cleaning the oil cooler?
#1
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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?
#2
RL Technical Advisor
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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,....
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,....
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#3
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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.
I will try to post some pictures to show what I find.
#4
RL Technical Advisor
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My pleasure, anytime.
LOL,...Those are the words I live by and offer to my clientel. Hopefully, they eventually get the message,...
There are rarely effective "short-cuts". We often don't have time to do it right, but always time to do it over.
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#5
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Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Calgary, AB
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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.
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.
#6
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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.
It is not a 100% cleaning because you need to work around the fan. It gets enough to make a difference.
#7
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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?