Oil cooler cleaning service in Southern California, 914-6 oil cooler cleaning Options

[Nate W]

Wanted to show some pictures from an oil cleaner service that I recently had done on my 914-6 oil cooler. I really wanted to use this cooler, as my Dad gave it to me and it’s from a real 6 not a 911, but it had been sitting since 1980 (year I was born) and I was worried about attaching it to a nice engine. Anyway I took it to these guys Pacific Oil Coolers in La Verne ( right by Pomona fair grounds). They are a cool shop, they mostly work on aircraft coolers but also 911 oil coolers. They actually manufacture new oil coolers at their location (for planes not Porsches). The manager Wayne was very nice and gave me a tour of the facility which was impressive.

They are able to pressure test the coolers, then run them thru several steps of cleaning baths, make any repairs needed, and they put a nice new coating on the cooler (chrome-a-coat). These guys have been in business since the 60s and definitely seems knowledge since all they do is oil coolers. The cost came out to $240 because I had a crack they repaired and some dents in the case, otherwise it would be $175 for the cleaning and testing. To me this seems like a good deal since our engines are expensive to say the least and also the work/ cost / time of cleaning up the mess and replacing a faulty cooler to me is worth more than that. Just thought I would share in case anyone is looking. I don’t have anything to do with the business, got their info from Pelican but never saw it mentioned here. Their website is oilcoolers.com. Also they said most of their business is people shipping them coolers from all over so not just local.

I asked them about welding on fittings to convert from 911 to 914-6 coolers, they can do it if you provide the fitting and the dimensions.

I don’t have a before picture but it was pretty crusty and old looking, typical stains etc

[Justinp71]

Interesting timing. I just sent my oil cooler out I have had for 15 years to pacific oil coolers for a refresh. I called them today and they have it, supposed to be done next week. Let you know my experience. I was wondering if they send you flow bench test results to see how the flow improved after cleaning.

[brant]

Interesting timing. I just sent my oil cooler out I have had for 15 years to pacific oil coolers for a refresh. I called them today and they have it, supposed to be done next week. Let you know my experience. I was wondering if they send you flow bench test results to see how the flow improved after cleaning.

I wouldn't think so and have never seen one on our coolers that are routinely cleaned for motor rebuilds.

any shrapnel in the cooler will not reduce flow.. its likely stuck in nooks and crannies... but not large enough to reduce flow.

the cleaning hopefully removes all of that... but if a piece works out later it will cause engine damage to the bearings

not a flow issue though