78 Bus Engine Rebuild New Oil Cooler Necessary?

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PaducahFrank
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Replace the Oil Cooler?

Post by PaducahFrank » Tue Aug 27, 2019 8:32 am

I'm rebuilding my engine. The machine shop guys said replace the oil cooler, the local VW guru said its fine?

What should I do?
Paducah Frank

1978 2.0 F.I. Non Cali Westfalia
1974 Triumph TR6
2005 Chevy Colorado

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airkooledchris
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Re: Replace the Oil Cooler?

Post by airkooledchris » Tue Aug 27, 2019 12:06 pm

if it isn't leaking, don't replace it.
1979 California Transporter

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satchmo
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Re: Replace the Oil Cooler?

Post by satchmo » Tue Aug 27, 2019 12:54 pm

airkooledchris wrote:
Tue Aug 27, 2019 12:06 pm
if it isn't leaking, don't replace it.
Assuming it isn't plugged, that is.

Also clean out and straighten the fins for optimal air flow.

Satchmo
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First, by reflection, which is noblest;
second, by immitation, which is easiest;
and third, by experience, which is bitterest. -Confucius

PaducahFrank
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78 Bus Engine Rebuild New Oil Cooler Necessary?

Post by PaducahFrank » Tue Aug 27, 2019 1:12 pm

I don't think the crankcase on this engine has ever been messed with, it has 74,000 miles
Paducah Frank

1978 2.0 F.I. Non Cali Westfalia
1974 Triumph TR6
2005 Chevy Colorado

TrollFromDownBelow
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Re: Replace the Oil Cooler?

Post by TrollFromDownBelow » Tue Aug 27, 2019 6:26 pm

I would add... if it's not leaking, and it's original VW, then yes, keep it.
1976 VW Bus aka tripod
FI ...not leaky, and not so noisy...and she runs awesome!
hambone wrote: There are those out there with no other aim but to bunch panties. It's like arguing with a pretzel.
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vwlover77
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Re: 78 Bus Engine Rebuild New Oil Cooler Necessary?

Post by vwlover77 » Wed Aug 28, 2019 10:58 am

Probably not a bad idea to replace it....

http://www.vw-resource.com/oil_cooler.html
Don

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71 Super Beetle Convertible Autostick

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asiab3
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Re: 78 Bus Engine Rebuild New Oil Cooler Necessary?

Post by asiab3 » Wed Aug 28, 2019 11:27 am

If it truly had 74,000 miles, I wouldn’t even be getting into the crank case!

If a factory oil cooler has not be run on an engine with a failure that lead to grit in the oil, I would reuse it until the end of time. Or until it leaks.

It doesn’t leak, does it?
Robbie
1969 bus, "Buddy."
145k miles with me.
322k miles on Earth.

PaducahFrank
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Re: 78 Bus Engine Rebuild New Oil Cooler Necessary?

Post by PaducahFrank » Thu Aug 29, 2019 3:56 am

No leaks maybe this sucker has 174 on it it was hemorrhaging oil. My vw guru pointed out to me the places oil was coming out between the cylinders and the crankcase. What is the best way to clean this oil cooler?
Paducah Frank

1978 2.0 F.I. Non Cali Westfalia
1974 Triumph TR6
2005 Chevy Colorado

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Amskeptic
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Re: 78 Bus Engine Rebuild New Oil Cooler Necessary?

Post by Amskeptic » Fri Aug 30, 2019 6:44 am

PaducahFrank wrote:
Thu Aug 29, 2019 3:56 am
No leaks maybe this sucker has 174 on it it was hemorrhaging oil. My vw guru pointed out to me the places oil was coming out between the cylinders and the crankcase. What is the best way to clean this oil cooler?

"No leaks maybe this sucker has 174 on it it was hemorrhaging oil."
This ^ is an amazing sentence ...

Stick with the original cooler until it has provided you evidence that it is done.
I clean them with GumOut spray, shake, drain, GumOut, shake, drain, GumOut, shake, drain, until the drain runs clear.
You may want to pressure test it if you have questions about its integrity.
Colin
BobD - 78 Bus . . . 112,730 miles
Chloe - 70 bus . . . 217,593 miles
Naranja - 77 Westy . . . 142,970 miles
Pluck - 1973 Squareback . . . . . . 55,600 miles
Alexus - 91 Lexus LS400 . . . 96,675 miles

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