Oil coolers are essential for maintaining the temperature of engine oil, especially in heavy-duty vehicles. Therefore, this component must remain in good condition at all times for optimal auto performance. In general, these vehicles experience engine overheating problems because of hauling loads or driving in adverse conditions.
If the oil cooler is faulty, the engine oil could be compromised. Consequently, the engine will experience lubricating and cooling issues. You can avoid related breakdowns by conducting timely repairs of damaged cooler components. One of the common problems to monitor is damage to the lines carrying fluid from the engine to the cooler. These hoses are durable, but they can fail due to accidents or wear. If this issue occurs, plan for an immediate replacement to restore the function of the oil cooler system. Here are basic tips to consider when planning for line replacement.
Choose Replacement Lines
When planning for the line replacement, acquire suitable hoses for your vehicle. Ensure the purchased products are suitable for running motor oil from the engine to the cooler system and back. These components must be suited for use in harsh auto conditions for ideal results. Where possible, choose the exact type of lines used in the original vehicle design to avoid mishaps. In addition to the practical operating factors, check the length of the lines. Make sure the hoses are long enough for the application.
Acquire the Right Seals
In most cases, oil cooler lines come with compatible seals for use during installation in the vehicle. However, in other cases, the gaskets, O-rings or other similar fittings must be purchased separately. If you have to acquire these products separately, choose with care. The seals must be perfectly compatible with the lines and the vehicle to prevent oil leaks. For the best results, check the original seals or ask your supplier to match the products for you.
Plan for Waste Oil Collection
When planning for line replacement for your oil cooler system, think about waste oil management. In simple terms, when you disconnect the old hoses from the oil cooler, some oil will remain in the old lines. This oil can be a major problem if poorly handled. The fluid could pool on the ground and stain the work surface. Moreover, the waste oil could cause contamination of the surroundings. Therefore, prepare a suitable container for collecting the oil for safe retention and disposal.
Finally, purchase engine oil for refiling the fluid reservoir after installing the new oil cooler lines.
Share16 June 2021
My name is Donna, and I love my toys! I have an ATV, a caravan, a boat and a range of other "toys". I find that there is a lot of information online about auto service but not that much about servicing fun types of vehicles. Inspired by the phrase "be the change you want to see in the world", I decided to start a blog full of information that is usually hard to find online. I will write about servicing toys, vintage cars, sports cars and a range of other topics. I hope that you like these posts and that you learn from them. Thanks for reading and enjoy your toys.