2001 Astro-4.3 L-2wd...
Here We are -Going to Sunday Lunch and I immediately spot my "Check Gauges" indicator
light being activated. I got this van about (6) years ago @ 79k miles-I'm @ 159k miles now.
Eyeballed my gauges and noticed right away that my oil pressure indicator gauge is at "0".
Pulled into the first driveway that I could find (probably 1/8 mile from when the "check gauges" indicator light came on.) Engine temp was normal-I am thinking that no internal damage was done.
Called the "flatbed hook" (AARP-Road & Tow-Thank You!) and got home in my driveway...all within one hour!
Opened the hood and found that the top oil cooler "Quick-Disconnect" line to radiator had
Quickly disconnected itself from the radiator.
Hoping for the best, I went to the auto parts depot close to me with my other vehicle ('80 Caballero/El Camino-Trusted Freind When in Trouble!) and purchased a 5 quart jug of high mileage 10-30 part synthetic.
Got to cleaning the fitting and could not see anything that was out of the ordinary...Although this is a one year old Dorman aftermarket part that I myself installed...Bad fit? ...Truthfully,I Dunno'!
Lubed up the male line fitting and pulled REAL HARD into the radiator female counterpart until I heard and felt a distinct "Click" and seating taking place.
Feeling some confidence at this point that I mated the two properly. As a "Fail-Safe " should this happen again before I get to replace the assembly, I proceeded to "safety-wire" the supply line to the radiator fitting with reasonable hope that this might deter a high pressure surge pull-away of the same in the future. (Hey-It worked when I was Drag Racing 50+ Years ago-Why Not Now?)
I filled the crankcase with oil and waited 1/2 hour for the oil level to rest.
Checked the level after 1/2 hour..a bit high but within operating parameters..Started the Beast up-checked for any obvious leaks-None- Went for a test drive and returned with no signs of any oil leaks from this area...Thank You Lord!
As I type this...What do the Players here feel about removing the oil cooler lines from the radiator, plugging the radiator orifices , removing the O.E.M. filter line housing and replacing it with a plain screw-on adaptor?
Yes-This van came with a "Tow/Haul" option that I have never and will never use for that intention. I know that there are some here that indicate the oil cooler was engineered as a type of "Intercooler" or in other words, a heat exchanger.
Just thought I might Tap the Ingenuity of the experts here on this forum, for which you are many! :thumbup:
Thanks Folks ...
Best Regards,
Tony
Here We are -Going to Sunday Lunch and I immediately spot my "Check Gauges" indicator
light being activated. I got this van about (6) years ago @ 79k miles-I'm @ 159k miles now.
Eyeballed my gauges and noticed right away that my oil pressure indicator gauge is at "0".
Pulled into the first driveway that I could find (probably 1/8 mile from when the "check gauges" indicator light came on.) Engine temp was normal-I am thinking that no internal damage was done.
Called the "flatbed hook" (AARP-Road & Tow-Thank You!) and got home in my driveway...all within one hour!
Opened the hood and found that the top oil cooler "Quick-Disconnect" line to radiator had
Quickly disconnected itself from the radiator.
Hoping for the best, I went to the auto parts depot close to me with my other vehicle ('80 Caballero/El Camino-Trusted Freind When in Trouble!) and purchased a 5 quart jug of high mileage 10-30 part synthetic.
Got to cleaning the fitting and could not see anything that was out of the ordinary...Although this is a one year old Dorman aftermarket part that I myself installed...Bad fit? ...Truthfully,I Dunno'!
Lubed up the male line fitting and pulled REAL HARD into the radiator female counterpart until I heard and felt a distinct "Click" and seating taking place.
Feeling some confidence at this point that I mated the two properly. As a "Fail-Safe " should this happen again before I get to replace the assembly, I proceeded to "safety-wire" the supply line to the radiator fitting with reasonable hope that this might deter a high pressure surge pull-away of the same in the future. (Hey-It worked when I was Drag Racing 50+ Years ago-Why Not Now?)
I filled the crankcase with oil and waited 1/2 hour for the oil level to rest.
Checked the level after 1/2 hour..a bit high but within operating parameters..Started the Beast up-checked for any obvious leaks-None- Went for a test drive and returned with no signs of any oil leaks from this area...Thank You Lord!
As I type this...What do the Players here feel about removing the oil cooler lines from the radiator, plugging the radiator orifices , removing the O.E.M. filter line housing and replacing it with a plain screw-on adaptor?
Yes-This van came with a "Tow/Haul" option that I have never and will never use for that intention. I know that there are some here that indicate the oil cooler was engineered as a type of "Intercooler" or in other words, a heat exchanger.
Just thought I might Tap the Ingenuity of the experts here on this forum, for which you are many! :thumbup:
Thanks Folks ...
Best Regards,
Tony