oil cooler leak where it mounts to block - 97 AWD Explorer

[Ozz1967]

Hey all. I have a 97 Ex AWD 5.0 that is leaking oil from the oil cooler fitting above the oil filter. All my research points to an o-ring but I can't seem to find one without buying the entire oil cooler assembly. Does anyone know what exact o-ring I need?

 

[Turdle]

I have this device which will fix the leak. 99-01 v8 explorers use this to fix the leaking oil cooler. all you need is a 99-01 lower radiator hose.
I am trying to recoup some $$ from my recent engine swap, so for 35.00 shipped it is yours.

Send me a PM if you are interested.

 

[Ozz1967]

What is this ? What does it do?

 

[Turdle]

It is a 99-01 explorer v8 oil filter housing.

 

[soon2b351]

that takes place of a leaky oil cooler which will continue to leak until replaced.

 

[MCPJCP]

Oil Cooler 'O' Rings

Some people on posts (several years back) have asked for part numbers for the Oil Cooler 'O' Rings. Following is what I found for my '97 Mercury Mountaineer (5.0 L) Oil Cooler to Engine Block 'O' Ring: AS568A-146 (VITON) Oil Cooler Bolt 'O' Ring: AS568A-21 (VITON)

www.explorerforum.com

Link to what I found worked for my '97 Mountaineer 5.0 L

 

[C420sailor]

If you’re gonna go through the hassle of changing the o-ring, just go with the new oil filter adapter. That cooler sucks and is pointless.

 

[410Fortune]

Not only does the 96-97 oil cooler suck, it does not cool oil very well, but it is also a good spot for you to get water in your engine when it fails.
I always remove them and run the 98-01 style oil filter adapter and lower radiator hose like posted above.
Ford did away with the cooler in 98 and you should too!!

 

[MCPJCP]

Not only does the 96-97 oil cooler suck, it does not cool oil very well, but it is also a good spot for you to get water in your engine when it fails.
I always remove them and run the 98-01 style oil filter adapter and lower radiator hose like posted above.
Ford did away with the cooler in 98 and you should too!!

Is the 98-01 oil cooler a drop in replacement with no other parts required?

 

[C420sailor]

You need a lower radiator hose from a later model. It’s one piece, as opposed to the two piece that feeds the cooler.