The dreaded 3.6 oil cooler replacement

[legacy_etu]

Ok, seems like the consensus is to not be pro-active, and just let it ride. Thanks all for your input and advice! Now to start looking at a 68 Firebird of 73 Formula lol with a 455 swap

Good plan.

I had two issues with it on my old JK (self inflicted) but I’ve not heard of issues happening on the newer JL/JT models. I once installed the oring in the wrong spot and the second time where it actually failed I believe it was due to me over tightening the cap.

As has been said, just make sure you don’t overtighten the housing cap when reinstalling it. I don‘t even give it a half Ugga dugga. As soon as the flange bottoms out , that’s it for me. The threads are tight anyway, it’s not backing out. Also, very important you make sure you install the o ring in the groove, NOT up against the flange shoulder. Also, I’d throw a rag over the alternator which is right there. It’s easy for oil to drip out the filter as you remove it and land on it.

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[GumpyJeep]

I work for a company that manufactures these. The Dorman unit with he aluminum housing is a gimmick. The housing is typically not the problem with these. More often than not our experience is that the casket rings are where leaks occur. You should absolutely replace the sensors while there. The unit we supply comes already assembled with brand new sensors installed Made in North America and not China

 

[GumpyJeep]

I do believe I read that the new OEM housing uses a different shape figure 8 seal. Not sure if Dorman kept up but there is a thread here with a link to some extra seals for dorman on alibaba

The OEM is on like its 5th or 4 design on the unit

 

[jeepers29]

I work for a company that manufactures these. The Dorman unit with he aluminum housing is a gimmick. The housing is typically not the problem with these. More often than not our experience is that the casket rings are where leaks occur. You should absolutely replace the sensors while there. The unit we supply comes already assembled with brand new sensors installed Made in North America and not China

Mine cracked.

 

[RogMac1175]

Good plan.

I had two issues with it on my old JK (self inflicted) but I’ve not heard of issues happening on the newer JL/JT models. I once installed the oring in the wrong spot and the second time where it actually failed I believe it was due to me over tightening the cap.

As has been said, just make sure you don’t overtighten the housing cap when reinstalling it. I don‘t even give it a half Ugga dugga. As soon as the flange bottoms out , that’s it for me. The threads are tight anyway, it’s not backing out. Also, very important you make sure you install the o ring in the groove, NOT up against the flange shoulder. Also, I’d throw a rag over the alternator which is right there. It’s easy for oil to drip out the filter as you remove it and land on it.

Mine was replaced at 20,000 miles along with the transmission and transmission cooler. I didn't own the vehicle then, but it's on the Carfax.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Mine was replaced at 20,000 miles along with the transmission and transmission cooler. I didn't own the vehicle then, but it's on the Carfax.

That makes it worth even more, IMO - less likely you will have to deal with those things.

Someone asked me on a 4xe forum "aren't you the slightest bit pissed that you got a reman transmission in your Wrangler and had to have all that done?"
Nope - the guarantee is just as good as always and it means a bit fewer miles on the transmission - still covered by factory warranty.
Sometimes repairs aren't a bad thing.
I'd have been more concerned about a factory new transmission straight from ZF since the 2024s are STILL having that transmission leak issue! At least the reman units have yet to see a failure from what I've found.

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