S2 oil cooler - sources

[nfearn]

My S2 has recently developed a weep of oil from the oil cooler. It looks to be where the matrix joins the side pieces, if that makes sense, rather than from the unions, so I expect this means I need to acquire either a new or very good secondhand unit.

My preference would be for new, since a secondhand unit is likely to be 20 or so years old and probably not much better than my one.

However, the only source I've found for these is an OPC, and the best offer I've had there is for £280 + VAT.

Does anyone have any alternative suggestions for a supplier for a new unit or thoughts regarding secondhand ones? Specifically, am I being too pessimistic regarding secondhand units?

regards
Nick

 

[sawood12]

The problem I have with items such as this with second hand ones is that even if the second hand one you source is, or was, perfectly functional when it was removed it will not have a huge amount of life left in it, so unless you get it ridiculously cheap and are just using it as a stop-gap measure then it is often a false economy. Have you tried buying from one of the usual cooler manufacturers like Mocal or something. I can't remember how many rows and columns the S2/turbo oil cooling is but if you can get one then it should only require a minor amount of fettling to get it to fit.

 

[sulzeruk]

Hi Nick, I have a good second hand one here if needed. Still on car but no signs of leaks from it, will get it off tomorrow and let you know if it is any good. Looking for £50 posted for it. PM me if interested Nick.
As long as the unit is sound with all the fins, there is nothing wrong with buying second hand in my opinion. The problem with aftermarket ones is that the mounts fit in with O rings and not screwed threads and are both on the one side. unless you change the pipes and cooler, would be expensive to get a custom job made for you!
Alasdair

 

[nfearn]

Alasdair

Have dropped you a PM. One thought - the car this came off - was there any kind of engine failure which preceded its dismantling?

regards
Nick

 

[sulzeruk]

Snapped camchain. No other damage apart from a cracked head where the tensioner got ripped off,
Alasdair

 

[chrisg]

Nick

a couple of thoughts for you:

The S2 and Turbo oil coolers are not that efficient as there's a small frontal area (albeit well ducted) and they're very deep.
How keen are you to keep the car totally original ? If current oil cooler is shot and non-repairable, a 2nd hand one could well do the job and keep the car original.

Although a bit of hassle, if you take off the pipes or cooler (therefore fitment ends etc) for a half-decent Hydraulic hose specialist, it's straightforward to make up pipes to fit a Mocal or similar 'shallow' 13 row oil cooler. Pirtek are supposed to be very good, or if you anywhere near High Wycombe Spectrum hose, desborough road south

Has your car got A/C ? This determines whether you've space/air flow into the Water radiator.

The 'compartment' at the front of the S2/ Turbo formed by the radiator, batwing and front panels is very well ducted and sealed, so that all the air hitting the front of the car is channelled into and through the radiator. I've planned to albeit not got around to it to fit a small 13 row oil cooler in series with the existing OPC part to assist the cooling.

Based on the oil temp gauge I've got fitted into the sump and my previous knowledge of running an S2, I'd be surprised if you need 2 x oil coolers.

So conclusion is, fit good 2nd hand one or brand new extra one with nice new shiny pipes.

BTW if you need any help removing the pipes or cooler (v large spanners required) I have all the kit needed - I'm based in Huntingdon ?

Yours

C