andys-944

My 87 NA developed a bad case of milky coolant so I ordered a new set of seals and had the shop do the work, they just called and during there test its now worse than before so there have it apart again.
Apparently there's a service bulletin suggesting changing the casing ($450) every time you remove it ouch!
So I'm looking for ideas and also input on the following, I have the use of a full machine shop (partner business) and first off I considered just machining a billet Al housing, now I'm thinking just a blanking plate with fittings and install a external oil to air cooler.
Any doing this, seen it done and if not does it sound like a good idea?
Thanks for reading this long post.

John_AZ

First,

If by "casing" you mean the oil cooler housing...

I have not seen this TSB Technical Service Bulletin. There is a TSB describing some differences in the oil cooler housing, but not replacing it. Have them show you the TSB they refer to.
I also checked the WSM for info and did not find it needed replacement.
Here a few I am aware of...

http://www.944online.com/pdf/oilcoolertech.pdf

What you want to do is a basic 951 turbo idea. Just get the parts from a member parting a turbo. Not easy to find and a little expensive. You can also get the parts from Lindsay racing--retail $$$

I have found some pitting and corrosion in a couple oil cooler housings I have. I would not reuse them although with a lot of RTV sealant they would work. You can get a used housing quite easy. Just make sure there is little or no pitting on the housing to engine surface.

I am surprised they did not "test" the oil cooler and find that it needs replacing as well...

GL
John

pnbell

Never heard of this... I had no problem just changing the o-rings.

External oil cooler is certainly possible! not sure if it is cheaper... But i would prefer it; Someday i would like to install one on my car!

(not to rattle any cages... but are you sure the Oil Cooler was/is the problem? 'Someone correct me if i'm wrong' but i believe a failing head gasket could also put oil in your coolant.. Might be worth checking.)

Butters944

+1 I've heard of failing head gasket doing that

andys-944

Thanks John-AZ the bulletin is helpful
Yes I mean the housing and the seal to block was pitted but the leak is from the one of the two 'O' rings on the cooler it self. They did pressure test the cooler and did so again on tear down and its fine. The shop isn't saying I should change the housing as it doesn't make sense to them but asked me if I knew of anything they were missing.
I've since found a new housing on e-bay for 250 a lot cheaper than Pelican or Lindsey. I've seen some 951 set ups on e-bay for 200 but being used I'm wondering if just diving in and making one may make sense, just thinking out loud.

andys-944

It could be a head gasket, although there are no other signs of that.

V2Rocket

the 951 external oil cooler parts are a bolt on (as long as you get the right year to match for your car) and an easy swap, and your car will run cooler since the coolant is no longer touching the 250* oil. not to mention you can put a BIG oil cooler up front, and your car will be happy with cooler oil, cooler coolant, and slightly more oil capacity.

John_AZ

Great. Make sure they change the 2 "O" rings in the OPRV (valve) and not just the visible one.

See my post number 29

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsc...#post6162953GL

John

John_AZ

Here is what to look for. In the first attachment I am pointing to corrosion--pitting where the one piece seal goes.

In the second picture you can see the sealing surface is smooth. Good used housings are just as good as new if not pitted.

GL
John

odurandina

it's a great technical post.

the reality is, these are cars built to deliver about 10~15 years of service. and a lot of trouble in the everafter.

the solution (under the hood is to get out of Porsche entirely).

John_AZ

IF-IF you needed one..
Here is a used on ebay that looks good. $22 or $ 36 with shipping. The other one I saw should be trashed.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Porsc...Q5fAccessories

John

V2Rocket

not necessary here...
an oil cooler seal is hardly a reason to change motors.

andys-944

Thanks John, not sure I need it yet but just bought it at that price it didn't seem worth the hassle not to.
I'm thinking I'll get this working for now and explore the custom route for fun, I'm planning some other work and this may fit in. I like the idea of seperating the the two cooling systems.

andys-944

odurandina, I love your avatars but I have to agree that I'm not turning it into a chevy for a oil cooler

odurandina

thank God this is the only thing that will ever go south on a 9-4-4.

don't mind me, i'm just in my typical "horses-***-944" mood today.

i had an almost new one back in the early '90s. snappy, fun, a bit over-rated, but a chick magnet in those days.

due to the car's dependable service history (until that dark october day), i was quite spoiled in my youth.