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914World.com _ 914World Garage _ Always pressure test oil coolers...

Posted by: Mike D. Mar 19 2003, 01:28 PM

I am doing an engine swap for a customer, 1.7 to 2.0. He brought in a hand full of new goodies for the 2.0, one of which was a "new" oil cooler that he got off e-bay. Well, like a dumbass I just installed it with out checking it.

Yesterday I started the engine, which runs great BTW, and oil just started pouring out of the cooler.

I removed the cooler last night and checked it with compressed air. The air comes out almost as fast as it goes in. Needless to say I will never do that again, learned my lesson. I will always check oil coolers, new and used.

Damn!
Mike D.

Posted by: Brad Roberts Mar 19 2003, 01:31 PM

I have a fixture around here somewhere that I use to test them.

Hey... have the other Mike call me. I'm starving LOL

B

Posted by: Mike D. Mar 19 2003, 02:16 PM

hey Brad, I have a check for you. E-mail me the new address so I can get it in the mail.

What is the fixture you use to test coolers? I just cover one hole with a thick piece of rubber, and use my air gun, it has a rubber tip, in the other hole.

I found a new one for $95. I'll still test it...

-Mike D.

Posted by: cha914 Mar 19 2003, 02:33 PM

I have had the same thing happen to me...I found out that a local vw shop has used coolers that they will pressure test and sell for about 30bucks...pretty nice.

I had him test it right in front of me and the fixture was the oil cooler mount removed from the case with an air line and a guage hooked into it...so you just screwed on the cooler normally and attached an air line...at least thats how I remember it

Tony

Posted by: Mike D. Mar 19 2003, 03:07 PM

Posted by: kafermeister Mar 20 2003, 07:14 AM

How much pressure should a cooler be able to take?

Rick

Posted by: TonyAKAVW Mar 20 2003, 05:23 PM

According to the manual, 85 lbs.

I just had mine checked today and its bad.

On the other hand that means I found the leak

The manual also says to check the pressure relief valve, if there are leaks, and especially if the cooler has popped. Though with the cars as old as they are now, its a wonder the coolers stay together at all.

-Tony