Engine oil cooler

[Jerry Keeefr]

Hello:
New to the forum, and have been searching the net regarding the engine oil cooler on a 3400 V-6.. Not much info out there.. I have discovered an engine coolant leak at the bottom, exterior of the cooler housing.. The hoses are not leaking.. No coolant is evident in the crankcase. It is leaking about two/three table spoons while parked overnight..
My question is: Are the internal O rings at fault, or has the cooling unit itself failed. Either way, it appears to be a tough job to repair, due to the confined space.
Thanks for the help..
Jerry

 

[mattman]

Yes there is an o-ring where the cooler attaches. Sounds like you found the leak source.

 

[Jerry Keeefr]

Yes there is an o-ring where the cooler attaches. Sounds like you found the leak source.

Thanks. From the sketches I found on the net, I wasn't sure if the O ring sealed the oil or the coolant... Thanks again.

 

[Jerry Keeefr]

Update::

Pulled the skid pans off to get a better look. Not much better but a little better.. Bad news.. The oil cooler is definitely leaking at the base, but I also have two soft plugs that are seeping.. Looks like the motor has to come out..
The leaks are minor at this point, so I'll nurse it along until spring..Need to look for tech manuals on e bay..

 

[JohnJMonroe]

You can also get at it from the side right above the frame rail. There is a flexible rubber flap that you can lift up to get into that area through the wheel well.

Honestly, I would pull the alternator and wheel off and try to get at it before I'd pull the engine.

 

[LittleCaesar]

It is the first time I have heard freeze plugs going bad on the 5vz.

What type of coolant is being used?