Oil cooler replacement
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Oil cooler replacement
How much does an oil cooler replacement cost?
Your car’s engine runs hot and the engine oil performs up to 40 percent of the cooling function.
A key component in cooling your engine’s lubricant is the engine oil cooler.
It performs the same function that the radiator does, but for the engine oil.
The engine oil cooler won’t fail in normal circumstances, but occasionally it can leak due to corrosion or impact from a rock or foreign object, and will need to be replaced.
Most oil coolers will last as long as the rest of your car and should definitely last at least 100,000 to 150,000 kilometres.
If you require oil cooler replacement, you can expect the average cost to be from $200 and $700, yet some specialty models might exceed even the high end.
If your engine oil cooler is mounted low at the front of the engine bay, it’s more likely to be damaged due to an impact.
What is an oil cooler?
The oil cooler is a pivotal component in keeping your engine oil from overheating.
It’s a compact device that’s shaped like a radiator with small channels that weave through it, surrounded by air fins.
As you drive, air passes through the oil cooler and removes heat from the hot oil circulating inside.
The oil cooler is most commonly made of aluminum or stainless steel, while some may have plastic side tanks as well.
The lightweight fins allow for optimum heat dissipation over heavier construction materials.
If the oil cooler develops a leak from any point, either in the tubing, the connections, or the tanks, it will need to be replaced.
Symptoms you require an oil cooler replacement
- Engine oil leaking onto the ground from the front of your car
- Engine temperature gauge is reading too hot
- The engine oil level is lower than it should be
How is an oil cooler replacement performed?
- A technician verifies the oil cooler as the source of the symptoms
- The car is lifted and the engine’s lower covers are removed for access
- The engine oil is drained
- The engine oil cooler is disconnected from the supply and return lines and removed
- A new oil cooler is installed and the lines attached
- The engine oil is filled, the engine covers refitted, and the car lowered
- The engine is run to temperature to verify the leak is repaired
Tips to remember
- During oil cooler replacement, it’s a great time to change the engine oil and filter for maintenance.
- Lack of maintenance can cause the oil cooler to plug up with sludge, also requiring cleaning or replacement.
How important is an oil cooler replacement?
Replacing your oil cooler when it has sprung a leak will give you the peace of mind that it’s safe to continue driving your car like normal.
Driving your car when the oil cooler needs to be replaced can cause an annoying breakdown and can also lead to expensive engine repairs due to lack of engine lubrication.
If you’ve read this far, you obviously care about your car. A lot. So next time you need a service, repair or inspection, visit AutoGuru.com.au.
We let you search and book from over 1600 qualified mechanics, who eat car troubles for breakfast.
