'How To' - Oil cooler seal replacement
I recently had the lower oil seals on my oil cooler start leaking due to cold. This is my writeup on how to replace them.
Tools & Materials:
-Whatever tools to remove skid plate or splash pan. (you have to determine what you need)
-32MM shallow socket, 6" extension, Socket wrench.
-Can of spray BrakeClean.
-Oil drip/drain pan.
-Fresh engine oil.
-Shop rags or paper towels.
-New seals. #2 & 4
Reference:
Procedure:
1) Remove skid plate or splash pan if your car is fitted with one.
2) Position drain pan under oil cooler and thoroughly clean the area with BrakeClean. The pan catches the drips.
3) With drain pan still under car, remove oil cooler retainer plate (#1) using 32MM socket. Oil will leak out at this point, but not much, hence the pan.
4) Once the retainer plate is removed, remove seal from retainer plate. (#2) It should still be in a groove in the retainer plate. Gently pull down the oil cooler and remove the other seal from the oil cooler. (#4) It should come out easily.
5) Spray down the cooler again with BrakeClean.
6) Take your new seal #4, and install it on the oil cooler. There should be 2 tabs on the seal with a hole in each. There are also several pins on the oil cooler, match 2 of the pins (doesn't matter which 2) with the holes on the seal, and gently push the seal onto those pins.
7) Spray down the retainer plate with BrakeClean and take your new seal #2 and install it into the groove in the retainer plate.
8) Now carefully insert the retainer plate back through the oil cooler and screwing the retainer plate back into the filter housing, making sure the seals don't dislodge and not to cross thread the retainer plate. Tighten down the retainer plate again with the socket to a reasonable torque. Not eye bulging, nor hand tight. (I have not found the correct torque value, but if you know it, PM me and I will add it here)
9) Start car, and check for leaks, allow to run for 1 minute. Shut off car for a minute or 2. Then add the correct amount of engine oil to bring it up to the appropriate level on dipstick. Starting the car purges the air that was introduced into the system, and letting the car sit for a minute allows most of the oil to drain back to the crankcase. Thus giving accurate quantities of oil.
10) Reinstall the skid plate or splash pan if you have one.
11) Put away tools, dispose of waste oil properly and clean up. Enjoy beverage of choice. I had hot chocolate, it was -25 and snowing when I did mine.