Oil Cooler Repair Service Costs
Engine Oil Cooler
Typical repair service: $375-$625 (3-5 hours labor)
This includes removal, cleaning/repair of the cooler, replacement of seals and gaskets, and reinstallation. Additional costs may apply if replacement parts are needed.
Transmission Oil Cooler
Typical repair service: $250-$500 (2-4 hours labor)
Service includes removal of transmission cooler, pressure testing, repair or cleaning as needed, and reinstallation. Parts such as lines or fittings are extra if required.
Power Steering Oil Cooler
Typical repair service: $250-$375 (2-3 hours labor)
Includes removal, inspection, cleaning or repair of the cooler, and reinstallation. New hoses or clamps may be required at additional cost.
Hydraulic Oil Cooler
Typical repair service: $500-$750 (4-6 hours labor)
Due to the complexity of hydraulic systems, this service includes removal, thorough cleaning or repair, pressure testing, and careful reinstallation. System bleeding and testing is included.
*Note: All prices are based on our standard labor rate of $125/hour. Actual costs may vary depending on vehicle make/model and the extent of repairs needed. Parts costs are additional.
Additional Considerations:
- Diagnostic fees may apply if extensive testing is required
- Emergency or after-hours service may incur additional charges
- Some vehicles may require additional labor time due to accessibility
- Warranty coverage is available on most repairs
Oil Cooler Repair Procedures by Type
Tube and Fin Oil Cooler
Common repair steps:
- Visual inspection for external damage and leaks
- Pressure testing to identify leak locations
- Chemical cleaning to remove internal deposits
- Repair of damaged tubes through soldering or brazing
- Replacement of damaged fins
- Final pressure test to ensure integrity
- Application of protective coating if required
Plate and Fin Oil Cooler
Common repair steps:
- Disassembly of end tanks/covers
- Inspection of gaskets and seals
- Ultrasonic cleaning of plate stack
- Replacement of damaged plates if necessary
- Installation of new gaskets
- Reassembly with proper torque specifications
- Pressure testing to verify seal integrity
Shell and Tube Oil Cooler
Common repair steps:
- Removal of end covers
- Inspection of tube sheet and tubes
- Rod cleaning of individual tubes
- Tube plugging or replacement if necessary
- Shell side cleaning
- Replacement of gaskets and seals
- Reassembly and pressure testing
- External coating renewal if needed
Stacked Plate Oil Cooler
Common repair steps:
- Disassembly of plate stack
- Individual plate inspection
- Chemical cleaning of plates
- Replacement of damaged plates
- Installation of new gaskets/seals
- Stack reassembly with correct plate orientation
- Torque to manufacturer specifications
- Final pressure and flow testing
Important Notes:
- All repairs should be performed by certified technicians
- Original manufacturer specifications must be followed
- Quality replacement parts should always be used
- Post-repair testing is essential for all types
Please note that specific repair procedures may vary based on manufacturer, model, and application. Contact our technical team for detailed information about your specific oil cooler repair needs.
Types of Oil Coolers and Their Functions
Tube and Fin Oil Cooler
What it is:A tube and fin oil cooler consists of tubes that carry hot oil surrounded by cooling fins. Air flows between the fins while oil flows through the tubes.
What it does:This type of cooler efficiently transfers heat from the oil to the surrounding air through the fins. The large surface area provided by the fins makes it particularly effective for automotive and industrial applications where space is limited but cooling demands are high.
Plate and Fin Oil Cooler
What it is:A plate and fin oil cooler uses stacked plates with fins between them, creating alternate passages for oil and cooling air or liquid.
What it does:This design provides excellent heat transfer efficiency due to its large surface area and cross-flow design. It's commonly used in high-performance vehicles and industrial equipment where maximum cooling capacity is required in a compact package.
Shell and Tube Oil Cooler
What it is:A shell and tube oil cooler consists of multiple tubes housed within a cylindrical shell. One fluid flows through the tubes while another flows around them within the shell.
What it does:This type excels at liquid-to-liquid cooling, making it ideal for marine applications and industrial processes. It can handle high pressures and temperatures while providing consistent cooling performance.
Stacked Plate Oil Cooler
What it is:A stacked plate oil cooler uses multiple plates stacked together with gaskets between them, creating alternating channels for hot and cold fluids.
What it does:This design offers excellent heat transfer efficiency and is easily scalable. It's particularly useful in applications where the cooling medium is also a liquid, such as in industrial processes or marine engines.
Air-Cooled Oil Cooler
What it is:An air-cooled oil cooler uses ambient air as the cooling medium, typically with a fan to force air across the cooling surfaces.
What it does:These coolers are ideal for applications where water or other liquid coolants aren't practical. They're commonly used in motorcycles, small engines, and hydraulic systems where simplicity and low maintenance are priorities.
Liquid-to-Liquid Oil Cooler
What it is:A liquid-to-liquid oil cooler uses a liquid coolant (usually water or antifreeze) to remove heat from the oil.
What it does:These coolers provide highly efficient heat transfer and are often used in automotive engines, where they can take advantage of the existing engine cooling system. They're also common in industrial applications where consistent cooling is crucial.
Note: The choice of oil cooler depends on various factors including space constraints, cooling requirements, environmental conditions, and budget considerations. Our team can help you select the most appropriate oil cooler for your specific application.
Common Oil Cooler Failure Symptoms: Warning Signs You Shouldn't Ignore
Oil Cooler Failure Signs & Maintenance Guide
Engine Oil Coolers
Signs of Failure:
- Oil contaminated with coolant (milky appearance)
- Coolant contaminated with oil (slick rainbow appearance)
- Engine overheating
- Low oil pressure
- White exhaust smoke
- External oil leaks around cooler mounting points
Service Schedule:
Inspect every 60,000 miles or 5 years. Replace if showing signs of corrosion or leakage. Clean external fins during routine maintenance.
Transmission Oil Coolers
Signs of Failure:
- Transmission fluid in engine coolant
- Transmission slipping or shifting issues
- Overheating transmission
- Dark or burnt-smelling transmission fluid
- External leaks from cooler lines or connections
Service Schedule:
Inspect during transmission service (typically every 30,000-60,000 miles). Flush cooler lines when changing transmission fluid. Replace if internal contamination is detected.
Power Steering Oil Coolers
Signs of Failure:
- Whining noise during steering
- Stiff steering, especially when cold
- Power steering fluid leaks
- Discolored or contaminated power steering fluid
Service Schedule:
Inspect annually during routine maintenance. Replace if showing signs of damage or leakage. Clean external fins if accessible.
Hydraulic Oil Coolers
Signs of Failure:
- Reduced hydraulic system performance
- Overheating hydraulic fluid
- External leaks at fittings or core
- Contaminated hydraulic fluid
- Unusual noise from hydraulic system
Service Schedule:
Inspect every 1,000 operating hours or annually. Clean cooler core every 2,000 hours. Replace if efficiency drops or damage is detected.
Note: These are general guidelines. Always consult your vehicle's or equipment's manual for specific maintenance schedules and procedures.
How It Works
- Get a quote online or set-up a time to have your vehicle looked at.
- Pick time slots that work for you, easily, online.
- We will confirm appointments and send reminders.
- Our mechanics bring everything that is needed to you.
- All you have to do is provided a safe area for the work to be performed.
What we need from you
- A safe place to work on your vehicle
- No working on the side of busy roads
- No working on unstable or steep surfaces.
- We do not perform repairs during severe weather.
- Authorization from a property owner or management.
- Repair work done in a parking lot or at your requires permission.
- We do not do repairs in areas restricted by law.
Common Questions
Service Area
Our primary service area is greater Grand Rapids and includes Comstock Park, East Grand Rapids, Grandville, Kentwood, Walker, and Wyoming
Our secondary service area is provided by our Belding location and includes: Belding, Greenville, Ionia and the sorrounding areas.
Contact us if you have any questions about where we provide services.
