Ford\u2019s<\/a> 6.0L Power Stroke\u00ae diesel engine, you may want to \u201cbulletproof\u201d it.<\/p>\n\n\n\nReplacing the OEM oil cooler with an aftermarket BulletProof Engine Oil Cooler is the first step toward \u201cbulletproofing\u201d your Ford 6.0\u2019s engine against the chronic \u2014 and catastrophic \u2014 EGR cooler failure plaguing this powerful yet flawed motor. But it\u2019s not the last, and it\u2019s not the least expensive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
BulletProof engine oil coolers range in price from $2,000 to $2,500 not including parts and labor. Certainly more expensive than an OEM oil cooler, but much less expensive than the bent connecting rods, stretched head bolts, or blown head gaskets that can result if a clogged oil cooler leads to EGR cooler failure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Of course, BulletProof oil coolers aren\u2019t just for Ford 6.0s, but they are only made for diesel engines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pro Tip:<\/strong> Most oil coolers are sold as a kit with gaskets and O-rings included; however, if you have to replace your oil cooler line, you should plan for at least an added $30 to $60 in parts.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIf you choose to have a mechanic install your new oil cooler, you\u2019ll also be looking at labor costs. Yelp estimates a fair average labor rate of anywhere from $75 to $125 per hour at an independent auto repair shop while dealerships usually charge $125 to $175 per hour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How long does it take to replace an oil cooler?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n Like the cost, the length of time it takes to complete an oil cooler replacement will depend a lot on your vehicle and the type of oil cooler replacement you choose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you have a dedicated oil cooler mounted in the front of your engine bay, replacement could take just an hour or two. However, if your oil cooler is part of the radiator, or it\u2019s mounted in a location that requires removing body panels to access it, you could be looking at as much as 8 hours for the job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How do you know if your engine oil cooler needs to be repaired or replaced?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n The first thing you need to understand is that some vehicles do not have oil coolers. They\u2019re most commonly found on heavy-duty pickups, high-performance vehicles, and semi-trucks \u2014 vehicles with high-power engines designed to wring out every last bit of horsepower and torque.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Make sure you know what system your vehicle uses to maintain engine temperatures before authorizing car repairs or attempting maintenance on the engine cooling system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How are engine oil cooler issues diagnosed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Tell-tale signs your engine oil cooler may be failing include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nCheck engine light.<\/li>\n\n\n\n Low oil light.<\/li>\n\n\n\n Low oil pressure light.<\/li>\n\n\n\n Engine oil temp light.<\/li>\n\n\n\n Engine overheating.<\/li>\n\n\n\n Engine knocking.<\/li>\n\n\n\n White exhaust smoke.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nUnfortunately the above can also be symptoms of seemingly countless other issues, which is why a failing oil cooler is most easily diagnosed if it\u2019s also leaking. If no leaks are present, your mechanic will begin diagnostics by checking the following components first:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nEngine oil temp sensor.<\/li>\n\n\n\n Engine oil pressure switch.<\/li>\n\n\n\n Engine oil level sensor.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nIf all are functioning properly, the mechanic will begin troubleshooting by backflushing the engine oil cooler to check for clogs. If your oil cooler has bend fins (thin strips of metal that allow for heat transfer across their surface area), your mechanic will check to ensure they\u2019re not pressed flat. In some cases, straightening the fins may be enough to salvage the cooler and lessen repair costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pro Tip: <\/strong>If you\u2019re an aficionado who power washes their high-performance engine for car shows, your \u201cfailed\u201d engine cooler may actually just be a symptom of bent fins blocking airflow and reducing cooling efficiency. You can use a radiator comb to try repositioning the fins on your own.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDiagnosis is where a lot of extra costs can come into play, but it ideally leads to discovery of a repair that can be made rather than a replacement needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Can you replace a faulty engine oil cooler yourself?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n As long as no body panels need to be removed and your oil cooler is not a part of your radiator, engine oil cooler replacement is fairly straightforward, even for the beginning DIYer. However, if your engine oil cooler is not easily accessible at the front of your engine bay, it\u2019s best to leave this job to the pros.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you decide to try replacing your oil cooler yourself, first, make sure you have some basic tools, like a set of line wrenches, screwdrivers, and pliers and oil to top off your engine once the replacement is complete. Then remove the oil cooler from its mounting and fasteners, disconnect the oil cooler lines, discard the old cooler and reverse the process to hook up the new one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once the new oil cooler is installed, the engine oil system is flushed, drained, the oil filter replaced, and the system refilled with clean oil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the oil cooler is part of the radiator, replacing it also requires the radiator to be flushed and removed before the cooler can be replaced. Then, the radiator must be refilled and bled. This is a complicated process, which is why it should be left to a certified technician.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\n FAQ <\/h2>\n \n \n \n\n
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\n Can you drive with a faulty oil cooler? <\/span>\n\n \n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n\n \n \n\n
Technically, yes, you can drive with a faulty oil cooler, but it\u2019s important to avoid putting any kind of excessive strain on your engine. Towing heavy loads or otherwise taxing an engine with a faulty engine oil cooler can lead to engine failure.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
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\n How serious is an oil cooler leak? <\/span>\n\n \n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n\n \n \n\n
An oil cooler leak can be very serious. Less engine oil means less effective lubrication and cooling, which can lead to engine damage.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
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\n What does an engine oil cooler do? <\/span>\n\n \n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n\n \n \n\n
An engine oil cooler helps maintain engine temperatures by circulating oil through a heat exchanger, which allows heat transfer from the oil to liquid engine coolant or to the air.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n \n <\/div>\n\n\n\n
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