cooling

Engine Oil Cooler

for 2015 Kia Forte 1.8L I4 · FWD

Difficulty

Moderate

Time

2.0 h

Tools

Steps

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the engine oil cooler assembly on the 2015 Kia Forte 1.8L I4 engine, including coolant drainage and system refill.

Warnings

⚠️Allow engine to cool completely before beginning work. Hot coolant and oil can cause severe burns.

⚠Coolant is toxic to pets and wildlife. Dispose of used coolant properly at a recycling center.

⚠The oil cooler is located near the oil filter. Expect residual oil drainage when removing components.

ℹ️This procedure requires draining and refilling the cooling system. Plan for additional time if air pockets need to be purged.

Tools required

10mm socket and ratchetEssential

12mm socket and ratchetEssential

14mm socket and ratchetEssential

Torque wrench (5-30 Nm range)Essential

Drain pan (minimum 2 gallon capacity)Essential

Coolant funnelEssential

Hose clamp pliers

Socket extension setEssential

Oil filter wrench

Shop ragsEssential

Plastic scraper or gasket remover

Parts

Engine oil cooler assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
Oil cooler gasket/O-rings × 1 — Usually included with oil cooler
Engine coolant × 1 — Hyundai/Kia Long Life Coolant (Green)
Engine oil × 1 — Kia Genuine 5W-20

Fluids

Hyundai/Kia Long Life Coolant (Green) — 7.5 qt
Kia Genuine 5W-20 — 4.5 qt

Preparation

Ensure engine is completely cool to the touch (minimum 2 hours after last operation)
Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
Raise and support front of vehicle on jack stands if additional clearance is needed
Remove engine splash shield if equipped to access oil cooler area
Place drain pan beneath engine oil drain plug and drain engine oil completely
Locate coolant drain plug on radiator or lower radiator hose and position drain pan
Have replacement parts, gaskets, and fluids ready before beginning disassembly

Procedure

1
Drain cooling system
Open the coolant drain plug on the radiator using a 10mm socket. Allow coolant to drain completely into drain pan. Once drained, reinstall drain plug finger-tight for now to prevent spillage while working.
Torque spec
Coolant Drain Plug15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
2
Remove oil filter
Using an oil filter wrench, remove the engine oil filter. This provides better access to the oil cooler assembly and prevents damage during removal. Allow residual oil to drain into the pan.
⚠Residual oil will drain from the filter mounting area. Keep drain pan positioned to catch spillage.
3
Disconnect coolant hoses from oil cooler
Locate the coolant inlet and outlet hoses connected to the oil cooler assembly. Use hose clamp pliers to release the spring clamps or a screwdriver for worm-gear clamps. Carefully twist and pull hoses off the cooler fittings. Be prepared for residual coolant spillage.
Torque spec
Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
4
Remove oil cooler mounting bolts
Identify the oil cooler mounting bolts securing the assembly to the engine block. Typically there are 2-3 bolts accessible from below or the side of the engine. Using a 12mm or 14mm socket with extension, remove all mounting bolts. Support the oil cooler with one hand while removing the final bolt.
⚠Oil cooler may be stuck to engine block with old gasket material. Do not pry against sealing surfaces.
Torque spec
Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
5
Remove oil cooler assembly
Carefully pull the oil cooler assembly away from the engine block. Twist gently if resistance is felt to break the gasket seal. Remove the assembly and place in drain pan to catch any remaining oil or coolant. Inspect the oil passages for debris or contamination.
ℹ️If metal debris is found in oil cooler passages, investigate potential engine damage before installing new cooler.
6
Clean mounting surfaces
Using a plastic scraper or gasket remover, carefully clean all old gasket material from the engine block mounting surface. Ensure the surface is completely clean and dry. Do not scratch or gouge the aluminum sealing surface. Wipe clean with shop rags and inspect for damage.
⚠Do not use metal scrapers on aluminum surfaces. Use plastic tools only to prevent damage.
7
Prepare new oil cooler
Remove new oil cooler from packaging and verify it matches the old unit. Install new O-rings or gasket onto the oil cooler, ensuring they are properly seated in their grooves. Lightly coat O-rings with clean engine oil to aid installation and prevent tearing.
ℹ️Verify gasket orientation matches the old unit. Some gaskets have a specific up/down orientation.
8
Install new oil cooler assembly
Position the new oil cooler assembly onto the engine block, aligning the bolt holes and oil passages. Ensure the gasket remains properly seated. Thread all mounting bolts by hand first to ensure proper alignment. Using a torque wrench, tighten mounting bolts to specification in a cross-pattern.
Torque spec
Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
9
Reconnect coolant hoses
Slide coolant hoses onto the oil cooler inlet and outlet fittings. Ensure hoses are fully seated onto the fittings. Position hose clamps over the connection points and tighten securely. Double-check that clamps are positioned correctly on the hose barbs.
Torque spec
Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
10
Install new oil filter
Apply a thin film of clean engine oil to the new oil filter gasket. Thread the new oil filter onto the mounting base by hand until the gasket contacts the mounting surface, then tighten an additional 3/4 turn. Do not over-tighten.
⚠Over-tightening oil filter can damage gasket and cause leaks. Hand-tighten only.
11
Refill cooling system
Ensure the coolant drain plug is tightened to specification. Using a coolant funnel at the radiator cap or coolant reservoir, slowly add Hyundai/Kia Long Life Coolant (Green) until the system is full. Start engine and allow to warm to operating temperature with heater on high. Add additional coolant as air purges from system.
⚠Monitor coolant temperature while running engine. Do not allow engine to overheat during air purge process.
Torque spec
Coolant Drain Plug15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
12
Refill engine oil
Remove the engine oil fill cap. Using a funnel, add 4.5 quarts of Kia Genuine 5W-20 engine oil. Replace oil fill cap. Start engine and allow to idle for 30 seconds, then shut off. Wait 2 minutes and check oil level with dipstick. Add oil as needed to reach full mark.
ℹ️Initial oil pressure light should extinguish within 2-3 seconds of starting. If light remains on, shut off engine immediately and investigate.

Reassembly

Reinstall engine splash shield if removed, ensuring all clips and fasteners are secure
Lower vehicle from jack stands if raised
Top off coolant reservoir to proper level after engine has cooled
Inspect ground beneath vehicle for any fluid leaks after test drive

Verification

Start engine and verify no oil leaks from oil cooler mounting area or oil filter
Check for coolant leaks at hose connections while engine warms to operating temperature
Verify engine reaches normal operating temperature and cooling fan cycles properly
Confirm oil pressure gauge or warning light indicates normal operation
Recheck oil and coolant levels after first test drive, top off as necessary
Monitor coolant level over next few days to ensure all air has been purged from system