Oil cooler channel blocked?

[ChrisCurtin]

Hi,

I had my whole engine 'dishwashed' or whatever they call the machine shop cleaning these days since they can't hot tank, including the oil cooler (I couldn't get it off the block).

Today while cleaning more parts in prep for paint, I was looking at the oil cooler and it looks like the channel at the top (see below) is blocked. Not clogged, but actually blocked.

Isn't that where the oil returns through?

Note this if off an xr4ti with a 90 degree adapter if that matters.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8032/8013143200_690e2118fd_b.jpg

Thanks,

Chris

[MikeFleming]

That is the over-pressure (blocked) bypass poppet. That only opens when the pressure drop through the cooler core is too high, like when it's plugged. Iirc it takes abut 2 pounds of force to move that poppet open.

[ChrisCurtin]

Thanks Mike!

[Meotchh]

Hi,

I had my whole engine 'dishwashed' or whatever they call the machine shop cleaning these days since they can't hot tank, including the oil cooler (I couldn't get it off the block).

Today while cleaning more parts in prep for paint, I was looking at the oil cooler and it looks like the channel at the top (see below) is blocked. Not clogged, but actually blocked.

Isn't that where the oil returns through?

Note this if off an xr4ti with a 90 degree adapter if that matters.


No it does not matter that its off of an XR4ti.

Who told you they can't hot tank the block?
My dad's shop (Frank's Head & Engine Service) in Griffin has been using a Hot Tank for years. Although you wouldn't want to drop it in the hot tank if the 90 degree aluminum adaptor is still attached to the block. Aluminum will not last in a hot tank.

As Mike mentioned, that bypass valve should move with fairly light pressure. It's just a fiberous disc with a light spring on the back side. You should be able to make it move by applying some light pressure with a small socket or a nut driver.

[ChrisCurtin]

Thanks. Goza Automotive in Acworth is where I brought the engine (the Merkur 90 degree was already removed, I just couldn't get the cooler off.) Tommy Goza and I were talking about hot tanking and he said the EPA made him replace his hot tanks with a solvent 'dishwasher' like device a few years ago. I can't remember where I heard it, but the EPA rules are different for big cities vs. rural, which is why some places can still hot tank and others can't.

[MikeFleming]

Hot water ultrasonic cleaners have been replacing the old heavy-solvent hot tank cleaners for decades. And they clean better too.

You just have to get used o all that steam and the constant hornet-nest buzzing. Compared to the nasty smell from all the heavy solvents used in the past.

Somewhere in-between the soak-'em hot tanks and the dip-'em ultrasonic cleaners came the rotate and squirt cleaners.

[MeZapU]

I have about a one gallon ultrasonic cleaner from Harbor Freight. I use it for everything. I used to have their smaller jewelery cleaner style ones but they would only last 1-2 years before they would die. The larger one the better. I wish I could afford an industrial sized one but until I hit the lottery...