Does my radiator have an engine oil cooler?

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

jared999

Full Access Member
Joined
Sep 19, 2021
Posts
206
Reaction score
394
I need a new radiator and want to confirm if my radiator has the oil cooler option before I order the wrong part. I opened my hood and took some photos of the driver side.
I circled a line that I think may be an oil cooler line.

I found this thread, but did not want to necro the thing and there are no photos of the lines in question.

IMG_20241106_145847845.jpg

IMG_20241106_145851100.jpg

IMG_20241106_145855377.jpg
IMG_20241106_145902768.jpg

IMG_20241106_145907966.jpg
 

Doubeleive

Wes
Supporting Member
Joined
Nov 7, 2017
Posts
26,247
Reaction score
39,344
Location
Stockton, Ca.
I need a new radiator and want to confirm if my radiator has the oil cooler option before I order the wrong part. I opened my hood and took some photos of the driver side.
I circled a line that I think may be an oil cooler line.

I found this thread, but did not want to necro the thing and there are no photos of the lines in question.

View attachment 442053

View attachment 442054

View attachment 442055
View attachment 442056

View attachment 442057
those lines are for the power steering cooler which is a separate piece, not part of the radiator, it does look like it might have the option for it on the radiator end cap but the fittings are not there and if there is no plug in it then it's likely contaminated anyway. you can add a oil cooler if so desired with a adapter plate, 2 lines and a radiator

*also if the radiator does have a oil cooler it doesn't matter, that part just isn't used if you do not have the lines for it.
 
OP
OP
J

jared999

Full Access Member
Joined
Sep 19, 2021
Posts
206
Reaction score
394
those lines are for the power steering cooler which is a separate piece, not part of the radiator, it does look like it might have the option for it on the radiator end cap but the fittings are not there and if there is no plug in it then it's likely contaminated anyway. you can add a oil cooler if so desired with a adapter plate, 2 lines and a radiator

*also if the radiator does have a oil cooler it doesn't matter, that part just isn't used if you do not have the lines for it.

Would it be beneficial for me to add the oem oil cooler? Maybe I can just go find the parts.

I don't tow, but I do live in TX and it gets hot as hell here.
 

Doubeleive

Wes
Supporting Member
Joined
Nov 7, 2017
Posts
26,247
Reaction score
39,344
Location
Stockton, Ca.
Would it be beneficial for me to add the oem oil cooler? Maybe I can just go find the parts.

I don't tow, but I do live in TX and it gets hot as hell here.
couldn't hurt that's for sure.
you need the adapter plate that goes above the oil filter (the plate has fittings for the oil cooler lines)
the 2 oil cooler lines
radiator with oil cooler option.
best places to shop are probably amazon/rock auto
 
OP
OP
J

jared999

Full Access Member
Joined
Sep 19, 2021
Posts
206
Reaction score
394
couldn't hurt that's for sure.
you need the adapter plate that goes above the oil filter (the plate has fittings for the oil cooler lines)
the 2 oil cooler lines
radiator with oil cooler option.
best places to shop are probably amazon/rock auto
Rock auto is my go to for most stuff. I've spent a ton there on various cars over the years. Their prices are almost always the best, they have the 5% perpetual coupon available and I just stack that with a 2-3% cash back credit card I have
 

Doubeleive

Wes
Supporting Member
Joined
Nov 7, 2017
Posts
26,247
Reaction score
39,344
Location
Stockton, Ca.
Rock auto is my go to for most stuff. I've spent a ton there on various cars over the years. Their prices are almost always the best, they have the 5% perpetual coupon available and I just stack that with a 2-3% cash back credit card I have
I have a business account on amazon so no sales tax and a lot of stuff is free shipping so amazon gets my money if the prices are close
 

strutaeng

Full Access Member
Joined
Aug 10, 2023
Posts
1,190
Reaction score
2,482
Location
Dallas, Texas
The engine oil cooler (it seems to me at least) was more like a towing option. I believe all 2500+ trucks have engine oil coolers.

Like mentioned, it doesn't hurt. The only real drawback is that it does introduce more sources of potential leaks down the road.

I rebuilt the LQ4 engine on my 06 Suburban 2500 a few months ago. The engine oil cooler lines had started to seep. When I reinstalled the engine I had a block-off plate and temporarily installed that just to get the truck running again. Well, I've been driving the truck for 7 months like that, lol. I bought new GM Genuine bought cooler lines, just haven't had time to install them.

@Doubeleive the adapter plate is part of the oil cooler lines assembly, no?
 
Last edited:

Doubeleive

Wes
Supporting Member
Joined
Nov 7, 2017
Posts
26,247
Reaction score
39,344
Location
Stockton, Ca.
The engine oil cooler (it seems to me at least) was more like a towing option. I believe all 2500+ trucks have engine oil coolers.

Like mentioned, it doesn't hurt. The only real drawback is that it introduce more sources of potential leaks down the road.

I rebuilt the LQ4 engine on my 06 Suburban 2500 a few months ago. The engine oil cooler lines had started to seep. When I reinstalled the engine I had a block-off plate and temporarily installed that just to get the truck running again. Well, I've been driving the truck for 7 months like that, lol. I bought new GM Genuine bought cooler lines, just haven't had time to install them.

@Doubeleive the adapter plate is part of the oil cooler lines assembly, no?
PROBABLY, never had to order any myself
 
Top