Waterboxer operation post oil cooler OWHX failure

[jsalkeld]

Hi All

My 86 has suffered a heat exchanger failure.

It happened early in a run and by the time I discovered it, about 2 qts of oil had entered the coolant system.
That's what it took to get the oil level to "add".

The tip off was the factory over-temp light.
I shut down immediately.
No other indications until I checked the coolant pressure tank and it was full of "milkshake".

It's at a shop 1000kms (700 miles) from home.
They proved the exchanger failure and coolant in the oil, though I don't know how much.
I can get them to replace the cooler, change the oil and flush/clean the coolant system.

So, has anyone seen recovery and operation after this this degree of cross-contamination?

My return options are limited and/or expensive.
I'm wondering if anyone has insight into my odds of making it home under power after the above fixes?

I know the oil will deteriorate the hoses - How fast? Is this an immediate or mid-long-term thing?

The pressure and temps (digital aftermarket gauges) were good until the heat problem arose.
I don't know if that was a fouled (lotsa gunk) sender or the rad gumming up or general lack of cooling properties.

Lack of viscosity/lubricity in the oil system would be the other concern and it's affect on the internals.
Other than the gauges there is no way of knowing if (and/or to what degree) that happened.

Has anyone seen this much mess and the engine survived it?

Thanks
_________________
86 "The" Westy
78 Super Beetle Cabriolet WIP
89 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet - Summer Driver
85 Doka WIP

[DanHoug]

i've had cars with blown head gaskets that puked oil into the coolant. it is a pain to remove but you can get nearly all of it out. buy a large container of liquid Cascade brand (it really does clean better than a cheaper brand) automatic dishwasher detergent and keep dosing-running while the thermostat opens- and flush. repeat. and repeat. it helps to remove the thermostat so things are always circulating thru the radiator. and letting the system get hot each flush helps also.
_________________
-dan
60% of what you find on the internet is wrong, including this post.

'87 Westy & '89 Westy both 2.1 4spd

Past projects can be found at--
www.thefixitworkshop.com

[DanHoug]

also, can you see any markings on the failed HX to determine if it was OE VW or an aftermarket product?
_________________
-dan
60% of what you find on the internet is wrong, including this post.

'87 Westy & '89 Westy both 2.1 4spd

Past projects can be found at--
www.thefixitworkshop.com

[Wildthings]

This is one of several reasons I eliminated the oil cooler on the 2.1L I installed in my 83 1/2. The cooler has multiple failure modes and the 1.9L does fine without it, so why live with a system that does little or no good and can kill your engine without notice.