you could see it was washing out oil. then i sprayed it full of "big orange" ...a degreaser made from oranges. then washed it out with a hose.

well it worked as there is no more smell except the fresh scent of citris....:)

I did the same. I also pulled/pushed a towel through the ducts to clean them out. It really helps.