Oil Cooler Lines

[patrick flowers]

The story about pulling the engine out by removing the windshield
reminded me of two things.

First is that this guy was pulling his engine because an oil cooler line
had burst, seizing the engine. It was a shame too. He had just
purchased the coach, a beautiful 75 or 76 Palm Beach with 45k original
miles, in an estate sale and the motor was tight(not even an oil leak).

The oil line hazard is probably one of the least understood maintenance
concerns with these machines. You wouldn't consider driving with 20
year old radiator hoses, but some of these coaches still have the
original oil cooler lines. Pop one and the best outcome is a blown
engine(although I have heard of people that stopped when they heard the
"pop" and saved their engine, but I've never met one yet) with a
resulting fire as the worst possibility. Many GMC's have been lost this
way. Some GMC guru's recommend replacing the hoses every three years -
might be a good idea.

Oh yeah, the second thing I rememebered was to call Cinnabar for a set
of oil hoses. 'Bout $88 for the pair.

Patrick
- --
Patrick Flowers
Mailtoatri63

The GMC Motorhome Page
http://www.gmcmotorhome.com

 

[john szalay]

>T but some of these coaches still have the
>original oil cooler lines. Pop one and the best outcome is a blown
>engine(although I have heard of people that stopped when they heard the
>"pop" and saved their engine, but I've never met one yet) with a
>resulting fire as the worst possibility. Many GMC's have been lost this
>way. Some GMC guru's recommend replacing the hoses every three years -
>might be a good idea.
>
>Oh yeah, the second thing I rememebered was to call Cinnabar for a set
>of oil hoses. 'Bout $88 for the pair.
>
>

Just bought a set of High pressure braided oil cooler lines that
a gentleman here in Louisville (GMC owner) is producing. He made
them with an extra extension section that moves the braided section
away from the manifold, thereby reducing the heat affected area
of the hose. Should reduce the possiblity of hose failure.
Very professional design...


John & Brenda Szalay
Louisville Ky

 

[9675.0203]

>

> >T but some of these coaches still have the
> >original oil cooler lines. Pop one and the best outcome is a blown
> >engine(although I have heard of people that stopped when they heard the
> >"pop" and saved their engine, but I've never met one yet) with a
> >resulting fire as the worst possibility. Many GMC's have been lost this
> >way. Some GMC guru's recommend replacing the hoses every three years -
> >might be a good idea.
> >
> >Oh yeah, the second thing I rememebered was to call Cinnabar for a set
> >of oil hoses. 'Bout $88 for the pair.
> >
> >
>
> Just bought a set of High pressure braided oil cooler lines that
> a gentleman here in Louisville (GMC owner) is producing. He made
> them with an extra extension section that moves the braided section
> away from the manifold, thereby reducing the heat affected area
> of the hose. Should reduce the possiblity of hose failure.
> Very professional design...
>
>
> John & Brenda Szalay
> Louisville Ky
>
> .
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
John,

Who? Where? How Much?

Hr in Indy
9675.0203

 

[john szalay]

At 1
>----------------------------------------------------------------------
>John,
>
>Who? Where? How Much?
>
>Hr in Indy
>9675.0203
>

Contact JR Slaten at (502)363-3011
Or E-mail

jrslaten

 

[patrick flowers]

>
> OK, now I'm worried. All this talk about the posibility of burst
> (busted?)oil cooler lines has got me to wondering whether those on my
> 1976 GMC are the orginals or are replacements done by one of the
> previous owners who also got worried. Mine are braided wire covered
> on the exterior and look in good condition to me with no leaks or
> other defects noticable. What should I look for to know if these are
> the orginals and should be on my preventive maintenance list?

If you can see braided wire, then they are definitely not original and
probably the stainless steel reinforced variety. Just check for leaks
whenever you change the oil. With the wire reinforcement, you should
have plenty of warning before anything catastrophic happens.

Patrick
- --
Patrick Flowers
Mailtoatri63

The GMC Motorhome Page
http://www.gmcmotorhome.com

 

[patrick flowers]

>

> >
> > Mine are braided wire covered on the exterior and look in good
> > condition to me with no leaks or other defects noticable. What
> > should I look for to know if these are the orginals and should be
> > on my preventive maintenance list?
>
> If you can see braided wire, then they are definitely not original and
> probably the stainless steel reinforced variety. Just check for leaks
> whenever you change the oil. With the wire reinforcement, you should
> have plenty of warning before anything catastrophic happens.

I should have also mentioned that the originals are nylon cord
reinforced rubber. The heat ages this material quickly. If you have
oil hoses that resemble this description, and you don't know how old
they are, CHANGE THEM!

I don't know that I would consider the braided steel covered ones
permanent replacements, but the steel covering should hold the hose
together enough that you will get a nasty leak long before it separates
completely.

Anyone else have thoughts on the longevity of steel reinforced hoses.
I've proved many times here that I'm not infallible.

Patrick
- --
Patrick Flowers
Mailtoatri63

The GMC Motorhome Page
http://www.gmcmotorhome.com

 

[philip l. stewart]

OK, now I'm worried. All this talk about the posibility of burst
(busted?)oil cooler lines has got me to wondering whether those on my
1976 GMC are the orginals or are replacements done by one of the
previous owners who also got worried. Mine are braided wire covered on
the exterior and look in good condition to me with no leaks or other
defects noticable. What should I look for to know if these are the
orginals and should be on my preventive maintenance list?
Phil Stewart, Signal Mt., TN