Oil cooler adapter at block

lw8000

Member
Jul 30, 2012
217
14
18
Greetings:

Recently during an oil change I noticed that as I was removing the filter, the adapter housing that is attached to the block was also turning slightly
as well. I am going to take a closer look but before I do, is there something that holds the adapter in place so it doesn't turn? In looking at some
diagrams and posts here I'm not entirely sure what keeps it from turning. I figured I would ask before I dive in to see what's up. Hopefully it's a
simple fix.

Thanks,

Chris
--
Chris S. -
77 Kingsley, 3.70 FD, mostly OEM -
S.E. Michigan
 
Sir, the threads the oil filter screws on is an adapter bolt. 1 1/8" maybe? According to manual it is supposed to be removed at every filter change
and the gasket swapped with the gasket on the filter you just took off and retorqued. Some of us use a Vitar O ring that Rob dug up.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/oil-filter-adapter-to-oil-cooler-adapter-sealing/p55891-parker-hannifin-o-ring-p-2fn-2-230.html

> Greetings:
>
> Recently during an oil change I noticed that as I was removing the filter, the adapter housing that is attached to the block was also turning
> slightly as well. I am going to take a closer look but before I do, is there something that holds the adapter in place so it doesn't turn? In
> looking at some diagrams and posts here I'm not entirely sure what keeps it from turning. I figured I would ask before I dive in to see what's up.
> Hopefully it's a simple fix.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Chris

--
C. Boyd
76 Crestmont
East Tennessee
 
> Sir, the threads the oil filter screws on is an adapter bolt. 1 1/8" maybe? According to manual it is supposed to be removed at every filter
> change and the gasket swapped with the gasket on the filter you just took off and retorqued. Some of us use a Vitar O ring that Rob dug up.
> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/oil-filter-adapter-to-oil-cooler-adapter-sealing/p55891-parker-hannifin-o-ring-p-2fn-2-230.html

Ah, got it. I will definitely be looking at that to make sure we are good, gasket and all. Thank you for clarifying this!
--
Chris S. -
77 Kingsley, 3.70 FD, mostly OEM -
S.E. Michigan
 
G'day,

More information about the oil filter bas / oil cooler adapter than needed! :-)

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g6677-oil-filter-adapter-to-oil-cooler-adapter-sealing.html

Regards,
Rob M.
The Pedantic Mechanic
USAussie - Downunder
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
USA '77 Kingsley - TZE 267V100808

-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces] On Behalf Of Chris S.
Sent: Saturday, June 24, 2017 6:41 AM
To: gmclist
Subject: [GMCnet] Oil cooler adapter at block

Greetings:

Recently during an oil change I noticed that as I was removing the filter, the adapter housing that is attached to the block was
also turning slightly as well. I am going to take a closer look but before I do, is there something that holds the adapter in place
so it doesn't turn? In looking at some diagrams and posts here I'm not entirely sure what keeps it from turning. I figured I would
ask before I dive in to see what's up. Hopefully it's a
simple fix.

Thanks,

Chris
 
Notice on the second photo. There is a key that fits into the mating fitting to keep it from turning. The key also keeps the adapter facing the
correct direction for the oil cooler lines. I've seen one or two adapters where it is apparent that the key was removed. A removed key equals a loose
adapter.
Tom, MS II
--
1975 GMC Avion
KA4CSG
 
This is a common area for leak.
One can use a gasket from the old oil filter and replace it. I believe we
have a gasket for that application.

> > Sir, the threads the oil filter screws on is an adapter bolt. 1 1/8"
> maybe? According to manual it is supposed to be removed at every filter
> > change and the gasket swapped with the gasket on the filter you just
> took off and retorqued. Some of us use a Vitar O ring that Rob dug up.
> > http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/oil-filter-adapter-to-
> oil-cooler-adapter-sealing/p55891-parker-hannifin-o-ring-p-2fn-2-230.html
>
>
> Ah, got it. I will definitely be looking at that to make sure we are
> good, gasket and all. Thank you for clarifying this!
> --
> Chris S. -
> 77 Kingsley, 3.70 FD, mostly OEM -
> S.E. Michigan
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
 
Jim,

You are correct, naturally but . . . . . . . . .

The depth of the groove in the oil cooler adapter is not as deep as the groove in an oil filter. The oil filter gasket when
installed in the oil cooler adapter stands proud above the groove and fills the groove completely. When the oil cooler adapter to
oil filter base retaining fitting is torqued to 55 ft lb the oil filter base and oil cooler adapter do not contact; there is no
metal to metal contact and over time the oil filter gasket cold flows, the torque drops and the interface leaks.

I edited this info on the GMC photo site to try and clarify it a bit.

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g6677-oil-filter-base-to-oil-cooler-adapter-sealing.html

Regards,
Rob M.
The Pedantic Mechanic
USAussie - Downunder
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
USA '77 Kingsley - TZE 267V100808


-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces] On Behalf Of Jim Kanomata
Sent: Saturday, June 24, 2017 1:35 PM
To: gmclist
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Oil cooler adapter at block

This is a common area for leak.

One can use a gasket from the old oil filter and replace it. I believe we have a gasket for that application.

Jim Kanomata
 
Thanks so much guys! As a precaution I think I'll put on the gasket mentioned from Rob's post, just to be safe and ensure no leaks come up. I'll
take a look at the key, too, I saw that in the pics but wasn't exactly sure how it locked or what it did. Always learning something new! Take care.
--
Chris S. -
77 Kingsley, 3.70 FD, mostly OEM -
S.E. Michigan
 
Chris,

I used the recommended ring off of a Fram oil filter and tightened it to the spec. (I believe it is 55 Ft Lbs.) It will crush over time, so the next
three oil changes I checked it again. On the first two it did require some additional tightening. On the 3rd it was just fine. I replaced it a
least 12 years ago and have not needed to replace it again.

If it bothers you, replace it once and simply check that the thing is still tight during your next few oil changes.

I might replace it again in the next 5 years or so since it is easy to do.
--
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
 
While we are at it would it be possible to add a oil temp sensor to the adapter ? in other words drill a hole and tap it for the sensor ?
--
1973 23' # 1848 Sky Blue Glacier called Baby Blue and a 1973 26'-3 # 1460 Parrot green Seqouia Known as the Big Green,
And sold my 1973 26'-2 # 581 White Canyon lands under the name Dobbelt trøbbel
in Norway
 
Espen,

Yes you can drill and tap the oil cooler adapter for a temp sensor as Ken H did:

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/miscellaneous-gmc-stuff/p2735.html

Answer to the next question: it monitors the oil temp as it leaves the engine.

Regards,
Rob M.
The Pedantic Mechanic
USAussie - Downunder
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
USA '77 Kingsley - TZE 267V100808


-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces] On Behalf Of Espen Heitmann
Sent: Sunday, June 25, 2017 10:14 AM
To: gmclist
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Oil cooler adapter at block

While we are at it would it be possible to add a oil temp sensor to the adapter ? in other words drill a hole and tap it for the sensor ?
--
1973 23' # 1848 Sky Blue Glacier called Baby Blue and a 1973 26'-3 # 1460 Parrot green Seqouia Known as the Big Green,
And sold my 1973 26'-2 # 581 White Canyon lands under the name Dobbelt trøbbel
in Norway

_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
 
Ken,

I checked Parts Book 78Z / Section 8 - Engine / Page 8-11 / 8.009 - FILTER - OIL and found P/N 643950 GASKET which I believe to be
between the oil filter base and oil filter adapter. Unfortunately there is no drawing so I couldn't tell if it was a square gasket
or a round o-ring. I checked other parts of the manual and noted that it uses "RING - "O" so P/N 643950 could in fact be the same
square gasket that is used in the oil filter. In the maintenance manual there is a line drawing and it sure looks like a square
gasket and not an o-ring:

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/455-2f-403-engine-oil-flow-path/p58336-oil-filter-base-cooler-adapter-26amp-3b-filter.html

Having noted all the above based on my experience working with pneumatic and hydraulic systems I did not like using a seal in the
oil cooler adapter that completely filled the o-ring groove and stood proud of that groove.

Someone else had mentioned that they had success with the Dorman kit P/N 317-916 so I bought one from O'Reilly's. It is not an
o-ring either it has a rectangular cross section, however, it does not fill the groove completely. When I installed it I noticed
that I had to stretch it to get it over the ID of the oil cooler adapter ID. After torquing the extension that attaches the oil
cooler adapter to the oil filter base to 55 ft lb the oil filter base and oil filter adapter were a metal to metal fit and it did
not leak.

However, being a pedantic bugger I didn't like the fact that you had to stretch to install it I decided to contact Parker Hannifin
engineering. I gave them the dimensions of the groove and they came up with P/N PH 2-230.

When I installed that seal and torqued the extension to 55 ft lb once again I got a metal to metal fit and no leakage.

Conclusion: GMC probably did use the square gasket out of the oil filter between the oil filter base and oil cooler adapter.
However, over time it is likely to cold flow, loose torque, and leak. If you do use a gasket from a used oil filter I would suggest
cleaning all the oil off of it and the interfacing surfaces and installing it bone dry. That will help keep it from cold flowing.
IMO the best thing to do is to use the Parker Hannifin O-ring 2-230 followed by the Dorman 317-036.

Here's another example of an oil filter gasket that cold flowed and leaked:

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/emergency-oil-cooler-line-repairs/p11683.html

Interesting information from John H. which kinda contradicts what I've noted above and is fine with me!

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g6408-oil-filter-and-cooler.html

I reckon this horse has been flogged to DEATH!

Regards,
Rob M.
The Pedantic Mechanic
USAussie - Downunder
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
USA '77 Kingsley - TZE 267V100808

-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces] On Behalf Of Ken Burton
Sent: Saturday, June 24, 2017 11:53 PM
To: gmclist
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Oil cooler adapter at block

Chris,

I used the recommended ring off of a Fram oil filter and tightened it to the spec. (I believe it is 55 Ft Lbs.) It will crush over
time, so the next three oil changes I checked it again. On the first two it did require some additional tightening. On the 3rd it
was just fine. I replaced it a least 12 years ago and have not needed to replace it again.

If it bothers you, replace it once and simply check that the thing is still tight during your next few oil changes.

I might replace it again in the next 5 years or so since it is easy to do.
--
Ken
 
Found another example:

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/engine-oil-temperature-sender-locatioin/p30507-oil-temp-sender-in-cooler-adapter.html

Regards,
Rob M.
The Pedantic Mechanic
USAussie - Downunder
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
USA '77 Kingsley - TZE 267V100808


-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces] On Behalf Of Espen Heitmann
Sent: Sunday, June 25, 2017 10:14 AM
To: gmclist
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Oil cooler adapter at block

While we are at it would it be possible to add a oil temp sensor to the adapter ? in other words drill a hole and tap it for the sensor ?
--
1973 23' # 1848 Sky Blue Glacier called Baby Blue and a 1973 26'-3 # 1460 Parrot green Seqouia Known as the Big Green,
And sold my 1973 26'-2 # 581 White Canyon lands under the name Dobbelt trøbbel
in Norway

_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
 
I placed a VDO temperature sensor in the same spot. VDO sensor is a bit shorter, outside of the oil filter adapter, creating a little more space away
from the engine block. Less apt to create problems for the sensor wire.
Tom, MS II
--
1975 GMC Avion
KA4CSG
 
Thanks Rob, I will give it a try at my next oil change
--
1973 23' # 1848 Sky Blue Glacier called Baby Blue and a 1973 26'-3 # 1460 Parrot green Seqouia Known as the Big Green,
And sold my 1973 26'-2 # 581 White Canyon lands under the name Dobbelt trøbbel
in Norway
 
Hello
RE Robs statement:
"Interesting information from John H. which kinda contradicts what I've noted above and is fine with me!"

I actually agree with him! Those photos were part of our long discussion quite a while ago that covered a lot of ground for that simple coupling.
That ring is a result of incorrectly using an oil filter Gasket. It extruded itself to that shape. They are, simply, the wrong dimention. Now I see
those photos again I see how they are can be misleading when not reading the descriptions or seeing the entire set in context. (I will make some
clarifications)

Using an old oil filer gasket is wrong and I cannot believe there are still recomendations from good people to do that, and to do it on a regular
basis.
"Extrusion","Loss of Torque", "leakage", "Rotation", Are all signs that it is the wrong solution. Removing the adaptor to regularly change that seal
is also silly. OK if what you have now is not leaking, there is no reason to change it until it does.

The metal to metal contact, O ring,(even the Dorman seal) and proper torque of the adaptor bolt will keep that joint sealed. (As Rob stated) The key
will keep things from rotating. At the recommended torque, that bolt should not loosen when the oil filter is removed. (The filter is not on that
tight) If it does then that is more evidence of the wrong dimensions and the seal squirming.

Once you do it right the problem will go away.

I was able to get that size O-ring from a local seal solutions supplier very easily. There is nothing special about it. Ive also used the Dorman
product and it is dry too.

Regards

--
John and Cathie Heslinga
1974 Canyonlands 260
455, Manny tranny and 1 ton, 3:70 LS,
Red Seal Journeyman, DTE, BEd. MEd.
Edmonton, Alberta
 
In addition

Here are some photos that were not in the same photo album, but part of the discussion. Please remember to read the descriptions.
Dorman oil cooler seal
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/discussion-photos/p55769-silicone-o-ring-for-oil-cooler-adaptor.html

Adaptor Bolt.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/discussion-photos/p55775-oil-cooler-adaptor-extension.html

Filter gasket
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/discussion-photos/p55781-best-not-to-use-old-filter-gasget.html

Extension bolt.

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/discussion-photos/p55778-oil-cooler-adaptor-mounting-and-extension-bolt.html

--
John and Cathie Heslinga
1974 Canyonlands 260
455, Manny tranny and 1 ton, 3:70 LS,
Red Seal Journeyman, DTE, BEd. MEd.
Edmonton, Alberta
 
John,

As I mentioned in an earlier message I come from the aerospace world and "we" would NEVER install an o-ring, gasket, seal, whatever
that fills the groove for it completely and stands proud of it too boot!

If one lubricates the seal on an oil filter then installs it hand tight I can't see how you would ever be able to turn the extension
(torqued to 55 ft lb) that retains the oil cooler adapter to the oil filter base when removing it.

Regards,
Rob M.
The Pedantic Mechanic
USAussie - Downunder
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
USA '77 Kingsley - TZE 267V100808

-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces] On Behalf Of John Heslinga

In addition

Here are some photos that were not in the same photo album, but part of the discussion. Please remember to read the descriptions.
Dorman oil cooler seal
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/discussion-photos/p55769-silicone-o-ring-for-oil-cooler-adaptor.html

Adaptor Bolt.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/discussion-photos/p55775-oil-cooler-adaptor-extension.html

Filter gasket
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/discussion-photos/p55781-best-not-to-use-old-filter-gasget.html

Extension bolt.

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/discussion-photos/p55778-oil-cooler-adaptor-mounting-and-extension-bolt.html

John
 
Bob
I agree fully. Thats a good summary of what I was saying and part of my points. Many in tbe photo descriptions.

Using an old Oil filter seal is wrong. It may be a "work around" given that improper seals are not available. The adaptor seal should not be changed
regularly as there would be no need for it if the correct seal is there in the first place. The space needs to allow expansion and distortion of tbe
seal
--
John and Cathie Heslinga
1974 Canyonlands 260
455, Manny tranny and 1 ton, 3:70 LS,
Red Seal Journeyman, DTE, BEd. MEd.
Edmonton, Alberta
 
Gentlemen, in the real world I have had to remove many a overtightened oil filter with mechanical means and the adapter backed off some before filter
released. I think the 1 1/4" adapter should be checked every time the filter is replaced no matter what gasket you use. Maybe this is why factory
recommends changing gasket?

> Bob
> I agree fully. Thats a good summary of what I was saying and part of my points. Many in tbe photo descriptions.
>
> Using an old Oil filter seal is wrong. It may be a "work around" given that improper seals are not available. The adaptor seal should not be
> changed regularly as there would be no need for it if the correct seal is there in the first place. The space needs to allow expansion and
> distortion of tbe seal

--
C. Boyd
76 Crestmont
East Tennessee