Chevy & GMC Vans

Just bought an Astro van 2002 that has a big engine oil leak. Don't know from where it comes yet. Has anybody been lucky in using these stop leak additives that you drop in the oil?

Hi,'
Check the oil cooler lines from oil filter housing up to drivers side of radiator.''

The Dorman replacement cooler line is a very good quality unit, about $80 .

AP

Thanks! If it's ever the case ( oil cooler lines) I will most likely remove the oil filter adapter and run it without the oil cooler lines. I don't do any heavy driving kind of stuff so removing the lines seems to be something many do in that case.

Hi,
The oil cooler lines are easy to install on 2 Wheel drive Astro.
On AWD Astro, just lower the front differential about 1" by loosening its mounting bracket. This allows space to route the lines. The lines have quick disconnect push in fittings on radiator with retaining spring clip. Works great, just insert and listen and feel the click as it seats in place.
The oil cooler is a good feature and makes these 4.3 l motors last longer.

AP

Also:
The power steering lines also have a cooler that is basically 12" or so of extra metal tubing behind the front bumper.

Power steering return line has the cooler.

Thanks!

There are guys who do in fact run without the cooler, and it seems fine, I myself followed 97cargocrawlers tek on here to replace the lines with some high pressure tubing and hose clamps, with pretty good success. So you can always go that route if you dont mind getting a little dirty.

I think some models were coming " new" with no oil cooler.

Did remove those oil cooling lines and went from getting a 8 " diameter puddle of oil each time I would take the van to not even a drop.

Caution

Quick fix of the oil leak but wow, the Dorman kit is only $80 and easy to install to fix it properly.

Oil coolers , tranny coolers, and power steering coolers are well engineered to make your Astro last longer.
We are lucky that Astros have them.

Heat is the enemy of moving parts.

Cool oil helps to keep an engine cool just as the water cooling.
Oil and air cooled motorcycles still exist.
The M60 battle tank was oil cooled and had huge fan. The M60 contain about 50 gallons of oil and oil coolers.

Would you block off the oil cooler to your Audi or Volvo turbo, or twin turbo Eco-boost if it had an oil leak? I don't think so.

Fix it right.

AP

Thanks.