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Oil Cooler Seals
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theDrew
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PostPosted: Tue Feb 18, 2014 9:56 am    Post subject: Oil Cooler Seals Reply with quote

Hey Folks,

I've been fighting this oil leak for a few days now -- I've been searching and I'm outta ideas. I would call it rather significant. At idle its not noticeable, but at higher RPMS is a constant drip drip drip.

Pulling my hair out!

Background:
New Engine (2054cc)
26mm Shadek pump
Full flow, external filter
new oil pressure pistons and springs, they move freely.
I got an oil pressure gauge and pressures seem to be normal.
Brad Penn SAE30 oil
Breather box, both valve covers vented

Appears to be on the feed side of the oil cooler on the block connection. I've taken it apart a dozen times, new seals a couple of times -- I see nothing wrong w/ the sealing surfaces.

What am I missing? Any other thoughts? What else should I try?
Would something else block off oil flow through the cooler and thus cause the oil to blow out the seal?

Thanks for your help, I'm tired of dealing with this!

Off idle a little puddle forms here -- the fan is blowing the oil out.
Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


Here is where the dribbles come down.
Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

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75smith
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PostPosted: Tue Feb 18, 2014 10:09 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

did you leak test the cooler?

you can run it for a little bit without the shroud, to see exactly where it is coming from- maybe longer if you run a couple fans over it, just make sure it is clean so you can spot the oil leakage
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theDrew
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PostPosted: Tue Feb 18, 2014 10:30 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

75smith wrote:
did you leak test the cooler?


I haven't done that, but I see no evidence from the cooler itself, its all at the base.

I'll try and run it without the shroud and confirm.
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Volks Wagen
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PostPosted: Tue Feb 18, 2014 1:49 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Did you put in the proper oil cooler seals for your motor? There's about 3 different rubber gasket types I think. Only other thing I can think of is carefully and evenly torquing down the cooler..
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theDrew
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PostPosted: Tue Feb 18, 2014 3:00 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Volks Wagen wrote:
Did you put in the proper oil cooler seals for your motor? There's about 3 different rubber gasket types I think. Only other thing I can think of is carefully and evenly torquing down the cooler..


The proper seals, yes -- this is all the late model stuff, so the 10mm seals are what I'm using. I am NOT using any washers/spacers.....maybe I should?

Also to torquing, I can't squeeze my torque wrench down in there, so I'm going by feel. Its possible they are not even. Just snug, right?

Thanks!
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Volks Wagen
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PostPosted: Tue Feb 18, 2014 3:28 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

theDrew wrote:
Volks Wagen wrote:
Did you put in the proper oil cooler seals for your motor? There's about 3 different rubber gasket types I think. Only other thing I can think of is carefully and evenly torquing down the cooler..


The proper seals, yes -- this is all the late model stuff, so the 10mm seals are what I'm using. I am NOT using any washers/spacers.....maybe I should?

Also to torquing, I can't squeeze my torque wrench down in there, so I'm going by feel. Its possible they are not even. Just snug, right?

Thanks!


5ft/lbs on the 3 nuts, so not a lot at all. One other thing would be to check in case there's any crap on the 4 oil cooler seal surfaces as well.
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theDrew
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PostPosted: Wed Feb 19, 2014 9:22 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

pulled it apart and looked it over again - the leak is definitely coming from the block/adapter surface. Just slowly oozes out.

I know sealant is not normally used there, but if I was to use some, what kind?
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SBD
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PostPosted: Wed Feb 19, 2014 10:10 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

theDrew wrote:
pulled it apart and looked it over again - the leak is definitely coming from the block/adapter surface. Just slowly oozes out.

I know sealant is not normally used there, but if I was to use some, what kind?
Try one of these.
http://vwparts.aircooled.net/SearchResults.asp?Search=oil+cooler+seal
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75smith
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PostPosted: Wed Feb 19, 2014 11:13 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

use the above seal and some oil resistant non hardening sealant, VERY VERY little, you don't want it to get into the oil lines and such, so keep it about 1/4-1/2" away from the holes if poosible
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Cusser
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PostPosted: Wed Feb 19, 2014 11:21 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I use one of those flat seals on my engine, but I have an adapter there for an external oil cooler, not a stock cooler.
http://vwparts.aircooled.net/Oil-Cooler-Adapter-Gasket-Oil-Cooler-Seal-3017-p/3017.htm
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theDrew
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PostPosted: Thu Feb 20, 2014 10:40 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Still no joy on this. I took it apart, cleaned everything and put it back together with new seals. Still leaks.

Then I pulled it apart again, cut out a gasket on some gasket paper and tried that (still with the original seals) and it still leaks.

Heh, I'm running out of ideas and patience!
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Cusser
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PostPosted: Thu Feb 20, 2014 11:22 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Wow - I've never had any trouble with leaks there with stock oil coolers and correct seals. I wonder if the cooler itself has a hairline crack somewhere.
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BugMan114
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PostPosted: Thu Feb 20, 2014 11:22 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

perhaps there's a slight gouge, or crack in the adaptor itself. or possibly warped. mayhaps try getting another adaptor and cooler.
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PostPosted: Thu Feb 20, 2014 11:35 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

alright, I'll try and source another adapter. Thanks for the ideas so far. What a pain!
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theDrew
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PostPosted: Fri Feb 21, 2014 9:55 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

well the battle wages on.

got a new adapter and another new round of seals.

its much better but still seeing some seepage as I drive it. At least its moving in the right direction.

I guess pull it apart again?
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Cusser
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PostPosted: Fri Feb 21, 2014 10:44 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Just make sure to tighten evenly. You are using the seals with the little shoulders, right? The ones that are "taller" in the middle, and look like flying saucers? Hey - don't assume that The Cuss has seen saucers !!!

Your oil pressure being "normal" really eliminates stuck oil pistons.
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Mr.Duncan
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PostPosted: Wed Nov 19, 2014 2:41 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

was this ever fixed?

I am having the SAME EXACT issue. I'm going insane.

Ive replaced the seals 3 times now

the oil cooler 2 times

And I will be getting a new adapter tonight and see if that fixes it..


I have the same leak, In the same spot. At the base.
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Tim Donahoe
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PostPosted: Wed Nov 19, 2014 4:12 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thomas, are you using the correct seals? There were three different types.

Are you installing the metal spacers? like some of them require?

Tim
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Mr.Duncan
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PostPosted: Wed Nov 19, 2014 4:13 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Tim Donahoe wrote:
Thomas, are you using the correct seals? There were three different types.

Are you installing the metal spacers? like some of them require?

Tim


Yes Tim.

Turns out my block has a hairline crack.

I need a new engine case.
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PostPosted: Wed Nov 19, 2014 9:13 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Sorry to hear it.

Tim
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