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Mon Feb 08, 2010 9:48 am

Hello, Volks:

Been deep in the forums all weekend and on the Type2 archives looking for advice on oil coolers. Can't find anything definitive on replacing or rehab of the oil cooler. Ratwell just says to "clean fins" if the motor is out.

I am having my '79 CA Westy motor rebuilt and am replacing pistons, cylinders, cam and lifters and having the flywheel serviced, new clutch kit - Heads are good as are valves. The oil cooler looks OK, but should I just go ahead and replace it? Seems kind of risky to put it back in service with all those new parts.

Are there any procedures to flush it and pressure test it to make sure it is OK?

Thanks for any info.

Mon Feb 08, 2010 10:06 am

If the engine did not "grenade" on you, I would just clean it out well with a solvent/degreaser and make sure it is not leaking compressed air (not too much please) while being held under water.

http://www.aircooled.net/new-bin/viewproductdetail.php?keyword2=TZE0101&cartid=0203201066826145

You could buy a new one here http://www.aircooledtechnology.com/store/product.php?productid=16212&cat=348&page=1

Mon Feb 08, 2010 1:23 pm

I soaked mine in gas then shook the hell out of it. It took a few times before the gas came out clean.

Mon Feb 08, 2010 4:58 pm

Randy in Maine wrote: If the engine did not "grenade" on you, I would just clean it out well with a solvent/degreaser and make sure it is not leaking compressed air (not too much please) while being held under water.

http://www.aircooled.net/new-bin/viewproductdetail.php?keyword2=TZE0101&cartid=0203201066826145

You could buy a new one here http://www.aircooledtechnology.com/store/product.php?productid=16212&cat=348&page=1

Hey, cool Randy. Love the tester idea. I burned up the number #3 piston -overheated and made a mighty clank upon restart. The top ring on the piston locked up. Maybe possible metal in the cooler - so a new one might be a possibility.

Thanks for the info!

Trying to get back on the road by Spring camping season!

Tue Feb 09, 2010 9:47 am

pnocean wrote: Seems kind of risky to put it back in service with all those new parts.
pnocean wrote: Maybe possible metal in the cooler - so a new one might be a possibility.
Why risk it? Oil coolers are cheap compared to all those new parts..

Tue Feb 09, 2010 8:02 pm

kevin77westy wrote: pnocean wrote: Seems kind of risky to put it back in service with all those new parts.
pnocean wrote: Maybe possible metal in the cooler - so a new one might be a possibility.
Why risk it? Oil coolers are cheap compared to all those new parts..

True, Kevin! Just saw for $117. Better than pulling the motor again.