Engine Oil Cooler

Remove and replace the engine oil cooler assembly, which requires draining coolant, disconnecting coolant lines, and removing various engine covers to access the oil cooler mounted to the engine block.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Engine oil cooler assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Oil cooler gasket/O-ring kit × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Engine oil filter × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Coolant hose clamps × 2 — As needed if damaged

Fluids

• Selenia Racing 10W-60 — 5.5 qt
• Maserati OAT Coolant — 10 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold (at least 2 hours after last operation)
2. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 5 minutes for system capacitors to discharge
4. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on front clips and releasing rear mounting points
5. Place oil drain pan and coolant container in position beneath vehicle

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain cooling system
   Locate the coolant drain petcock on the bottom of the radiator driver's side. Place drain container underneath and open the petcock by turning counterclockwise. Allow coolant to drain completely. If equipped, also open the engine block drain plug on the passenger side of the block.
   Torque spec

   Drain Petcock7 Nm (5 lb-ft)

   Coolant Drain Plug15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Drain engine oil
   Remove the engine oil drain plug from the oil pan and allow oil to drain completely into the drain pan. This provides better access and prevents oil spillage when disconnecting the oil cooler. Remove the oil filter as well.
3. 3

   Remove air intake components
   Disconnect the air intake tube from the throttle body and remove the air filter housing assembly. Release clamps and disconnect any vacuum lines or breather hoses connected to the intake system. Set components aside to provide access to the upper engine area.
4. 4

   Remove cooling fan assembly
   Disconnect the electrical connector from the cooling fan motor. Remove the fan shroud mounting bolts securing the fan assembly to the radiator. Carefully lift the fan assembly straight up and out of the engine bay. The fan blades extend below the shroud, so lift carefully to avoid damage.
   ⚠The fan blades can be damaged easily. Support the assembly from below while removing to prevent it from dropping.
   Torque spec

   Fan Bolts11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Disconnect coolant hoses from oil cooler
   Locate the engine oil cooler mounted on the driver's side of the engine block below the exhaust manifolds. The oil cooler has two coolant hoses connected (inlet and outlet). Use pliers to release the hose clamps and slide them back on the hoses. Carefully twist and pull the hoses off the oil cooler fittings. Have rags ready to catch residual coolant.
   ⚠Residual coolant will drain from hoses. Position rags to prevent coolant from contacting electrical components or dripping onto hot exhaust components.
   Torque spec

   Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Disconnect oil lines from cooler
   The oil cooler has two oil lines: one supply line from the engine block and one return line. These are typically threaded fittings or quick-connect style. If threaded, use appropriate wrench to loosen and disconnect. If quick-connect, depress the release collar and pull the line free. Have rags ready as residual oil will leak out. Cap or plug the lines to prevent contamination.
7. 7

   Remove oil cooler mounting bolts
   The oil cooler is secured to the engine block with mounting bolts (typically 2-4 bolts depending on design). Use a socket or wrench to remove these bolts. Support the oil cooler with one hand while removing the final bolt to prevent it from falling.
   ℹ️Note the orientation and position of any spacers, washers, or alignment dowels during removal. These must be reinstalled in the same configuration.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts28 Nm (21 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove oil cooler assembly
   Carefully maneuver the oil cooler assembly out of its mounting location. The cooler may need to be tilted or rotated to clear surrounding components. Inspect the mounting surface on the engine block for any debris or old gasket material and clean thoroughly with a clean rag and appropriate solvent.
9. 9

   Prepare new oil cooler
   Unpack the new oil cooler assembly and compare with the old unit to ensure correct application. Install new O-rings or gaskets onto the new oil cooler, lightly lubricating them with clean engine oil. Ensure all sealing surfaces are clean and free of debris.
10. 10

    Install new oil cooler
    Carefully position the new oil cooler into the mounting location, ensuring proper alignment with dowel pins if equipped. Thread in the mounting bolts by hand first to ensure proper threading. Once all bolts are started, tighten them to specification in a criss-cross pattern to ensure even gasket compression.
    ⚠Do not over-torque mounting bolts as this can crack the oil cooler housing or strip threads in the aluminum engine block.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts28 Nm (21 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect oil lines
    Reconnect the oil supply and return lines to the new oil cooler. If threaded connections, tighten to proper specification. If quick-connect fittings, push firmly until they click into place and verify they are fully seated by attempting to pull them back off. Wipe away any spilled oil.
12. 12

    Reconnect coolant hoses
    Slide the coolant hoses back onto the oil cooler inlet and outlet fittings. Ensure hoses are fully seated onto the barbed fittings. Position new hose clamps over the hose connection points and tighten to specification. Verify clamps are positioned properly and hoses cannot be pulled off by hand.
    Torque spec

    Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall cooling fan and intake components
    Carefully lower the cooling fan assembly back into position on the radiator, ensuring fan blades clear the radiator and shroud. Install and tighten fan mounting bolts to specification. Reconnect the fan electrical connector. Reinstall the air intake system, ensuring all clamps are tight and connections are secure.
    Torque spec

    Fan Bolts11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Refill engine oil and coolant
    Install a new oil filter and install the oil drain plug. Fill engine with 5.5 quarts of Selenia Racing 10W-60 oil. Close the coolant drain petcock and any drain plugs to specification. Fill the cooling system with Maserati OAT coolant through the expansion tank until level is at the MAX mark. Start engine and allow to idle while monitoring coolant level, adding as needed.
    ℹ️The cooling system must be properly bled of air. Run engine at 2000 RPM for several minutes until thermostat opens and coolant circulates. Monitor temperature gauge to ensure proper operation.
    Torque spec

    Drain Petcock7 Nm (5 lb-ft)

    Coolant Drain Plug15 Nm (11 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall engine cover by aligning rear mounting points first, then pressing down on front clips until they engage
2. Reconnect negative battery terminal
3. Check all connections visually to ensure no hoses, wires, or clamps were left disconnected
4. Top off coolant expansion tank to MAX mark after engine reaches operating temperature

Verification

• Start engine and verify no oil leaks from oil cooler connections and mounting surfaces
• Check for coolant leaks at all hose connections while engine is running
• Monitor engine oil pressure gauge to verify normal pressure readings
• Monitor coolant temperature gauge to verify engine reaches and maintains normal operating temperature (approximately 195-220°F)
• After initial test drive, recheck coolant level in expansion tank when cold and top off if necessary
• Inspect underneath vehicle for any signs of oil or coolant leaks after test drive

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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