Engine oil cooler and transmission oil cooler lines install

[ORVietVet]

When I initially first looked at this truck in July, 2004 Silverado K2500HD, I noticed the leaking oil cooler lines for the engine and transmission. I have since ordered all of them from RA and are Genuine GM lines. Just have to pay attention to the RPO code options. I have been doing some research and having done these jobs before, on other trucks, and having to fight to snake them out and in, I think the best way to approach it is to of course remove the grill but also remove the front bumper. Also, be prepared for the spring clip fight that holds all the ends of the lines inside the inserts. I have two designs of Jiffy Tite clip tools but I still typically resort to just using my pic sets and removing the whole clip and doing the work. If anyone here knows of an easier way to do it all, please share.

 

[someotherguy]

I've done the oil cooler lines on both our 06's and I'm not sure how pulling the grille and bumper would help. It's just a fight, regardless. Haven't needed to do the transmission cooler lines, fortunately.

Richard

 

[ORVietVet]

The grille pull is for the transmission cooler lines at the transmission cooler, mounted in front of the a/c condenser. If the lines only go to radiator, then no need. This 04 K2500HD has the extra cooler.

 

[51GMC]

On the driver side is the power steering oil cooler, it feeds under the battery and like the transmission cooler it mounts ahead of the radiator/ ac condenser, so grill out for that. For the engine cooler lines, disconnect from the radiator, and the block, pull out back from under the power steering pump. Hardest part is access to the bolt on the side of the block under/behind the ps pump. On 4wd it’s next to nothing for access. Can be done but, easier when the front pumpkin is dropped or out. Transmission lines ahead of the starter are easy in comparison to this bolt.

 

[ORVietVet]

On the driver side is the power steering oil cooler, it feeds under the battery and like the transmission cooler it mounts ahead of the radiator/ ac condenser, so grill out for that. For the engine cooler lines, disconnect from the radiator, and the block, pull out back from under the power steering pump. Hardest part is access to the bolt on the side of the block under/behind the ps pump. On 4wd it’s next to nothing for access. Can be done but, easier when the front pumpkin is dropped or out. Transmission lines ahead of the starter are easy in comparison to this bolt.

When I do this work, after it warms up here, I will be reviewing this info from you. I knew the oil cooler plate mount at the engine was gonna be a booger but I figure if I hold my tongue just right, I can do it. I have the patience from being in shops 40+ years.

 

[51GMC]

When I do this work, after it warms up here, I will be reviewing this info from you. I knew the oil cooler plate mount at the engine was gonna be a booger but I figure if I hold my tongue just right, I can do it. I have the patience from being in shops 40+ years.

Well, I have the pics of it now that my oil pump went, and it’s been like 7degrees F for a week, got a warm day 20F. If your in there, I dropped the front pumpkin, (disconnect the side axles and driveshaft) and leave it hanging on the rear bolt. This gives you rear and side bolt access for the cooler.

 

[51GMC]

First time around, I had to get into that forward bolt in between the power steering pump and the pumpkin, what a pita. Once I bit the bullet, and committed to the project, the biggest pain is pulling the front crosslink and those cotterpins. Leaving the rear bolt in, but untorqued, you drop the axle down and clears everything off. This outside on the ground…

 

[ORVietVet]

First time around, I had to get into that forward bolt in between the power steering pump and the pumpkin, what a pita. Once I bit the bullet, and committed to the project, the biggest pain is pulling the front crosslink and those cotterpins. Leaving the rear bolt in, but untorqued, you drop the axle down and clears everything off. This outside on the ground…

Thanks for the info and pics. I bookmarked the thread for later use.