Stock Oil Cooler Lines? Problem?

[Alaska Aviator]

I've seen a few references to the stock oil cooler lines being problematic (mostly in the 6.5L forum). Am I missing the boat on something here, is there a problem with the stock oil cooler lines (running to the radiator) that I'm unaware of?

TIA
AA

[ 03-30-2004, 02:33 PM: Message edited by: Alaska Aviator ]

[TonyL]

Mine leak where the rubber hose is crimped to the steel lines.

[Alaska Aviator]

Are there potential catastrophic problems with these lines?

[britannic]

Not usually with the older ones that don't use the quick release clips in the later design. Regularly check them as part of your maintenance schedule. If they start leaking, replace asap.

[ANXIOUS-SUBMAN]

Are there potential catastrophic problems with these lines?
----------------------------
You Damn Betcha! On mine the stupid little plastic clip that holds the aluminum tubes to the metal bracket on the side of the oil pan broke which let one of the tubes drop down and rub on the front diff. Oil pressure went low at 70 mph and seized the engine. Others have had the quick connects pop off and pump a half inch stream of oil out of the engine. My present lines are leaking at the crimp which was mentioned above. I have new ones from Lube Speciatist but haven't found time to put them on yet. I'm gettin' "anxious" just writing about this. (having a flash back) I better get those new lines on! (I have no idea what year they started using the quick connects, one would likely find more info in the 6.5 section as mentioned above)

[britannic]

The older 6.2Ls don't have this setup, instead the oil lines are secured to the fender and then run up to the radiator where they connect to hard lines running to the passenger side and finally connect to the radiator cooling loop.


Originally posted by ANXIOUS SUBMAN:
Are there potential catastrophic problems with these lines?
----------------------------
You Damn Betcha! On mine the stupid little plastic clip that holds the aluminum tubes to the metal bracket on the side of the oil pan broke which let one of the tubes drop down and rub on the front diff. Oil pressure went low at 70 mph and seized the engine. Others have had the quick connects pop off and pump a half inch stream of oil out of the engine. My present lines are leaking at the crimp which was mentioned above. I have new ones from Lube Speciatist but haven't found time to put them on yet. I'm gettin' "anxious" just writing about this. (having a flash back) I better get those new lines on! (I have no idea what year they started using the quick connects, one would likely find more info in the 6.5 section as mentioned above)

[Subzilla]

What makes Greg's (lube specialist) lines better than the factory's? I replaced with GM about 5 years ago and yes, mine definitely are leaking again. I don't want to spend $120 again for inferior stuff.

[britannic]

Here's some "new old stock ones" that fit the 6.2L engines:

1. Oil cooler line (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2471419245)
2. Oil cooler line (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2471419208)

[ANXIOUS-SUBMAN]

Subzilla,
As Britannic pointed out, apparently the oil cooler lines in your '83 are a different arrangement than what's in the 90s trucks like my 99 sub. I'm not sure, but I don't think that what Greg advertises on his site is for the earlier trucks like yours. BUT, he uses Parker fittings and he might be able to put something together for you. You might E-mail him and ask. Just this weekend I installed Greg's oil cooler lines on my '99. Absolutely ingenious fittings! And, if any part of it ever does leak you can get just what you need to make a repair without replacing the whole set.

[BC Clark]

I just put set of factory lines on and they appear to be fabricated identically to air-conditioning lines, right down to the same green 'O' ring. Can't be certain the hose is the same material but the swedges and fittings are. You would think that something that can handle 250+ psi hot refrigerant from the compressor fairly reliably could handle 60 psi oil.

[tomsepe]

I need to replace my oil cooler lines. Both of them are leaking slightly (about 1 qt / 1000 miles). I'm afraid they will get worse. I already had to replace one of the shocks beneath the one of the leaks because teh engine ol had degraded the rubber bushing at the top of the shock. Mine look like the "old new lines" that a previous post mentioned in the ebay autction. Rubber hose with metal crimped on connections.

Where can I get something other than the stock lines from GM which look lke they will just leak again?

[Subzilla]

Anxious Subman,
Thanks for the response. I'll e-mail Greg to see what he can do.
Tomsepe, check with Greg Landyrt at www.lubespecialist.com (http://www.lubespecialist.com) depending on the year of your 6.2. My factory replacements have started leaking after 5 years so form your own opinion.

[tomsepe]

Thanks for the response! I just got my paycheck and have enough to be able to order the lines!

[LanduytG]

I have the parts and can make up the whole line from the rad to the block. The fitting on the end of the rubber hose that hooks to the metal line I can not find at all. So the next best thing is replace it all. You have inverted flare fittings on the rad and we go to flare fittings on the block.

Greg

[Subzilla]

Hey Greg,
Have a price for your stuff?

[LanduytG]

Subzilla

Because of the long length of these lines for a 6.2L you would be looking at $135.

Greg