Can I remove the oil cooler without removing the engine?, Also, where to get a quality Stock oil cooler? Options

[flxzcat]

Guys,

I have a newly rebuilt 2.4-T4 that includes a new Chinese T4 oil cooler. Today it appears to have cracked or O-ring split or spit out or some other problem as oil is dripping from it.

Question, can I remove the oil cooler without removing the engine? I remember the screws and studs were pretty long, so maybe this isn't possible.

Due to extra width of 2.4, the tin is easily damaged when installing or removing the engine. I have full facilities here including a large transmission jack that tilts in all directions And I have made a special support platform for the engine but still, its a PITA that takes me hours to remove or install. The car, engine bay, everything is like near perfect, so don't want to create any scratches, dings, etc.. if possible.

Going forward, where should I get a new cooler if needed? Not really worried about price at this point.

Thanks in advance,
Paul

[Jack Standz]

Have heard that it can be done, have t done it though. You take a small socket, universal joint or combination of u joint and short extensions to take the three nuts holding the cooler on. Also need to remove the bracket/fastener holding the cooler to the fan case, might have to bend the bracket some.

Then you can use long needle nose pliers or something to unscrew the studs holding the cooler on (with the 3 fasteners undone, you can slide, but not remove the cooler as the studs hold it in). If that doesn’t work, you can saw off the studs between the cooler and case, but you can I’ll have to replace the studs of course.

Best wishes with the fix and let us know if you’re successful.

If you’re only replacing the seals, it’s not necessary to completely remove the cooler and is doable without removing the oil cooler studs. This we have done, but not an easy or fun job.