What is an oil cooler? What are the signs that an oil cooler is malfunctioning? What happens if an oil cooler fails ?….?
Oil is necessary for the motor vehicle’s engines and transmissions work properly. Without oil, parts can overheat and wear, which will cause the engine to fail.
Regular lubrication is essential for the transmission and engine. This prevents friction between moving mechanical parts. Cooling also helps keep them in optimal condition. Transmission and engine oils are designed to withstand extremely high temperatures. The oil’s properties are affected and it loses effectiveness if the temperatures exceed these limits. This causes insufficient lubrication for the moving parts. A cooler is used to maintain oil temperature within the pumping system.
Certain engine types don’t have the oil cooler. It is standard equipment on engines of race cars, SUVs, high-performance cars and heavy trucks. It can also be retrofitted easily. It is an essential part of any vehicle’s engine, especially in hot climates. Two units are found in some vehicles: an engine oil cooler and an automatic transmission oils cooler. We will discuss the malfunction symptoms related to the engine cooler.
What is an Oil Cooler?
Small radiators called oil coolers are placed in front the engine’s cooling system. This system may be placed underneath the cooling radiator on some vehicles. It cools the oil that passes through it. Oil that flows through the engine or around moving parts absorbs and absorbs these temperatures. The oil heats up and is then pumped into an oil cooler. Air or engine coolant can return the oil to its original temperature. This cycle continues as long the engine is running. This prolongs both the oil’s life and the engine’s. However, oil changes are more difficult because coolant and channels require more oil.
What happens if the oil cooler fails?
Many drivers have never had to experience any problems with their oil coolers. It can last the lifetime of your engine and other major mechanical components if you keep up with routine oil and filter maintenance. The oil cooler can fail even if it is maintained on time. Many signs can indicate an oil cooler problem. However, these symptoms may also be caused by other issues. To ensure the oil cooler is functioning properly, it should be visually checked every now and again. Oil cooler failure can be characterized by the physical damage to the radiator and associated pipes.
1- Oil Leakage From Oil Cooler
The oil cooler adapter is one of the parts of the oil cooling system. This adapter connects oil lines to the cooler, while another adapter sends “chilled” oil back to oil pan. The adapter contains a rubber o’ring or gasket inside. The oil will leak if the adapter is damaged in any way. Leakages should be checked in the vehicle’s subfloor. You should immediately report any oil leaks to your mechanic. You can then quickly identify the source of the leak and repair it. The engine’s lubricating power is reduced when oil leaks. This can lead to high engine temperatures and frictional wear.
2- Oil Cooler Leakage – Antifreeze
Some oil coolers cool oil with engine coolant (antifreeze). Coolant flows through or around channels or pads but does not come in contact with oil. Antifreeze can leak from an oil cooler that fails. If the fluid leakage is not addressed immediately, it can cause engine overheating. Antifreeze deposits should be removed from the vehicle’s subfloor if the leak is small. If there is steam coming out of your hood, it can be detected. If this happens, it is important that you contact a professional mechanic.
3-Mixing oil and engine water
You may find oil in your engine coolant if the oil cooler adapter fails. This happens because the engine’s oil pressure is higher that the cooling system pressure. This causes engine oil to be forced into the cooling systems. This can cause oil loss and other problems, which can severely damage your engine.
4- Mixing engine coolant with oil
We usually attribute engine coolant mixing with oil to the cylinder gasket. A faulty oil cooler, while less common, can cause engine coolant and oil to mix. If the engine is off and the cooling system pressurized, coolant could be forced into an oil pan. This can lead to crankshaft strain or serious engine damage.
These symptoms should be reported to the engine and cooling system. The oil cooler adapter must be replaced if it is not working properly. It is also necessary to flush the oil cooler or replace it.
What are the Signs of Oil Cooler Failure?
- – Turn on the engine warning lamp.
- – The oil warning lamp turns on.
- – Sudden accelerations cause a drop in engine performance.
- – Engine temp rises.
- The engine can be heard squealing, misfiring and stalling.
- – The engine begins to make excessive noises.
- – The exhaust produces smoke.
