oil cooler leak? common issue with lgts?
 

hey guys I noticed on my last oil change that I had a slow leak coming from my oil cooler. just wondering if there is anything specific that causes this or is this something that just happens with our cars? also any hints on going about replacing this thing would be appreciated. thanks

Easy repair. Drain the coolant, remove the exhaust cross pipe, remove the hoses, drop the oil filter, 24mm deep socket pulls the hollow bolt. Ring is easy replacement. Get new hoses and exhaust gaskets while you're at it.

Here's what your looking to replace.

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x...i/DSCN4734.jpg

so, you don't have to take off the crosspipe and you probably don't have to replace the cooler.

In my case, the leak was coming from the gasket where the cooler meets with the engine. Just make sure you clean really good around the area before you take it off. It's also a great time to put in a new thermostat, since you have to drain the coolant.

pretty good writeup here: http://www.subaruoutback.org/forums/...lter-leak.html

Depending on where you live the crossover tube is known to rust pretty bad.

I put a new on with the new short block.

right, pretty much rust free here in NM.

yah my crossover tube is rusted and will need to be replaced. so its possible that I can avoid paying the 230-250 for a new oil cooler and just replace the gasket? or should I just bite the bullet and swipe the plastic

If the cooler isn't damaged, I would say just buy the o-ring. The most important thing is to keep it clean when you are removing it and reinstalling it on the car.

thanks for the info. bought the gasket today but the dealer didn't have the crossover tube. plus I bought prestone coolant before looking on here and apparently were suppose to use just Subaru coolant?

I'm a purest and do used Subaru coolant and conditioner. But if you have green coolant then in theory it should be compatible with other green coolant.

anyone have the part number for the crossover tube that rusts out? I cant seem to find it anywere

Call the guy's at Fred beans, a vendor on here, they'll get you the pipe.

Also you can use any green coolant.

My new short block has some left over green Peak and Prestone from when I did the timing belt years ago and I topped it off with new Peak Global 50/50 pre mix.