replacing leaking oil cooler lines

[happy s-10]

My oil cooler lines are leaking on my 1999 ZR2, at 100K miles. I've purchased some new lines (both engine to filter and filter to radiator) and plan on changing them myself. I purchased Dorman aftermarket hoses for about $35 range. Any advice on changing them? I've heard that changing the engine side is a royal pain.....any tricks? At first glance I didn't see any threads about this but I know it's a fairly common problem.

[Vortec350S10]

I had to replace mine on my '89 4.3. They were kinda tough to get the single bolt that holds the one end to the filter adapter, but other than that they weren't that bad.Got new ones from GM $80. Got pissed after they started leaking agoin after about 6months. Hmm.. first pair lasted 14 years, next lasted 6 months. Now I don't have any oil lines- don't have to worry. I also replaced some on a '96 Jimmy 4.3- that was much easier.

[www451oa]

I just replace my oil lines on my 94 4.3L (106K Miles at the time) about a month ago. Not fun.
for a while they leaked slowly, then got progressively worse.
Fortunately I own a lift in my garage, it's Pure gold. And even then it wasn't fun. The hardest part was removing a bolt on the engine that holds a transmission support bar. remove the drivers side tire to gain access to the bolt. You have to remove this because it goes through the center of the metal lines. a total brain-fart by chevy. but then again, it helps to boost their service work.

To remove the bolt as described by the above post, get a 2-3foot extension with a universal on the end, or two 15 inch extensions, and go at it from the front of the vehicle. Having a helping hand is an absolute must.

My advice, don't cut then out, take them out as if you plan on using them again, the knowledge gained from how they came out is very helpful when installing the new ones. Just be careful and VERY patient.

PS. If you still have questions e-mail me at [email protected] I'll do all I can to help you out.

[happy s-10]

Thanks for the advice. I don't own a lift, but have access to one occasionally so what you're telling me is not to even attempt them without.

Actual price I got them for was:

p/n 625-001 - $34.59
p/n 625-100 - $20.64

Dorman brand, from LBC Auto Parts, www.lbcaoutoparts.com, 1-800-382-1322.

The only possible brain fart I had was that the person posting on another site put these on their 96 s-10 blazer.....the hoses look right, but I should've verified there weren't any minor changes made between 96-99.

Also, in case anybody's interested, the oil filter manifold that these hoses connect to costs about $55-60 at the dealership (this manifold had a crack at one of the bolt holes.