hi folks,
I have read many a dozen oil cooler o-ring threads here and recently replaced mine, which was leaking. Thoroughly cleaned the oil cooler and engine surfaces (what a PITA!) and replaced the o-ring with a new from the local dealer.
However, I still have a leak at the oil cooler. I have read that some have used two o-rings together (diff. part numbers, one thinner, one thicker) and I saw someone using RTV on the gasket. I will check to see if I can get the second o-ring, but I think I am leaning the RTV way.

Can some of the folks that used RTV chime on to report if they have had issues after going that route?

thanks!

 

out of curiosity, did you use a torque wrench?

 

yes - torqued the bolt to spec per the SM. Don't remember the number exactly but want to say it was about 35 ft/lb...

 

hey OP..are you doing the o-ring on a 5th gen or 5.5? if its a 5th gen. do you mind telling me whats the part# for the O-ring? mine seems to be leaking from there also..mines a 5th gen btw..

 

I'm one who mentioned the dual gaskets. One is not really "thinner" than the other, only that one is a slightly smaller diameter. Hence allowing dual protection. As I recall, I also used a very thin (translucent) layer of black gasket maker. Purpose isn't to creat another gasket like when its used in place of gaskets on intakes/etc. Rather, it's about helping to ensure the two gaskets used at the cooler create the best seal possible.

 

i have a 2002 max - the part number for the 5.5 is same as posted in other threads - B1304-ja11a

 

i assume then you used the gasket maker on both sides of the gasket, i.e. b/n the gasket and the engine and b/n the gasket and the oil cooler?

thanks,

 

I believe so, but very thin....like a coating. More about adhesion than a barrier. Kind of like that thin coating of oil we put on our new oil filters before screwing it on.

 

Using a single new gasket installed DRY - no silicone - should be sufficient to stop the leak.

If not, you should be checking the oil cooler assembly for cracks, as this has been known to occur.

 

I've never heard report from anyone about cracks to the oil cooler. I'd agree the gasket should be enough. Although, the very fact that 90% of everyone on here has had this leaking issue, many even after the repair (still gasket related) would suggest otherwise to me. Precisely why I went to this extent when I did mine, I didn't want to fall into the percentage of guys who re-acquire a leek soon after the initial repair.

So, I don't think installing two gaskets, which are available from Nissan, and adding a bit of black silicone is overdoing given the extent of this know problem.

 

I did a 6th gen recently and the pack contained 3 oring that were all the same....The I.P.C. shows 1 being needed! The Oil cooler has 1 groove, if your have more than one size in your kit place the oring in the groove to ensure it's proper fit.....

 

i inspected the oil cooler and it appeared in fine shape - given the amount of issues reported on this forum, i am inclined to believe that the problem is with the o-ring.

 

quick update - soon after my last post the leak miraculously stopped. it has been fine for a couple of weeks now. Not quite sure what happened but i saw at least one other thread where the op reported the same thing. I will keep an eye on it but hope it stays leak free...