Oil Cooler Cleaning

[rmshaner]

I am rebuilding a 3.2L carrera engine for my '78 SC.  It had some teeth knocked off the intermediate shaft gear and I want to make sure all that crap is out of the oil coolers before I get this thing underway.  So do you guys know anyone in the area who cleans oil coolers?  I have heard some radiator shops can do it, and to try aircraft mechanics, but if someone has had a good experience somewhere I am open to recommendations.

Also looking at options on having my case blasted clean with Dry Ice.  I spoke with a company out in the Harrisburg region, but it would be nice if there was somewhere a little closer.

Thanks for any leads, and hope to see you all on the road this summer.



Happy Valentines Day, my car was bought at Holberts exactly 30 years ago today.

Rich

[MylesD55]

Rich,

I have had the pleasure  of rebuilding my motor several times in the last two years due to various internal failures.  There is no question that you need to clean out the coolers, lines, thermostat and oil tank if you had metal in the motor. 

Last year I searched for a local company with ultrasonic cleaners, but never found anyone.  I ended up sending my coolers to a company in TX called American Oil Cooler.  Here is a link to an article someone wrote about them;

 http://www.fd3s.net/oil_cooler_cleaning.html

These guys are certified to repair and clean aircraft coolers.  They start by analyzing the remaining oil in the cooler for any metal, pressure test, repair if necessary, straighten any bent fins and repaint.  Each cooler came back looking brand new with a certification.  The cost was $150 per cooler and turnaround time was about two weeks.

Myles  

[rmshaner]

Thanks Myles.  I greatly appreciate it.  I've also looked into sending it out to these guys in california:

http://www.oilcoolers.com/

I've heard good reviews about them too. 

Thanks again,

Rich

[michael lang]

Rich, you really don't need to go all that way. There is an excellent shop with an outstanding reputation about 45 mins north of D.C.

Looper Servicenter, 324 N. StoneStreet Ave, Rockville MD 20850 301.762.9333

In addition to redoing oil coolers, radiators, etc... They do a phenominal job of resealing gas tanks. Go here http://www.dorkiphus.com and do a search on them. You won't be dissappointed. I used to use them when I ran a LandRover shop in Rockville when radiators on intergalactic backorder.

[rmshaner]

Mike,

Thank-you very much.   I even have family that makes the trip down to DC fairly frequently.  Here is a direct link to their website for anyone who is interested down the road:

http://www.loopersc.com/

I have a 1994 D90 as well, but it is in Colorado right now.

Rich

[MylesD55]

Looper seems like the way to go.  They quoted a price of $60 to $80 for the cooler cleaning (Pressure test & ultrasonic).  Turnaround time is a couple of days.  Contact info: 

Looper Service Center
324 N. Stonestreet Ave.
Rockville, MD 20850

1-800-339-1354
301-762-9333
email: loopersc@loopersc.com
www.loopersc.com

Pacific Oil Cooler quoted $100 per cooler.

Rich, let me kow if you are heading down to drop off your parts.  Maybe I could send my stuff along with you?

Myles

[rmshaner]

Myles,

When I find out when family is heading down there and can drop them off I'll let you know. 

Drop me an email at: rmshaner(at)hotmail(dot)com and let me know some of your contact information.

Thanks again everyone,

Rich