Slow Coolant Leak - from the Engine "Oil Cooler" area?

Infinite_Karma · **Posted:** Fri Oct 27, 2017 7:49 pm

Hello CRD community!

I am hoping y'all can help me answer some questions and provide me with some advice.

My CRD has had a slow coolant leak for a little while now, and I couldn't find out where it was coming from. Also, there weren't any other symptoms that might help me figure out where it was leaking from... no rough-running/power-loss engine, no new out of the ordinary noise, white-smoke-from-tail-pipe, drips/puddles inside or outside, etc. Every month or so I'd simply add more coolant. Back then I also did pressure test the coolant system, but it didn't show any contamination in the blue chemical reagent (turning color for engine exhaust chemical contamination) when I tested it then, and the pressure held constant from what I could tell (tested pressure for an hour).

I replaced the Coolant Cap as well just to make sure.

The slow coolant leak has increased slightly, but not much, and now I think I found the source.

I recently did a UV-Dye & UV-Light test, and found a very small puddle of coolant on the bottom left edge of Engine Oil Cooler.

My questions are these:

1.) How likely is the Engine Oil Cooler to be the primary leak point for the Coolant? Or is there a more likely culprit in that area (given that I've replaced the Turbo recently)?
2.) How difficult (time, tools, and skill level) is it to replace these Engine Oil Cooler part(s), and should I also replace anything else while I'm down there?:
ENGINE OIL COOLER $130.00 https://www.idparts.com/oil-cooler-liberty-crd-p-3887.html
ENGINE OIL COOLER GASKET $48.00 https://www.idparts.com/oil-cooler-gasket-liberty-crd-p-3216.html

3.) Might simply tightening the bolts fix this problem?

Please share any and all ideas.

Thanks!

GordnadoCRD · **Posted:** Fri Oct 27, 2017 9:02 pm

Infinite_Karma wrote:

Hello CRD community!

I am hoping y'all can help me answer some questions and provide me with some advice.

My CRD has had a slow coolant leak for a little while now, and I couldn't find out where it was coming from. Also, there weren't any other symptoms that might help me figure out where it was leaking from... no rough-running/power-loss engine, no new out of the ordinary noise, white-smoke-from-tail-pipe, drips/puddles inside or outside, etc. Every month or so I'd simply add more coolant. Back then I also did pressure test the coolant system, but it didn't show any contamination in the blue chemical reagent (turning color for engine exhaust chemical contamination) when I tested it then, and the pressure held constant from what I could tell (tested pressure for an hour).

I replaced the Coolant Cap as well just to make sure.

The slow coolant leak has increased slightly, but not much, and now I think I found the source.

I recently did a UV-Dye & UV-Light test, and found a very small puddle of coolant on the bottom left edge of Engine Oil Cooler.

My questions are these:

1.) How likely is the Engine Oil Cooler to be the primary leak point for the Coolant? Or is there a more likely culprit in that area (given that I've replaced the Turbo recently)?
I cleaned my oil cooler when I was in there but it was motor oil dripping from the turbo drain, and a small oil seepage from behind the cooler.

2.) How difficult (time, tools, and skill level) is it to replace these Engine Oil Cooler part(s), and should I also replace anything else while I'm down there?:
I would first try replacing the rubber coolant lines if that's where the coolant is showing up. Especially if it's showing up on the face opposite the block.

The most inconvenient part is dealing with the coolant drain and re-fill. If it's not requiring refill every week, I'd just get the parts, and back-burner it until time to do the Timing Belt, then do that and the thermostat, water pump, and lower radiator hose along with. all in one go.

ENGINE OIL COOLER $130.00 https://www.idparts.com/oil-cooler-liberty-crd-p-3887.html
ENGINE OIL COOLER GASKET $48.00 https://www.idparts.com/oil-cooler-gasket-liberty-crd-p-3216.html

3.) Might simply tightening the bolts fix this problem?

Please share any and all ideas.

Thanks!

Infinite_Karma · **Posted:** Mon Nov 06, 2017 7:15 pm

I retightened all the clamps and bolts that were connected and supporting the coolant system in that area, and the leak seems to have stopped!

Thanks so much for your suggestions!

GordnadoCRD · **Posted:** Mon Nov 06, 2017 7:49 pm

Glad you have one less thing to worry about.
Stress is never a good thing.

WWDiesel · **Posted:** Mon Nov 06, 2017 9:04 pm

Infinite_Karma wrote:

I retightened all the clamps and bolts that were connected and supporting the coolant system in that area, and the leak seems to have stopped!

Thanks so much for your suggestions!

You may want to consider replacing the rubber hose and clamps on the oil cooler, they are getting up there in age..... :wink:

Slow Coolant Leak - from the Engine "Oil Cooler" area?

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