Cleaning an oil cooler

[Tooms22]

So I'm having my motor rebuilt after it self destructed (metal pieces throughout). The builder informed me that I need to get my oil cooler ultrasonic cleaned or purchase a new one.

Does anyone have a recommendation for a company in OC or the Inland Empire that does this? Based on replacement cost for my oil cooler, I'd prefer cleaning over replacement if possible.

 

[Blackmagic94]

Buy a new one. Why save a hundred dollars to risk thousands.

 

[OLDRAAT]

Buy a new one. Why save a hundred dollars to risk thousands.

Years ago when in the metal finishing business, I tried cleaning one better than a radiator shop. Hot alkaline dip, acid dip etc, etc along with a ultrasonic cleaning and it wasn't perfect. FOD was not that much and would have been probably ok for general use, but if you have a performance motor ($$) buy new. There are several direct heat exchanger suppliers that have many marine models less than the OEM (or supply to the OEMS).

Good luck.

 

[Tooms22]

Welp, with those two replies... does anyone have any suggested replacements?

I'll keep this expense off the books and away from the wife

 

[OLDRAAT]

To add, if it's not a visual priority, you can get a new one at the proper size unfinished, then rattle can or powder coat and save some bux.

 

[OLDRAAT]

See if Mister Cool is still in business.


mrcool.us

 

[4Waters]

Welp, with those two replies... does anyone have any suggested replacements?

I'll keep this expense off the books and away from the wife

Just take a zero off the price you paid when she asks how much it was.

 

[guest hs]

Take it to a radiator shop and have it boiled out.

 

[mash on it]

Take it to a radiator shop and have it boiled out.

He needs to float test it first.

Buy new.

Dan'l

 

[Uncle Dave]

NOPE.

Junk it or sell it used. If even a tiny piece lodged in there comes out you wreck the whole thing.
Same with lines.

I know it hurts.

UD

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Buy new, move on with life.

 

[Jed-O]

Add an inline oil filter after it for the same price as a new cooler. At least you might be safe

 

[ElAzul]

Chuck it, I scattered a trans, had the cooler and lines cleaned only to pull it all out and do it again

 

[rrrr]

Take it to a radiator shop and have it boiled out.

Metal debris doesn't boil out.

 

[Wayn-o]

Critical operations in Santa Ana (714)957-1215.

 

[Carlson-jet]

The age of the "Heat exchanger" is to me the critical question. If it's 10+ years old, buy new.
Clean and pressure test Properly or buy new is the 2nd question. Done properly one is just as good or I will say gamble as the other.
Knowing, building and maintaining the machines and running them in the manufacturing process from all raw materials to finished heat exchangers, I know new is no guarantee against scoobies or failure.
I would clean it and run knowing I was in charge of the process. I wouldn't drop it off at billy Bob's radiator and taco stand and expect the same results.

If I bought New, I would clean it just as if it had been beat like a dead horse.

 

[rush1]

Don't clean it throw it away ,you can never get that metal out of them.Why spend all that money on a new engine just to screw it up with a dirty oil cooler

 

[Tooms22]

To add, if it's not a visual priority, you can get a new one at the proper size unfinished, then rattle can or powder coat and save some bux.

Ok school me a little. Does it have to be the same exact dimensions? Is there a suggested size for a BBC?

 

[obnoxious001]

It may be possible to clean it, and use an inline filter after the cooler for insurance. Canton makes some that filter down to 8 microns. I can also get you a new block mounted Olson cooler that would clean up the installation a bit.

 

[Tooms22]

It may be possible to clean it, and use an inline filter after the cooler for insurance. Canton makes some that filter down to 8 microns. I can also get you a new block mounted Olson cooler that would clean up the installation a bit.

I'll do whatever you think is best. I hope to not think about rebuilding a motor for a long time after this.

 

[welldigger00]

I’ve made this mistake before. Second engine turned into the third engine.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[OLDRAAT]

It should be at least the same size as the current one. Don't go overkill unless it's a t-stat controlled one, you want the oil to be within the proper temp range.

 

[rrrr]

It should be at least the same size as the current one. Don't go overkill unless it's a t-stat controlled one, you want the oil to be within the proper temp range.

Having a thermostatically controlled vernatherm valve on the oil coolant loop is a key ingredient for proper engine temperature control. When the availability of an endless source of coolant is paired with a 10 micron filter, engine life can be greatly extended.

This thread prompted me to search for the various types of oil coolers available, and I'm surprised that just a few of the coolers on the market have removable end plates on the shell. That would allow periodic inspections of debris screens and cleaning.

 

[Boat 405]

Buy a new one, trash the cooler and lines. Also up size those oil lines to -12 all around. -08 or -10 are too small you'll get quite a bit of restriction.

 

[lbhsbz]

Don't forget the lines and fittings.