DETROIT DIESEL 53
Lubricating Oil Cooler
4.4
Clean Oil Cooler Core
1. Clean oil side of Core - Remove the core from the oil cooler. Circulate a solution of trichloroethylene through the
core passages with a force pump to remove the carbon and sludge.
This operation should be done in the open or in a well ventilated room when trichloroethylene or other
CAUTION:
toxic chemicals are used for cleaning. Clean the core before the sludge hardens. If the oil passages are badly
clogged, circulate an Oakite or alkaline solution through the core and flush thoroughly with clean, hot water.
2. Clean water side of Cooler - After cleaning the oil side of the core, immerse it in the following solution: Add one-half
pound of oxalic acid to each two and one-half gallons of solution composed of one third muriatic acid and two-thirds
water. The cleaning action is evidenced by bubbling and foaming. Watch the process carefully and, when bubbling
stops (this usually takes from 30 to 60 seconds), remove the core from the cleaning solution and thoroughly flush it with
clean, hot water. After cleaning, dip the core in light oil.
NOTE: Do not attempt to clean an oil cooler core when an engine failure occurs in which metal particles from worn or
broken parts are released into the lubricating oil. Replace the oil cooler core.
Pressure Check Oil Cooler Core
After the oil cooler core has been cleaned, check for leaks as follows:
1. Make a suitable plate and attach it to the flanged side of the cooler core. Use a gasket made from rubber to assure
a tight seal. Drill and tap the plate to permit an air hose fitting to be attached at the inlet side of the core (Fig. 2).
2. Attach an air hose, apply approximately 75-150 psi air pressure and submerge the oil cooler core and plate
assembly in a container of water heated to 180 F. Any leaks will be indicated by air bubbles in the water. If leaks are
indicated, replace the core.
When making this pressure test be sure that personnel are adequately protected against any stream
CAUTION:
of pressurized water from a leak or rupture of a fitting, hose or the oil cooler core.
3. After the pressure check is completed, remove the plate and air hose from the cooler core, then dry the core with
compressed air.
NOTE: In cases where a leaking oil cooler core has caused contamination of the engine, the engine must be
immediately flushed to prevent serious damage (refer to Section 5).
Install Oil Cooler Core
1. If the oil cooler adaptor (In-Line engines) was removed from the cylinder block, remove the old gasket material from
the bosses where the adaptor sets against the block. Affix new adaptor gaskets (Fig. 3), then secure the adaptor to the
cylinder block with five bolts and lock washers.
2. Clean the old gasket material from both faces of the core flange and affix new gaskets to the inner and outer faces
(Fig. 3), Insert the core into the cooler housing.
NOTE: The inlet and outlet openings in the oil cooler core are stamped "IN" and "OUT". It is very important that
the core be installed in the correct position to prevent any possibility of foreign particles and sludge, which may not
have been removed in cleaning the fins of the core, entering and circulating through the engine.
3. Align the matchmarks previously placed on the core and housing and install the oil cooler core in the oil cooler
housing.
4. With the matchmarks in alignment, place the oil cooler housing and core against the oil cooler adaptor (In-Line
engines).
Tighten the bolts to 13-17 lb.-ft torque.
5. Slide the hose and clamps in position between the cylinder block water inlet elbow and the oil cooler. Secure the
clamps in place.
6. Place a new gasket between the fresh water pump and the cooler housing and secure the pump to the cooler
housing.
7. Position the hose and clamps in place between the water pump and the tube to the thermostat housing. Secure the
clamps.
8. Install all of the accessories or equipment it was necessary to remove.
July, 1972
SEC.
4.4 Page 3