Oil Cooler Line Upgrade 1994 D90

[SPIKE]

I've always monitored my oil cooler lines and even after 15 years they look clean and new. I am now ready for my 30,000 oil change and have decided to change them out for a stainless steel replacement.
My truck is an early 94 and both the upper and lower radiator fittings are threaded.

Conversion kits are available commercially from Trailhead 4x4, East Coast Rovers, etc.

My question is are all of these kits created equally? If there is no difference in materials then I should buy on price. Or should I attempt to source the individual pieces locally?

If I source the pieces locally, does anyone have a suggested supplier in the SF Bay area?

Thanks!
Eric

[MonLand]

Based on my understanding, it is much cheaper to take your old line to a hydraulic local shop and get them to replace the rubber part with braided lines.
Unless you also want to change the adaptor/sandwich plate, I don't think going fully custom lines makes sense (i.e. too expensive) [Unless you don't want to have to think about it].
I want to believe (but did not check) that with new lines out on the old fixed lines, you can route them differently. But then..... even if you don't they lasted 10 years! So make sure you replace them every 10 years and you'll be fine (or more depending on the type of material you used). Plenty of threads here on what people did.

[bjf]

I have an early 94 and I went the trailhead route. I didn't need a new sandwich plate.

[MonLand]

Just curious, did you pay the price listed on that page? http://trailhead4x4.com/30464.html That seems rather expensive for a no-new-sandwich plate option. A lot of engineering/research must have gone into this, so this is probably an excellent option for the money.

I went with Ken's kit (might have some left? http://www.d-90.com/forum/showthread.php?t=13380&page=2&pp=20&highlight=loykd), kit ($85 Kit + $85 MOCAL SP1T + $25 adaptors (AN 10 to 3/8" BSP? can't remember [shipping included in all but the original Kit]) . The mocal plate includes a thermostat, so this should be better than stock in cold climates (and someone here commented this is an overkill for those engines). If this is the kind of money you are willing to spend, then I'd likely recommend that option unless you don't want to install yourself/make two web searches to get the cheapest parts.

Seems like ECR has an option for the '94 fixed fitting radiators as well:
http://www.d-90.com/forum/showthread.php?t=13380&page=2&pp=20&highlight=loykd (yes, same link as above)

I ran without oil cooler for over a year without any ill effect.

Somebody took his lines to a hydroulic shop here: http://www.d-90.com/forum/showthread.php?t=13380 (I know cgalpin did it too, more expensive though.... joys of living in NOVA).

I actually thought somebody started a "ultimate oil line" thread will all possible options but could not find it... :(

Disclaimer: I don't make any referral money on Ken's stuff or any other stuff! ;) Installed mine two weeks ago, I bought it.... a year ago..... Took a whole of one hour to re-install, put oil, clean-up my mess.

[ECR]

If you have a threaded radiator I can gladly give you a list of the part #s for the Russell fittings for the job. You can get them from JEGS or Summit or someplace.

The cheapest option is to go without the cooler or have your lines re-done. I don't like that option because it still runs the oil "cooler" lines right by the hot manifold, just my opinion.

If you are handy at all making up a set of SS lines is a piece of cake.

If you have an 18mm plate you won't need a new Mocal, although they are a cool option (as stated in the previous post)

[SPIKE]

My radiator is threaded- see top and bottom fittings.
I haven't pulled the fitting to see if it is an 18 or 20mm.

[cdkarp]

I went the Trailhead route on my 99 DI no complaints.

[SPIKE]

I have the 20mm adaptor (1+1/16" head banjo bolts)

In the SF Bay area cold weather isn't an issue although it can get down into the 40's. Right now we are burning Angel Island in the middle of the bay just to keep warm.

[themaxx]

Thumbs up on Trailhead! It's pretty stout.

[Defender13]

Trailhead...working great for me

[Abrooks]

Don't forget Hans' solution -- I used his technique on my '94 and it worked beautifully.

[madcowdungbeetle]

Just DIY.

I made my own lines, doesn't matter which sandwich plate you use 18mm/20mm, there are adapters if you use all -8 lines and fittings.

[ECR]

Where did you find 20mm to 8AN fittings that had them in stock?

[FlaD90]

Guys,

For a 94 ST which Mocal plate would I need?...

also Fidel can you forward me the list of Russel #'s for the AN fittings?..(I don't have the fixed fitting radiator type)

Thanks in advance

[ECR]

I'm in the process of writing up a list of fittings for DIY for the ECR site in the next couple days. Started on it today, but got busy.

[mpsteil]

Mike, any update on what to use for a 97?

[ECR]

3 ways to go for a 97:
Install new factory lines with heat shield

Cap off the factory oil holes in the timing cover and fit a Mocal style adpater with normal lines

or use fittings like Trailhead and we make to convert the engine fitting to 8AN

I'm doing a page for the ECR site that will do a step by step for making your own lines and we will sell the unique fittings you need, or you can go to trailhead and pay them to make up the lines.
The fittings and hose cost very little.
I don't really care about making or selling oil lines so I am happy to pass on all the fitting #s and dimensions for free.