Leaking engine oil cooler lines?

[500magnum]

Hi Everyone, I'm a new member and I own a '88 or '89 C3500 2WD, 400 turbo, 3.73 gears with a 6.2L w/112,000 miles on it. What is the best way to fix a leaking engine oil cooler line? It's not leaking much or should I say seeping. It just makes a mess over a long time around the engine compartment. I read somewhere on this site where you can repair these cooler lines and not have to spend big bucks to replace them. Can anyone guide me here? Thank you

[DmaxMaverick]

Welcome aboard!

www.lubricationspecialist.com (online store, GM 6.2/6.5)

A little more than OEM, but includes an improved cooler, SS/teflon lines, fittings and all the hardware for a permanent solution. The OEM lines are an easy replacement, but you already see the results of the OEM. No changes (improvements) have been made to the OEM replacement, so you will see the same result (leak) over time.

[Subzilla]

Yup, there is a Diesel Page tech article on how to repair these things. Do a search under 6.5 oil line repair. It involves "Dremel" cutting off the crimped fittings, then putting the lines back on the barbed and double hose clamping them. I did my Sub some years ago and they're still doing fine. Maverick is right, the OEM stuff just ain't no good.

[Robyn]

The fix is a 2 option choice.
Replace the lines if the leak is other than at the crimp.
If the leak is at the crimp area a little clamp that looks like a mufler clamp and is used for the air pump feed tubes on gassers works sweet.

These clamps are available at most NAPA stores and have a good track record of stopping the leaks.

The issue is this. The aluminum fittings on the hose ends have a lightly ribbed center tube with the outer jacket fitting over it.
The hose is inserted and the jacket crimped to hold the hose in place and seal it against the inner tube.

During the repeated duty cycles of hot and cold the hose will expand and contract as will the aluminum tube. Eventually the fit between the hose and the inner barbed tube loosen some and hearin lies the issue.

These leaks are usually not catastrophic buit do make a mess.

The little clamp applied over the center of the crimp are and snugged up enough to squeeze the crimp slightly tighter will often stop the leaks for a long time.

Dont get over zelous with a wrench on the clamp as these fittings are aluminum and somewhat soft. Try cleaning everything up good and with the system nice and warm install the clamp. A warm hose is a soft hose and the clamp will squeeze it easier.

Run the thing some and you should be greeted with the absense of the all to familiar drips on the ground.

Good luck

Robyn

[500magnum]

Thanks for the info, I will repair them based on your input. Thanks again!