Condenser/oil cooler

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udidwht

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I have a 94 Fleetwood Southwind Storm with an oil cooler leak (small) the cooler is also integral to the AC condenser (dual). The AC works but I'd not like to open the system and think by-passing the OE coil cooler and installing a stand alone will be easier. The current condenser/oil oil cooler is the following: http://acmeairparts.com/rvacheaterp...e-Chassis-GM-P30/p/58426408/category=16022430

I just need to know the fitting size so I can order the stand alone oil cooler. Figure someone here may know off hand. Any recommendations as to a cooler? Looking for something that installs relatively easy. Is a fan recommended? And what recommended size should it be given it's going in an RV (P-30 chassis)? Engine is a 454 TBI w/4L80E trans VIN#1GBJP37N4R3314754

Much appreciated,

Jim
 

Schurkey

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"What would be required" will depend on where the new cooler gets mounted.

You're going to need some combination of hose and metal tubing--or maybe just hose with metal hose ends--to connect the engine oil cooler ports (inlet + outlet) to the respective fittings on the cooler, making sure to allow for engine shake and clean routing of the plumbing.

When I'm doing custom hose work, I'm likely to use steel-braid-over-Teflon (PTFE) liner hose, such as Aeroquip 2807, Aeroquip TFE, or similar hose. The steel braid MUST be secured so it can't abrade anything it might rub against, it MUST NOT rub against sheet metal edges or...well...anything except cushion clamps, tightly affixed to the hose. The Teflon (PTFE) liner is sensitive to bend radius (don't bend the hose too tightly) but is wonderfully compatible with most automotive chemicals and temperatures.
 

1998_K1500_Sub

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You're going to need some combination of hose and metal tubing--or maybe just hose with metal hose ends--to connect the engine oil cooler ports (inlet + outlet) to the respective fittings on the cooler, making sure to allow for engine shake and clean routing of the plumbing.

When I'm doing custom hose work, I'm likely to use steel-braid-over-Teflon (PTFE) liner hose, such as Aeroquip 2807, Aeroquip TFE, or similar hose. The steel braid MUST be secured so it can't abrade anything it might rub against, it MUST NOT rub against sheet metal edges or...well...anything except cushion clamps, tightly affixed to the hose. The Teflon (PTFE) liner is sensitive to bend radius (don't bend the hose too tightly) but is wonderfully compatible with most automotive chemicals and temperatures.

When I read between the lines, @Schurkey implies that you should use the best materials and methods you can muster, because any failure of the engine oil cooling circuit may go unnoticed and result in a ruined engine.

I'll suggest a cooler having surface area that's similar to that which is already provided.

The cooler type (plate; tube-and-fin) and mfgr are TBD, I can't recommend.
 

1998_K1500_Sub

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I have a 94 Fleetwood Southwind Storm with an oil cooler leak (small) the cooler is also integral to the AC condenser (dual). The AC works but I'd not like to open the system and think by-passing the OE oil cooler and installing a stand alone will be easier. The current condenser/oil oil cooler is the following: http://acmeairparts.com/rvacheaterp...e-Chassis-GM-P30/p/58426408/category=16022430

Any recommendations as to a cooler? Looking for something that installs relatively easy. Is a fan recommended? And what recommended size should it be given it's going in an RV (P-30 chassis)? Engine is a 454 TBI w/4L80E trans VIN#1GBJP37N4R3314754

@Frank Enstein might be able to offer some suggestions, I believe he’s got some insight into the products that are out there.

 

Frank Enstein

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This cooler is my go to cooler for years. It is large enough for use as an engine oil cooler. With the 1/2" NPT connections it is easy to connect to your engine. It is larger than the oil cooler used on the 6.5 TD.

 

udidwht

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This cooler is my go to cooler for years. It is large enough for use as an engine oil cooler. With the 1/2" NPT connections it is easy to connect to your engine. It is larger than the oil cooler used on the 6.5 TD.

Hey Frank thanks for the input (all of you) as for stack vs tube-fin is one better then the other? Was told I should stick with tube-fin as the plate can have too much restriction. This is in a Fleetwood Southwind Storm 28ft 454 TBI w/4L80E.

The fittings on the existing cooler are 3/4-16 so what connectors would I need to be able to mate it up with the cooler you recommended? And what rubber line do you recommend?

Cooler orientation...do the ports need to be oriented in a particular manner/direction?

Does the cooler need direct air flow? I ask given I still have not decided where to place the cooler. How about a fan? I was thinking if I get a fan (no T stat) I'd just wire it into the connector for the existing 16in condenser fan which trips on at ~221F.

Much appreciated,

Jim
 
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Frank Enstein

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3/4-16 is only part of the fitting. Could you send an image?
There are many fitting types that have that thread.

The stacked plate is more efficient that tube and fin but not as good as plate and fin, but those are much more costly and I only recommend them when space it at a premium.

As far as rubber hose I recommend the braided stainless covered hose and I like to use as much hard line as possible.
All flexible hose will cost more but will bring the labor cost down.
 

udidwht

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No pic yet...I do have a schematic of the existing one in the RV. The lines are at lower right of pic.


The current lines leave the engine are hard but where it crosses over to the front are flexible then back to hard where it connects to cooler ports. I'll get some pics of it.
 
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