The average cost for replacing the engine’s oil cooler line is between $225 and $253 and maybe more.
That’s a lot if you are on a budget! But why pay for your vehicle services when you can easily do it yourself? This quick guide is for all of you who want to remove and replace oil cooler lines from the radiator.
Before jumping towards the steps, let’s discuss the basics first!
Contents
What are Oil Cooler Lines?
Oil cooler lines are not present in all engines. You will usually find them on humongous engines where heat displacement is typically an issue.
They are present in turbocharged, supercharged, or larger engines that usually need additional oil cooling, for instance, full-sized SUVs.
Moreover, there are two oil cooler lines running; one is the supply line, and the other is the return line. These lines are composed of both rubber and metal, and they are prone to deterioration over time. However, there is no set time as to when you have to replace them.
Furthermore, the two sections of the oil cooler lines, i.e., rubber and metal, are connected with the metal fitting. Thus, it allows lightly pressurized oil to pass through without any leaks.
The presence of metal-fitting screws on the oil cooler creates a perfectly tight seal. But if you find any leakage anywhere on these cooler lines, you have to replace them.
Purpose of Oil Cooler Lines
Since these lines connect the oil filter to the radiator, their purpose is to eliminate excess heat before the engine’s oil goes back to the engine. In simple terms, it helps in regulating oil temperature.
However, if the oil cooler lines are subjected to corrosion, dents, or stress, they will fail to work. They will not be able to regulate the oil’s temperature accurately.
Thus, the breakdown of oil will begin, and it will negatively impact your vehicle’s performance. The car will lose its ability to become cool and lubricate itself.
When to Replace Oil Cooler Lines?
We know you do not wish to spend money on something that isn’t problematic at all. If you observe these situations discussed below, you might want to remove and replace the oil cooler lines.
- Lower engine oil levels can indicate many things, and one of the indicators is the damaged oil cooler lines. You might find a crack or leak somewhere in the lines that are draining the oil.
- Inspect for damage on the oil cooler lines. If you observe any wear and tear, surface damage, or bends, you might have to remove these lines.
- Oil puddles on the ground underneath the engine compartment are also signs that your oil cooler lines have a problem that you should cater to immediately.
- The last symptom that you are going to experience is the burning smell. This occurs when the leaking oil travels into the exhaust.
What Should You Look For While Replacing the Old Oil Cooler Lines
When you are removing and replacing old oil cooler lines with new ones, you have to consider a few things, which are as follows:
- Before purchasing the new oil cooler lines, take a quick look at the OEM specifications because these lines are available in various lengths, designs, and shapes. This will help you buy the right ones that will fit perfectly.
- Inspect the lines to check which material they are made of. They should be composed of superior quality materials. Plus, they must be free from corrosion, rust, and other damages.
- Besides oil cooler lines, other essential things to consider are seals and connectors. They should be too tight. Thus, they will provide a secure connection and prevent leakage.
Now you know the details of oil cooler lines, let’s discuss how you will remove them if you are facing a problem with them.
Tools You Will Need
Before starting this task, gather all the materials you will need. Guess what? You only need a few necessary tools to remove these lines from the radiator.
So, head over to your toolbox to collect these tools – except the new oil cooler lines.
- Jack stand
- Wrench
- Wheel chocks
- Oil pan
- New oil cooler lines
Once you are done gathering, follow this guide to remove oil cooler lines from the radiator.
A Comprehensive Guide for Removing Oil Cooler Lines from the Radiator
1. Park Your Car and Jack Your Vehicle Up
Secure your car on a jack stand after parking it on an even surface. This step is essential because you have to access your car’s hood. Plus, ensure that you have an adequate amount of light so that you can work properly.
What’s more, always ensure to place a jack stand on solid ground. Setting it up on the soft ground can cause injury.
2. Position Wheel Chocks
Place wheel chocks closely against each wheel. It will lock your car’s wheels; thus, it will make your work safer.
Furthermore, the wheel chocks will minimize the likelihood of your vehicle rolling backward and forward while you are removing the oil cooler lines underneath.
3. Locate the Oil Cooler Lines
After setting up your vehicle in a perfect position, locate those lines now in your vehicle’s hood. Since these oil cooler lines transport oil between the oil cooler, you will find them on the vehicle’s front.
One more thing to keep in mind is that whenever you remove these lines and their parts, oil tends to lose. Therefore, it is ideal for putting an oil pan underneath the oil line connecting points to collect all the oil lost during this process.
4. Remove the Lines at the Engine
Once you spot these lines, start removing them. Begin by disconnecting the oil cooler line joined from the engine. Use a wrench to loosen the bolts that generally serve as connectors.
5. Drain the Extra Oil
Once you disconnect the air cooler lines at the engine, allow the oil to drain into the oil pan by lowering these lines down.
Draining the excess oil from the lines will prevent any mess while removing the other end’s oil cooler lines.
6. Disconnect Oil Cooler lines at the Oil Cooler
After removing one end from underneath the car, disconnect the one from the top. Wiggle the line and pull it out slowly.
After removing the oil cooler lines you have to replace them with new ones.
7. Compare the New Oil Cooler Lines With the Old Ones
Before placing your replacements, compare them with your older ones. Please make sure that they are of the same length and shape.
Moreover, they should possess the required bends to allow the clearance needed to install them.
8. Check for Seals
To reinstall new oil cooler lines, you will require proper seals. Plus, check whether they are tight and secured.
What’s more, there are several replacement lines in which seals are pre-installed, and other manufacturers provide them in a separate package.
Moreover, these seals exist in various forms like grommets, gaskets, or O-rings. Before installing the lines, match up these seals. This will make your installing process easier.
9. Reinstall the Replacements
When installing the replacements, you will do the opposite. You will begin connecting these lines with the oil cooler first. When you are done, connect these lines to the engine side.
Moreover, make sure the nuts and bolts are tight and reinstall the mounting brackets.
10. Test it Out
That’s it. You’re done! Now remove the jack stand to determine the engine oil level. Then start the vehicle’s engine.
Listen carefully for any weird noises and check signs of leakage underneath your car.
Bottom Line
You have reached the end of the article; I hope our detailed guide was easy! You only have to jack up your car, locate the lines, remove the lines at the engine first, drain it to prevent mess, and then remove the lines from the oil cooler.
