aftermarket oil cooler questions

[Mikey von]

I am looking at getting a oil cooler from pmdcable or lubercation specalist. These are designed as bolt-on replacements for the nbs trucks with 6.5l engines. My 6.2l '89 originally had the oil cooler in the radiator, but I would like to use one up front.

Anyone use one of these kits on a obs truck or suburban???

I figure I would have to fab up a mounting bracket or get one from pick'n'pull and make it fit.

What about oil line length??? Are the lines long enough??

 

[kennyw]

What about oil line length??? Are the lines long enough??

The original oil lines cross the radiator with a length of aluminum tubing... they probably will not work without modification.

 

[Mikey von]

The original oil lines cross the radiator with a length of aluminum tubing... they probably will not work without modification.

I plan on ditching the stock lines. I want to run from the block to the front of the radiator on the drivers side. Both of the aftermarket kits come with lines.

 

[diesel4me]

You'll probably need to use metal lines like the stock ones are where they come out of the block,seeing the hot exhaust manifold is "right there",and ruber ones would likely get toasted and burn..

I plan on ditching my stock oil cooler,the original lines are 28 years old and ro rusty they are going to fail any day now..I have heard from a fleet mechanic at a cranberry bog that he has bypassed the oil coolers on many GM diesels (6.2's and 6.5's) and has never had any oil related failures or issues without one,and they beat their trucks pretty hard too..unfortunately he doesn't know if in an emergency situatuion if my oil cooler lines failed ,if I could simply put 2 pipe plugs in the block (the ports are 3/8" NPT) --he thinks doing that will block the oil flow to the bearings from the pump,he claims service manuals show the oil flowing to the cooler first,THEN back to the engine,bearings,etc,so he said to put a "loop" of metal tubing or other suitable hise,between the 2 oil cooler ports to avoid any oil starvation nightmares..

 

[Mikey von]

I am definitely going to run an oil cooler. I ordered the kit from here -> http://lubricationspecialist.com/front/shop.aspx?catid=10&parentid=0

It has steel braided lines. Many have used these kits with success.

 

[diesel4me]

I have cut out a few stock oil coolers from scrapped GM diesel radiators,and its a joke,its only 3 stacked plates about 6" by 1.5" wide,I suppose it woirks better being submerged in coolant than in open air,but its still dinky,IMO!..

I kind of doubt the oil cooler is a "must",with 7 quart capacity and with my light use,I dont see why it wouldn't survive without one..
I could have new lines made from hydraulic hose I suppose,and keep the OEM cooler..(they look to me like they will clog easily,and or leak into the radiator,they aren't too beefily built!)..I was wondering if EMT conduit or a 1/2" copper or metal tubing like brake line stuff would be a cheap alternative to get me by ..money is very scarce now for me..if it were not for junkyards and "good used" parts my truck wouldn't be running period!..

I dont go far with my truck or work it hard,and you may have read my other posts here and in the garage about the engine noises,the rear axle that mysteriously locked one wheel up going forward only,etc,that makes it an unlikely candidate for any expensive "upgrades" ..I'm to the point one more things goes sour with it I'll sell or scrap it----..