Oil Cooler Adapter Gasket Replacement
For many vehicles, all that is required to keep the engine at normal operating temperature is the standard radiator and coolant system. However, some engines experience higher temperatures than these conventional systems can handle. In these instances, an oil cooler is added to the engine to provide further cooling capabilities and to keep the entire system within the normal operating temperature range. Oil coolers are more common on heavy-duty and high-performance engines. You don’t frequently find them on the average car engine, though this trend is changing. They’re shaped like coolant radiators, and serve the same function. Hot engine oil flows into one side and out the other through the radiator. Air flows over the fins, cooling the oil. The oil then flows out the other side and back into the engine. An oil cooler adapter is necessary for using of these radiators, and like other engine components, the adapter needs a gasket to ensure that oil does not leak out. The gasket should be custom designed for the application by hand, and will vary in shape and size from one manufacturer to another. Aging and heat will degrade the gasket. Eventually, it will crack or fail, and oil will begin to leak out. When this happens, the gasket should be replaced as soon as possible.
Oil cooler adapter gasket leaks will be noted and monitored during basic maintenance.
The vehicle is lifted and supported on jack stands, oil and filter are removed | The defective oil cooler adapter gasket is removed | The new oil cooler adapter gasket is installed | The vehicle is removed from jack stands | The vehicle is started and checked for oil leaks and filter operation
Your oil cooler plays a significant role in maintaining engine temperature. If the gasket begins to leak or fails completely, oil will seep out. This reduces the amount of oil in the engine, which will cause engine inefficiency and damage. Work with our expert mechanics who understand oil cooling systems and will monitor your vehicle for leaks.
Even a minor oil cooler adapter gasket leak should be cause for concern. Oil leaks can quickly escalate as the gasket fails further, and this can occur in a surprisingly short amount of time. Have the gasket replaced as soon as possible.