DWS964

I am sure someone here on RL has done this and can provide guidance: How do I clean the front/inlet side of the oil cooler (and thus, also the AC condenser)? I assume there is quite an accumulation of dirt and debris on the air inlet side after 17 years. Last weekend at the track I saw the highest oil temperatures ever on my 964's - going past the 9 o'clock mark. I wondered if the oil cooler was fouled a bit. Can I get to the inlet side by removing the lower panels under the bumper? or do I need to remove the front bumper cover?

Steve Weiner-Rennsport Systems

Hi Darrell,

JMHO, but based on experience, I think its a capital idea to pull the front bumper cover occasionally and properly clean the front of the oil cooler and A/C condenser.

Over time, we see a lot of road debris accumulations on the leading surfaces of these components that reduces their efficiencies. Call it good proactive maintenance,....

DWS964

Thanks, Steve, for the prompt and, as always, accurate answer. there are rarely effective "short-cuts". We often don't have time to do it right, but always time to do it over.
I will try to post some pictures to show what I find.

Steve Weiner-Rennsport Systems

My pleasure, anytime.

LOL,...Those are the words I live by and offer to my clientel. Hopefully, they eventually get the message,...

xeps

I removed the wheel well liner and front underbody panels to give mine a gentle cleaning. The front side isnt readily accessible with the bumper in place.

Unfortunately the years of accumulated grime were the only thing preventing it from leaking substantially.

I have since replaced the oil cooler. Temp impact was (to my surprise) neglible. About 1/4 of the surface area was thoroughly covered in oily dirt, though I recall seeing a picture of one that was substantially worse than mine.

springer3

I blew bugs and chaff out of mine using an air gun with a 90° adaptor. All I removed was the under cover. On the back side a powerful vac kept me from choking on the dust. A snake light and an inspection mirror will show when you are clean. I could see a lot more daylight when I was done. I do not think air will move much oily debris, but the dry stuff is pretty easy to blow out.

It is not a 100% cleaning because you need to work around the fan. It gets enough to make a difference.

Amroth

I'm going to have the bodyshop replace my bumper (got reversed into by a van) so it's a good time to clean the oil cooler and AC condenser... is it easy to remove the fan to allow a more thorough cleaning?