Can you flush oil pump & oil cooler

Type2 · 10-08-2012, 03:01 PM

Is there a legit way to flush an oil pump and oil cooler to effectively get rid of all metal shards from a spun bearing? I've read a few threads online and most people say not to risk it and to buy a new one... but oil coolers are damn expensive. Yeah, I know it's not as expensive as ruining a rebuilt block. BUT, if anyone has a method that works I'd like to know. Could I just take it to a car wash, insert the spray nozzle and spray the hell out of it, then use an air compressor to air it dry? Can a machine shop do it?

I looked at deleting the oil cooler in the following thread but I live in Kansas and we have some pretty cold winters so I think keeping the oil cooler/warmer might be a good idea. http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show....php?t=2054975

What about the oil pump?

Thanks!

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lavid2002 · 10-08-2012, 03:09 PM

Oil pump comes completely apart easily and opens up a lot so you can clean it right out. You will have to check its clearances though.

The oil cooler has a ton of gallery and no one advises to re-use them. The cost for loss is simply too much, and there are too many small galleries.

lavid2002 · 10-08-2012, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Type2

Could I just take it to a car wash, insert the spray nozzle and spray the hell out of it, then use an air compressor to air it dry?

There are too many galleys in there. Everyone has been there before, but trying to save a buck on an engine rebuild is not the way to go. I have rebuilt a block and ****ed it all up due to stupid mistakes and cut corners. Do it right or waste all your money to do it right the next time around..

Good luck with the build

-Dave

Type2 · 10-08-2012, 03:16 PM

Thanks.

I'm strongly thinking about deleting the oil cooler then. This build has spiraled out of control. I've bought a used block to save money, then found out it has a bent rod (SEE HERE). Still hoping to get a refund. So then I decided to just buy a build block ($1,500 over budget). Things just keep stacking up. Looking to save money any way I can without risking messing up my new block. It's shocking that an oil warmer is $240

CatfaceType-R · 10-08-2012, 06:35 PM

You need to step back and do things right...there's a reason i'm not building a rex this second, it must be done right or not at all. Yes it's expensive, but there's simply no reason to risk your hard earned money with skimping. Good luck, pal.

Type2 · 10-08-2012, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CatfaceType-R

You need to step back and do things right...there's a reason i'm not building a rex this second, it must be done right or not at all. Yes it's expensive, but there's simply no reason to risk your hard earned money with skimping. Good luck, pal.

You're right. Already decided to pick up OEM oil cooler/warmer on ebay. I don't have a choice but to plod forward. Driving on broken ringland so this needs to be finished asap but be reliable.

I would just do an oil cooler delete, but with forged pistons I want my oil to warm up as quickly as possible.

Thanks.

99imprezd · 10-08-2012, 11:18 PM

Too many people spin rod bearings with less than 500 miles on a rebuild. Bearing material is extremely hard to get out of the oil cooler and even the rest of a block.. definitly buy a new one.. subaru should make oil cooler cartridges that could be removed and replaced in the event of bearing or turbo failure or smthn...

04ScoobyWtf · 10-08-2012, 11:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 99imprezd

Too many people spin rod bearings with less than 500 miles on a rebuild. Bearing material is extremely hard to get out of the oil cooler and even the rest of a block.. definitly buy a new one.. subaru should make oil cooler cartridges that could be removed and replaced in the event of bearing or turbo failure or smthn...

But then they could get our 250 every time some spins a bearing. And they also recommend 5w30 for that same reason. More damage = more money for SOA

10-08-2012, 03:01 PM	#1
Type2 NASIOC Supporter Member#: 200436 Join Date: Jan 2009 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Lawrence, KS Vehicle: 2004 Forester XT Black	Can you flush oil pump & oil cooler Is there a legit way to flush an oil pump and oil cooler to effectively get rid of all metal shards from a spun bearing? I've read a few threads online and most people say not to risk it and to buy a new one... but oil coolers are damn expensive. Yeah, I know it's not as expensive as ruining a rebuilt block. BUT, if anyone has a method that works I'd like to know. Could I just take it to a car wash, insert the spray nozzle and spray the hell out of it, then use an air compressor to air it dry? Can a machine shop do it? I looked at deleting the oil cooler in the following thread but I live in Kansas and we have some pretty cold winters so I think keeping the oil cooler/warmer might be a good idea. http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show....php?t=2054975 What about the oil pump? Thanks! * Registered users of the site do not see these ads. Last edited by Type2; 10-08-2012 at 03:01 PM. Reason: misspelling in title

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10-08-2012, 03:09 PM	#2
lavid2002 Scooby Specialist Member#: 226864 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: southern NJ Vehicle: 2005 PSM WRX 18.5lb. 93 oct, DP, UP	Oil pump comes completely apart easily and opens up a lot so you can clean it right out. You will have to check its clearances though. The oil cooler has a ton of gallery and no one advises to re-use them. The cost for loss is simply too much, and there are too many small galleries.

10-08-2012, 03:16 PM	#4
Type2 NASIOC Supporter Member#: 200436 Join Date: Jan 2009 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Lawrence, KS Vehicle: 2004 Forester XT Black	Thanks. I'm strongly thinking about deleting the oil cooler then. This build has spiraled out of control. I've bought a used block to save money, then found out it has a bent rod (SEE HERE). Still hoping to get a refund. So then I decided to just buy a build block ($1,500 over budget). Things just keep stacking up. Looking to save money any way I can without risking messing up my new block. It's shocking that an oil warmer is $240

10-08-2012, 06:35 PM	#5
CatfaceType-R NASIOC Supporter Member#: 81102 Join Date: Feb 2005 Chapter/Region: MWSOC	You need to step back and do things right...there's a reason i'm not building a rex this second, it must be done right or not at all. Yes it's expensive, but there's simply no reason to risk your hard earned money with skimping. Good luck, pal.

10-08-2012, 11:18 PM	#7
99imprezd Scooby Specialist Member#: 198964 Join Date: Jan 2009 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: south NJ Vehicle: 2004 WRX wgn, built! WRB	Too many people spin rod bearings with less than 500 miles on a rebuild. Bearing material is extremely hard to get out of the oil cooler and even the rest of a block.. definitly buy a new one.. subaru should make oil cooler cartridges that could be removed and replaced in the event of bearing or turbo failure or smthn...