cleaning an oil cooler??

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by kevin smith, Mar 25, 2020.

  1. Good evening

    looking for further advice people.........

    is there any way of cleaning an oil cooler or is replacement the only option? I know it;s only £70 but is it essential?

    cheers
     
  2. Betty the Bay

    Betty the Bay Supporter

    The cooler is essential...VW didn't fit unnecessary bits.
    You could try putting it in a container of brake cleaner....but have you seen the price of that stuff!
     
  3. sorry wasn't too clear - when i said is it necessary i meant is it necessary to replace as opposed to clean

    if it is a no-brainer to buy a new one then that's what i'll do

    i am new to the vw aircooled scene and appreciate all the help i get here
     
    Betty the Bay likes this.
  4. I’ve reused German originals if they’re not leaking. They continue not to leak. A good flushing in the parts washer will clean the muck out of it. Straighten up any bent “fins” with slim pliers.
     
    Lasty likes this.
  5. Betty the Bay

    Betty the Bay Supporter

    I appreciate that you are, so that's why I didn't presume anything....if it's not leaking, can't see the harm in giving it a clean..clogging on the outside will make it less efficient.
    I only meant that brake cleaner is about £25 for 5 litre.
     
  6. Thanks there is no sign of leakage but I only ran the engine on my bench for 10 mins before stripping down for spraying the tin ware and renewing leads plugs distributor coil etc etc
     

  7. Thanks Betty the Bay as I said brand new to the scene and not mechanically biased so “using” you good people

    much appreciated
     
    Betty the Bay likes this.
  8. Zed

    Zed Gradually getting grumpier

    If it's type 4 the new ones don't really fit and the first I had leaked. PITA to change.

    The question is " Do you feel lucky?". But really unless your engine self destructed throwing metal shavings asunder it'll be fine with a good clean. I still replaced mine though - paranoia.
     
  9. Razzyh

    Razzyh Supporter

    Clean & refit.

    New stuff is Marmite
     
    snotty likes this.
  10. Thanks Razzyh

    what’s the best cleaning method ?

    cheers
     
  11. Brake cleaner in an aerosol. About 5 quid for a 500ml can and it will shift almost any dirt with the combination of pressure and solvent.
     
  12. If you’ve got a parts washer, leave the washer fluid pump running for a while with the hose stuck in one of the cooler holes. Surprising the muck that comes out.
     
  13. mikedjames

    mikedjames Supporter

    Got me worried there..more like £40 plus postage.

    If your engine has not shed metal into the oil, then reusing the cooler is a good idea. Just use new seals and make sure you have the right seals.

    Also some coolers had standoffs built in (new ones) some didnt, so if it has metal washers spacing it off the engine / adaptor block and it doesnt leak use the washers again if you reuse the cooler.
     
  14. Zed

    Zed Gradually getting grumpier

    T1/T4?
     
  15. Thanks now I have the tinware off completely the oil cooler doesn’t look too bad so might go with the brake cleaner
    Cheers
     
  16. mikedjames

    mikedjames Supporter

    I forgot the second class citizens.. Yes the T4 ones are more expensive.
     
    snotty and Zed like this.
  17. Jack Tatty

    Jack Tatty Supporter and teachers pet

    Slim Pliers, didn’t he play bass in Muddy Waters band?
     
    snotty and beatnick like this.

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