Oil Cooler Instructions

Definition

An oil cooler consists of an adapter plate that is sandwiched between the engine block and the oil filter, which is connected through a pair of rubber tubes to a radiator mounted in front of the coolant radiator and air conditioning condenser. Pressurized oil flows into the adapter plate an out through one of the rubber tubes. It then flows into the oil radiator where air passing over the cooling fins draws heat off the oil. The oil then returns through the second rubber tube, and flows through the engine's oiling system.

Begin by raising the front of the vehicle and supporting it with jack stands placed underneath the frame. Remove the drain bolt from the oil pan to drain the oil from the engine. Allow all the oil to drain out before reinstalling the bolt. Then remove the oil filter, but be careful, oil may seep out of the filter as you remove it. Clean the filter mounting surface and make sure the old filter gasket has been removed. You will have to purchase an adapter plate specific to your engine, but some may work for a range of vehicles and come with a couple of different fittings. Dry fit each of the fittings to determine which one seals the adapter plate to the engine block and the filter to the adapter plate. Slide the adapter plate into position on the oil filter mounting surface. Make sure it is positioned is such a way that you can easily install the rubber oil lines and that the oil lines will not be contacting the engine or exhaust components. Insert the fitting through the adapter plate and tighten it to the engine block. Then install a new oil filter on the bottom of the adapter plate.

Look between the radiator core support and the vehicle's grill for a place to mount the oil radiator. It should be mounted on the same side of the vehicle that the oil filter is on if possible. Mount it on the low side of the coolant radiator so that it will not block airflow. Most oil cooler kits come with nylon straps that pass through the coolant radiator to mount the oil radiator. Be extremely careful not to damage the cooling fins or tubes while mounting the radiator.

The oil line will usually come as one long rubber tube, simply cut it in half and connect the lines to the input and output ports on the adapter plate and oil radiator. Use hose clamps to secure the rubber lines to the fittings. You must take extreme care when routing the lines. Keep them away from any sources of excessive heat such as the engine block, exhaust manifolds and catalytic converter. Also keep the lines away from any moving parts on the vehicle's engine, steering or suspension. The lines should be secured to the vehicle's frame with steel straps or nylon ties, not hanging freely. Once the oil cooler is installed you can refill the engine oil and run the engine to test for leaks. You engine may require additional oil to make up for the volume increase of the oil lines and radiator. Just keep the oil level between the MAX and MIN lines marked on the engine oil dipstick.