At what point should I ditch my stock oil cooler assembly?

brownsvo

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So I installed the long-tubes and figured I would fix the p/s and oil leaks while the k-member is out. I took out the oil cooler assembly and replaced all of the o-rings..now my cooler appears to be on its last legs. with the new o-rings in I was getting coolant seeping out of the inner cylinder and dripping at the bottom of the cooler during my engine run. the surfaces that mate on the cylinder to the oil cooler walls are pitted pretty bad. On the first go I used minimal RTV to hold the o-rings in place. 2nd go around I RTV-d the **** out of it hoping to fill in those pits.
My main concern is A. coolant mixing with oil and destroying the engine.
Mustang Oil Cooler, Will Not Fit 03-04 Cobra (96-04) 4.6 4V F8ZZ-6A642-BA
looks kinda cobra to me, but is a used e-bay cooler that's practically the same price as my backup plan in the event I gamble with rtv?
Is there a reliable oil cooler i can replace this setup with that isn't crazy expensive?
 

P49Y-CY

fomocomofo
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to me it sounds like you might be at that point already.

if i were in your shoes, i would explore the available options to relocate the filter, and just eliminate the cooler entirely.

from what i have read, the cooler can be optional and isn't very effective in stock form.

best of luck with it
 

Blkkbgt

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to me it sounds like you might be at that point already.

if i were in your shoes, i would explore the available options to relocate the filter, and just eliminate the cooler entirely.

from what i have read, the cooler can be optional and isn't very effective in stock form.

best of luck with it

This!

A lot of open track guys just delete it entirely or they go with a maximum motorsports remote setup. The maximum kit allows you to plumb in a cooler later if needed.

If memory serves correctly to delete it all you need is a different filter adapter and new gasket. I believe the 96-04 GT piece is what everyone uses but I could be wrong as it's been a long time since I've personally seen a thread on the subject.
 

brownsvo

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this little crack is causing a leak lol. i replaced the o-rings inside and rtv'd it all up.. just oil drips like crazy since the sensor makes the crack larger.

actually i just had an Ahah moment. i can use the other hole thats just a plug and move the sensor.
 

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01yellercobra

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brownsvo

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I filled that entire section with black rtv and screwed the plug in. Moved the sensor and did my engine run yesterday morning. All good, no leaks, pressure readings normal and k-member installed.
 

JaCobro

Luke 10:19
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I had to rebuild mine a couple years ago due to coolant leaking from the weep hole. But after installing new orings it started leaking coolant from outer flange between cooler insert and housing. I ended up filling all the pits with jb weld and sanding smooth to get to seal properly. It’s been fine since. But I probably will switch to remote mount soon. Just so that I don’t have to worry if it will fail again and mix coolant with oil. That would be a nightmare.
 

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