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Oil Cooler 1990 GT Repairable?

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Old 01-05-2021, 05:30 PM
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jhalsey
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Default Oil Cooler 1990 GT Repairable?

I have a slow but significant leak from the left side of the engine oil cooler located under the radiator. A quick look around on eBay shows nothing available used and new seems to be at least $550.

Does anyone have experience with repairing these coolers and what was the outcome? Mine is leaking from just inside the left end where the fins start.

Anyone have a good used one?

Thanks
Old 01-05-2021, 05:32 PM
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Rob Edwards
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Contact these folks and see whether they're still willing/able to repair it:

Pacific Oil Cooler service

https://www.oilcoolers.com/

Old 01-05-2021, 05:45 PM
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Kevin in Atlanta
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Originally Posted by jhalsey
I have a slow but significant leak from the left side of the engine oil cooler located under the radiator. A quick look around on eBay shows nothing available used and new seems to be at least $550.

Does anyone have experience with repairing these coolers and what was the outcome? Mine is leaking from just inside the left end where the fins start.

Anyone have a good used one?

Thanks
I've had no luck with two leaky units.

Kevin
Old 01-05-2021, 06:33 PM
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jhalsey
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Thanks Rob, I called and spoke to them. I would obviously have to send them the cooler and they would charge approximately $250 to repair with no assurance they can repair it. So best case 250 plus shipping both ways (assuming I want it back) and worst case I send it and they can't repair it. I'm beginning to feel like the ridiculously expensive OEM unit is the way to go. I think list is around $775 with some dealers discounting into the $500's. I'll have to shop around.
Old 01-05-2021, 07:00 PM
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GregBBRD
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Originally Posted by jhalsey
Thanks Rob, I called and spoke to them. I would obviously have to send them the cooler and they would charge approximately $250 to repair with no assurance they can repair it. So best case 250 plus shipping both ways (assuming I want it back) and worst case I send it and they can't repair it. I'm beginning to feel like the ridiculously expensive OEM unit is the way to go. I think list is around $775 with some dealers discounting into the $500's. I'll have to shop around.
And if you don't fix the rubber mounts for the oil cooler, the new cooler will fail promptly.....

I "gained" a client who had cracked/had leak 5 oil coolers on his GTS. His original cooler lasted for many years and his replacements all failed after about a year.
He was, of course, pretty sick of having to buy new oil coolers.
And was really upset that Porsche would supply an oil cooler that failed so quickly.

All because the idiot that replaced the first one didn't know/do anything about the deteriorated rubber mounts.
Once the mounts are gone/worn out, the cooler is essentially solid mounted to the two frame rails (which flex and move about.)
So, the failures had nothing to do with Porsche's quality.
You "twist" an oil cooler between two solid mounting points and it is going to fail!

Really important to find the correct mechanic for these cars....someone who knows all the tricks and what causes what.
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Old 01-06-2021, 06:49 AM
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jhalsey
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Thanks Greg, do you have the rubber mounts in stock?
Old 01-06-2021, 11:38 AM
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jeff spahn
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Originally Posted by GregBBRD
And if you don't fix the rubber mounts for the oil cooler, the new cooler will fail promptly.....

I "gained" a client who had cracked/had leak 5 oil coolers on his GTS. His original cooler lasted for many years and his replacements all failed after about a year.
He was, of course, pretty sick of having to buy new oil coolers.
And was really upset that Porsche would supply an oil cooler that failed so quickly.

All because the idiot that replaced the first one didn't know/do anything about the deteriorated rubber mounts.
Once the mounts are gone/worn out, the cooler is essentially solid mounted to the two frame rails (which flex and move about.)
So, the failures had nothing to do with Porsche's quality.
You "twist" an oil cooler between two solid mounting points and it is going to fail!

Really important to find the correct mechanic for these cars....someone who knows all the tricks and what causes what.
What Greg says. He replaced mine on my S4 when I picked it up after the PPI he performed. It's been on for almost 10 years, no issues. Used Porsche part. Don't remember what I paid, but it was worth it.
Old 01-06-2021, 05:45 PM
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Gary Knox
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I'm pretty sure I have a good used one. Bought it as a spare for my GTS, but never needed it. Been in storage above my garage for about 10 years! Let me know if you want me to check the 'stash' to verify it's still there. Price would be 60% of 928 Int'l price plus shipping.

Send me a direct email at: kitttyandgary at verizon dot net I don't check this site daily any longer!

Gary Knox
West Chester, PA 19382
Old 01-07-2021, 04:55 PM
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GregBBRD
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Originally Posted by jhalsey
Thanks Greg, do you have the rubber mounts in stock?
Yes. Porsche no longer has them. I have a replacement which I have used for years, with great success.
$10 for a pair.
We keep that cooler in stock at a great price, too!

Last edited by GregBBRD; 01-07-2021 at 05:44 PM.
Old 01-08-2021, 09:20 AM
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jhalsey
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Thanks all for the assistance, I ended up ordering a new one from Sunset, $575 plus free shipping. Not cheap but worth the peace of mind over a used or repaired one. I will call Mary for the rubber mounts.
Old 06-06-2024, 12:58 AM
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UKKid35
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I'm going to have to try to get mine repaired, as I guess there are no other options now

I've had a crack in an aluminium engine block repaired with success, as shown below

I think I'll try the guy who did the repair for me

I guess I should be pleased mine has lasted for about 15 years



Old 06-06-2024, 01:42 PM
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NoVector
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Why do you write "no other options"? They appear to be available on Porsche sites and Roger's.

I had to replace mine ~5 years ago. My lesson learned: correct ride height = not hitting parking lot barriers. At least that's how I killed mine...





Old 06-06-2024, 07:22 PM
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voskian
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Picked up all parts needed from Sunset last year and replaced my leaking oil cooler after trying to fix the old one without any luck. Make sure you replace the worn rubber grommets also.
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Old 06-07-2024, 01:56 AM
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Michael Benno
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Originally Posted by UKKid35
I'm going to have to try to get mine repaired, as I guess there are no other options now

I've had a crack in an aluminium engine block repaired with success, as shown below

I think I'll try the guy who did the repair for me

I guess I should be pleased mine has lasted for about 15 years


you might want review this thread. I just went though the same thing and came up with a solution to mitigate future problems
https://rennlist.com/forums/928-foru...-on-91-my.html
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Old 08-30-2024, 05:50 AM
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UKKid35
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Originally Posted by NoVector
Why do you write "no other options"? They appear to be available on Porsche sites and Roger's.
Last time I checked they were NLA, admittedly that was many years ago

I hadn't checked Roger's site, mainly because shipping to the UK can be awkward and expensive


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