Oil Cooler Replacement Necessary?

[Redd Snake]

My FE 427 recently suffered from a failed cam lobe, contaminating the oil system with fine metal particles. I plan on having the engine completely disassembled and cleaned as part of the repair process.

I have a couple of questions regarding the need to replace (as opposed to flushing and re-using) my Mocal oil cooler:

1) Does the oil returned from the cooler pass through the filter before returning to the engine? (I have a stock oil filter adapter with a "sandwich" plate that routes oil to/from the cooler)

2) Can the Mocal coolers be effectively cleaned? if so, what is the best method to flush them out? I've heard that they have "tubulators" that may trap particles.

[Cracker]

I spun a bearing in my 427 and most everybody told me to replace the cooler - which I intended to do but ordered one with -12 instead of -10 fittings. I then took mine out and tried blowing it out and never saw anything that looked suspicious so I re-installed it. No - the oil goes through the filter and THEN to the oil cooler, then to the engine. What most folks would caution you about is the bypass in the filter itself. #2 - The coolers can't really be cleaned but I wouldn't worry about it.

I spent 11K total on my rebuild and rolled the dice on a $100 cooler - most probably consider me stupid but that wouldn't be the first time! Best wishes!

[Tom Wells]

Hello Redd,

You may not want to hear this. The safest way is to replace the cooler. What does it cost, maybe $120? Cheap insurance, I think

Regards,

Tom

[Tinker51]

Oil coolers can be cleaned. I know this because I have had several aircraft oil coolers cleaned and yellow tagged (that means overhauled and approved for return to service) over the years. Don't know about sending your car's oil cooler to an aircraft overhaul facility but I can't see where it would be any different. However, I don't think you are going to get it cleaned for significantly less than the $120 that others have stated for the cost for a new one. It can be done but I doubt the financials make sense to do it.

[badrich]

My previous motor lost a wrist pin retainer, etc., etc. When I installed the new engine I went with a new Mocal oil cooler. Cost about the same as thoroughly cleaning the old one, plus I got one size larger. As has been stated before, cheap insurance. Give you a good deal on an old used one if you're interested. ; ) Rich