Hi all,

I have an oil leak and it appears to be where the oil cooler is connected to the block. I've read a lot about other who have removed their oil cooler but I'm looking for info on what needs to be done here. I've found a few links on the internet that were supposed to be write ups on what to do but they were all dead. Anyone have info on what needs to be done here? what parts to I need to delete the oil cooler? What did you do with the lines running into/out of the oil cooler.

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

Now assuming your only objective here is a cost effective leak fix.
You just have a bad gasket where the cooler meets the block replace that and you are good to go.

Deleting the cooler will cost you more because you will need another filter adapter.

If you want to delete it for more reasons than to fix the leak say so and we can get you more info.

 

Dwayne is likely right but it could be as simple as a loose center bolt...the same one that the filter threads onto.

I'd replace the gasket anyway...it's just good to know the cause of the leak..

 

If you do delete it, shoot me a pm, I'm looking for a cooler

 

You do realize that it's really a heat exchanger that pumps water to a small adapter that cools the oil as it passes through on it's way to the filter..right? It's not a cooler like most people think of...

 

I didn't bw, the lines go where? Is there a spot on the rad?

 

 

Thanks Rob!

 

Thanks for the info everyone.

You are correct in assuming that I am only trying to fix the leak so yes, I should only seek out a new gasket - why spend that extra $$$. I had just been reading about issues folks were having with the coolers and I guess I then became a bit concerned about them clogging and causing issues and figured I needed to replace mine.

Is it much of a job to replace this gasket? Do I need to disconnect all the lines to the cooler to do this? I have no problems having a local garage do this for me but if I can do this in my own garage, I'd tackle it myself. I'm assuming all of these gaskets are still available from GM.

Cheers

 

You don't have to remove the coolant lines to change the gasket. It's also a good time to change your oil. Drain the oil from the crankcase, remove the filter, recover center through bolt, remover offending gasket. Reverse to install. Check on Shoebox.com for the torque requirements for that center bolt...

You don't have to drain the oil, nne will escape during this work but you already have the car up and the filter off.....

 

Do yourself a favor and lose the Oil Cooler. It's worthless and can clog and cause problems. You don't need a Filter Adapter because it's already there. You just need to cut the tops off the bolts (2) or get new ones.

 

Odd.... I've had my oil cooler for 18 years and never had a problem of any kind with it. Using my oil temp gauge, it's very clear that the oil temp tracks the coolant temp, so it's definitely effective. The shop that built my stroker felt it was well worth keeping.

 

Thanks Fred, I was just about to ask what problems it causes, probably none if regular maintenance is performed.

 

Is the gasket the same for 93's? Also, is there a part number? Mine is also leaking. Thanks