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MG MGB Technical - oil cooler line removal

I'm trying to remove the engine on my '78 B and I've got as far as the oil cooler lines. After finally finding a spanner large enough, I found that I could not loosen either the nut or the hex shaped washer on the pipe at the engine end of either pipe. I tried to hold the hex shaped washer and rotate the bolt, but the pipe tries to rotate with it and there's no room in the bay to do that. where am I going wrong?
J Elliott

J.

Have you removed the oil pressure gauge flexible hose that's next to the oil cooler hose fitting? Much easier to undo with it gone. Never seen a hex washer. Your car isn't green is it?

Paul
Paul Hanley

J,

Perhaps you have succeeded in loosening the threaded fittings at the block but not breaking-free the cooler lines from the block threaded fittings. The cooler lines are designed to be removed without twisting the oil lines, but if these are still tight against the block fittings and the block fittings are coming unscrewed the lines will twist and likely be damaged in removal. The washer you mention is part of the screw-in block fitting that normally stays in-place unless you are rebuilding the engine. The fittings on the oil hoses are essentially the same at both ends of each hose (engine and oil cooler), except that the oil cooler fittings are fixed (not removable)and easier to get to.

Good luck!

Cliff

Cliff Maddox

When I bought the car I made sure in the service history that it had never been green, as parts availability is so bad...

I'll try retightening the blok fitting adaptor thingy and see fit that helps to shift it some. Thanks.
J Elliott

Elliot --

That "hex washer" is a double male threaded fitting.

Try attacking it with two spanners (wrenches) and working them in opposite directions.

That is one on the oil line coupling and the other on that hex washer connector.

Look at your oil cooler and you'll fine a hex fitting on the in and out-flow. You will need two spanners for that also -- (if you want to keep using that cooler).
glg

A wise and experienced lbc mechanic advised me to throw away my oil cooler following an engine change: "you'll never be able to flush out all of the metal particles from the worn rings," he told me. He had seen too many cars come back for yet another engine change too, too soon.
Dan Robinson

Dan,

I was told the same thing by an equally wise and experienced guru. My solution--considering the expense of an engine/car/paint resto--get a new oil cooler. After 40 years she was deserving of a new one. Just love the way the oil cooler hoses curve through the underbonnet. Would never give that up. besides, it looks so naked up front with the cooler missing. Just my 2 bits

Paul
Paul Hanley

Managed to remove both lines okay as advised.

Will consider removing/replacing oil cooler.

Sorry so brief but still having fun getting the thing out.

Regards,

James.
J Elliott

J, glad that you got your oil cooler lines off and that you are well under way now.
I have as Dan has , removed the oil cooler permanently several years ago. I really like the fact that there is now more room in that part of the office AND now I don't have anything to block air flow to the rad.As well,a major benefit is that now when I change the oil I am changing ALL the oil.
Nuff said.
Cheers Jon.
Jon Rosenthall

Jon,

My oil cooler isn't blocking the flow to the radiator.

It may be because mine is a '78 so a late model but the oil cooler sits just behind the front valance, underneath the radiator.

Can see your point with the oil change!

James
J Elliott

That Old "Might As Well" department

If your going to rebuild the engine and wish to keep an oil cooler, get a new one.

After all the expense, start out new.
glg

I agree all the oil isn't changed if an oil cooler is used. I see no reason what's in the cooler should ruin an engine, it has to pass through the oil filter from the oil cooler before it gets to the engine. The oil filter should remove anything big enough to damage the engine. FWIW, Clifton
Clifton Gordon

This thread was discussed between 07/12/2003 and 09/12/2003

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