Engine Oil Cooler

[SV Hope]

Hi,

I have discovered an oil leak in the engine oil cooler where one of the hoses attaches to the cooler. The cooler is not mounted to the engine but attached to the engine bed. I would like to;
1. Remove the cooler & flush it with a 50/50 mix of water & hydrochloric acid to remove any build up of scale inside. Would I need to drain the engine oil before removal?
2. Are these coolers repairable or are they a throw away job?
3. Is there any danger of an air lock occurring on reassembly?
4. Any tips for the inexperienced?

Thanks.

Michael

[Randy]

Cheers Michael,

They are repairable. Any radiator shop should be able to clean, repair and pressure test. No worries of an air lock. I have been using a product called Rydlyme. I circulate it throughout the entire engine raw water cooling system with a small water pump. It seems to really work at keeping all the crud out of the coolers and lines.

Good luck
Randy

[SailingSeaDragon]

Michael,

Two seasons ago I had my oil cooler split at the hose connection and pumped 4 quarters of oil into the bilge before the oil pressure alarm alerted me. So I suggest now is a good time to spend a few hundred dollars for a new one and not repair your old one.

For what it is worth,
Garner

[Leo II]

My oil cooler failed this summer. Small crack on the back side. It was not bolted in place and chafed against the engine. Replacing it was easy. Getting four gallons of oil out of the bilge was not.