Sealing up the oil cooler block-off plate once and for all? (2024)

FAQs

Can a blocked oil cooler cause low oil pressure? ›

That said, oil coolers rarely clog. The most common reasons for low oil pressure is the bearing are worn out or oil level is low. Other possible causes are the bypass valve is stuck open, a significant amount of water in the oil, worn oil pump, bad oil pickup, blown oil pump gasket.

Car Overheating

If the oil cooler is damaged, it may not be able to do this effectively, causing the engine to overheat. This can lead to a range of problems, including decreased performance, increased wear and tear on engine components, and in extreme cases, engine failure.

An oil cooler gasket is a component that seals the connection between the oil cooler and the engine block. The oil cooler is a device that lowers the temperature of the oil that circulates through the engine, preventing overheating and damage.

Although it's technically possible to drive with a bad oil cooler, we would strongly advise against it. Bad oil coolers are ticking time bombs that can wreak havoc on your engine and potentially cause it to stop.

If the oil cooler fails, it can cause warning lights to illuminate on the dashboard. These can include the check engine light, the oil pressure warning light, and the engine temperature warning light. If you see any warning lights on your dashboard, you ask an experienced mechanic to inspect your car.

Issues with the oil cooling line will disrupt the engine cooling process. Symptoms of a bad oil cooler line include low engine oil levels, engine oil puddling beneath your vehicle, and damaged metal lines. The oil cooler line will need to be replaced at least once before the 100,000-mile mark.

An engine oil cooler should last for years with minimal problems. Some of the most common problems are cracks and leaks in the cooler. Rust often causes leaks, but road vibrations can also contribute to this problem, especially if you drive off-road. Generally, this problem is more likely to occur in an older vehicle.

The Industry Standard for repairing old, leaking oil coolers used to be epoxy applied directly to the area of the leak (although at Pacific Oil Cooler Service, Inc., we have never used epoxy to repair a leaking oil cooler – we perform all repairs using only an appropriate Inert-Gas type weld).

Oil cooling is the use of engine oil as a coolant, typically to remove surplus heat from an internal combustion engine. The hot engine transfers heat to the oil which then usually passes through a heat-exchanger, typically a type of radiator known as an oil cooler.

Furthermore, oil cooler gaskets play a crucial role in preventing contamination of engine oil or coolant, which can lead to corrosion, buildup of debris, and ultimately, engine failure. Their resilience and durability contribute to the overall reliability of the engine, reducing the risk of costly repairs and downtime.

Does oil cooler affect transmission? ›

A malfunctioning transmission oil cooler can lead to irregularities in the transmission system's operation. If you experience delayed shifting, or other gear shifting issues, it may be a sign of inadequate cooling and lubrication.

Another potential symptom of an oil cooler gasket failure is oil contamination. If coolant or water compromises the integrity of the engine oil, then the oil is rendered ineffective—in fact, it can cause significant engine damage that can be irreparable.

The average cost for an Engine Oil Cooler Replacement is between $562 and $613. Labor costs are estimated between $161 and $203 while parts are priced between $401 and $410. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your unique location. Related repairs may also be needed.

Oil Level Is Too Low

The oil level dropping below the minimum dipstick line is one of the most common causes of low oil pressure. This can happen at any time, even if you've recently had an oil change. Over time, engines burn oil more quickly. This is due to piston rings wearing, seals leaking, and so on.

If the oil level on the dipstick is between “add” and “full” but the engine is running noisily, the oil pump may be worn. A worn pump is unable to generate the necessary pressure due to internal leaks. Stop the engine until the issue can be fixed. A pump replacement will be needed.