S-60 2004 oil cooler failure

Bill55 · Post by **Bill55** » 22 Dec 2009, 10:24

My 2004 S-60 is at our local dealer. I was told that the oil cooler failed allowing engine oil into the cooling system. I was told that because of the oil contamination all cooling system components would need to be replaced to the tune of $2,750.00. Is it necessary to replace all these parts or can they be flushed out and reused?

Post by **JDS60R** » 23 Dec 2009, 20:21

They can be cleaned but you will not find a dealer who does it. Oil forms a heat transfer barrier on all of the surfaces it touches. It can be cleaned with any decnt radiator flush but as it is not guaranteed to perform perfectly they will avoid it. Find a good independent and have it done. I charge $150 for a chemical flush and insist on replacing the degaus ( overflow) bottle and the radiator cap as we can not inpect the sealing surface of the valve in these caps and the bottle gives a clear indication if any oil is left as it stains the new bottle and gives the owner fair warning to come back ASAP. But we don't run into this time of comeback as we take our time on the flush.

You can do this repair in your garage. The real concern is how much oil got into the cooling system and how much coolant got into the oil. Significant engine damage can occur if the oil is overly contaminated with coolant and the customer continues to run the motor.