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
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!
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
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.
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.
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
Thanks Betty the Bay as I said brand new to the scene and not mechanically biased so “using” you good people much appreciated
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.
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.
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.
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.
Thanks now I have the tinware off completely the oil cooler doesn’t look too bad so might go with the brake cleaner Cheers