Oil Cooler Issues with My 7.3 Powerstroke - Need Advice!

Maintenance & Repairs
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I’m having some trouble with the oil cooler on my 7.3L Power Stroke diesel engine and I’m looking for advice from anyone who has dealt with this before. Here are some details on the situation:

Background

I’ve been doing some general maintenance and noticed that my oil temperatures are unusually high. After some research, I suspect the oil cooler might be at fault. I’ve read that the stock oil coolers can sometimes get clogged or develop leaks, leading to various problems.

Questions

  • How can I test whether my oil cooler is failing?
    I’ve seen some tutorials online about checking for leaks, but what are the best practices for diagnosing this issue?
  • Should I consider a replacement or a rebuild?
    I’ve come across both options and would love to hear from those who have experienced either. Any recommendations on specific brands or products?
  • Maintenance Tips:
    For those who have had good results with their oil coolers, what maintenance steps would you recommend? Is it worth the time and effort to do preventative maintenance?

Additional Info

My truck is mostly stock, but I’m considering some performance mods in the near future. If the oil cooler is indeed clogged, I want to tackle this issue as soon as possible before making any changes.

I’m looking forward to your insights and any tips you can share! Thanks in advance for your help.

6 Likes
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I’ve had issues with my oil cooler too. One of the main signs was a drop in coolant levels and some oil in the coolant reservoir. Make sure to check for those leaks!

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That’s a great point, dolsen. I had a similar problem. If you notice any strange smells or steam, it could indicate a failure in the oil cooler.

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It’s interesting how often the oil cooler failures are overlooked until it’s too late. Have you had a mechanic take a look at it, or are you planning to do it yourself?

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I was thinking DIY, but I’m a bit hesitant. Any advice on what tools I’ll need?

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Definitely use a torque wrench! You’ll also need a good set of sockets. Just be ready for some messy oil once you pull that cooler out. :smile:

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Haha, that sounds messy! Do you think using a flush kit could help prevent clogs in the future?

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Flush kits can be beneficial! They help remove debris that builds up over time. It’s a good preventive measure, and worth the investment if you plan to keep your truck for a while.

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That makes sense, but how often should I flush it? Is it really a hassle?

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I’d recommend doing a flush every 30k miles or so. It’s not too bad; just takes a couple of hours if you’re doing it yourself. Totally worth it to keep things running smooth!

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Also, watch for any coolant smell when your truck is running. I had a friend who ignored it for too long and had to replace the whole engine! :grimacing:

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Wow, that’s a harsh lesson! I’m definitely going to keep an eye out for that. Fingers crossed my cooler lasts a while longer!

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13

Remember, it’s all about regular maintenance. Trust me, those little things make a big difference in the long run! You want to avoid major repairs.

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I know the 7.3 Powerstroke oil cooler can be tricky! Regularly inspecting it for leaks and blockages is key. I recommend checking it every oil change.

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Absolutely right! For cleaning, using a degreaser can really help without damaging the cooler. Just make sure to flush it well afterwards.

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Another tip: consider using a coolant filter in your system. It catches debris that could clog the oil cooler over time.

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Good point! I’ve noticed that using higher quality coolant makes a difference. Less buildup equals fewer issues later.

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If you’re not keen on cleaning it yourself, it might be worth having a professional flush the system every few years. It’s an investment in longevity!

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Totally agree! Preventive stuff like that can save a lot of headaches down the line.

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Don’t forget to check the oil cooler lines too! Old or cracked lines can lead to leaks and major headaches.

1 Like