Symptoms of a Bad or Faulty Oil Cooler Adapter Gasket
Common symptoms include oil leakage from the oil cooler adapter, cylinder block and oil filter. Prevent engine damage by securing the gasket.
In most cases, a vehicle owner will never experience an oil cooler problem under the hood of their car, truck, or SUV. However, when a problem occurs, it is usually due to a faulty oil cooler adapter gasket. This gasket is usually made of rubber and is similar in design and function to an o-ring where pressure is applied from the adapter to the male fitting, which allows the gasket to compress to form a protective seal. When this gasket fails, pinches, or wears out, it can cause oil to leak from the oil cooler, which can affect overall engine performance.
The engine oil coolers used in most modern vehicles are essentially water-to-oil heat exchangers. Oil coolers use the engine's cooling system to remove excess heat from the engine oil. The coolers are fed with engine oil through an adapter that is located between the engine block and the oil filter. Oil from the engine circulates in an oil cooler where coolant from the car's radiator system circulates, creating conditions similar to most air conditioners in our homes. Instead of cooling the oil, heat is removed.
The oil cooler adapter has two gaskets that connect the oil lines to the oil cooler and return the oil back to the engine. One gasket seals the oil cooler adapter to the cylinder block. Another gasket seals the oil filter on the adapter. Sometimes, if the gasket wears out over time at either end of the oil cooling lines, this can lead to oil leakage. However, there are several symptoms that may also indicate a problem with this component. The following are some of these warning signs that should prompt the driver to see a certified mechanic as soon as possible so they can replace the oil cooler adapter gaskets.
Oil leak from under the oil cooler adapter
As noted above, there are two specific connections that use an oil cooler adapter gasket: the lines connected to the oil cooler and those connected to the engine block or oil filter. If oil is leaking from the oil cooler attachment, it is usually due to a pinched or worn gasket that is designed to provide a snug fit around the male cooler fitting and the female end of the oil cooler adapter.
A small leak will be seen as a drop of oil on the driveway or under the car, usually located at the rear of the engine. However, if it is not repaired, excess pressure may build up in the oil lines, resulting in complete destruction of the gasket and adapter. If the gasket completely bursts, you can lose the entire contents of the engine's oil pan in a matter of seconds.
Any time you notice an oil leak, be sure to contact your local ASE Certified Mechanic so they can inspect it, determine the location and cause of the oil leak, and perform the appropriate repairs to ensure your engine maintains lubricity.
Oil leakage from the cylinder block or oil filter
We indicated above that there are two areas that connect the oil lines going to and from the oil cooler. The second is either the engine block or the oil filter. On some cars, trucks, and SUVs sold in the US, the oil cooler receives oil from the oil filter, while on other vehicles, the oil comes directly from the cylinder block. In any case, both lines are equipped with oil cooler adapter gaskets, which ensure the strength and reliability of the two connections. When a gasket fails due to wear or simply old age, it will result in a loose connection and excess oil leakage.
If you or the oil change technician tell you that oil is leaking from the oil filter, it is likely caused by a bad oil cooler adapter gasket. Have your local ASE certified mechanic replace the oil cooler adapter gaskets on all oil lines as soon as possible and prevent future leaks.
If you notice oil stains, drops, or puddles of oil under your vehicle, the oil cooler adapter gasket may not be doing its job of sealing your engine's lubrication system. Calling AvtoTachki technicians can bring you peace of mind as their trained technicians investigate the source of the oil leak. By finding and repairing oil leaks, you can prevent engine damage and save a huge amount of money.
