Dorman aluminum oil cooler - Any thoughts?

CJHawk · Dec 31, 2021

Looks like I have the dreaded oil cooler leak. Rather than going back with the obviously ill-conceived plastic OEM replacement parts (fool me once....), am considering the Dorman aluminum version. Has anyone had experience with it? Does it install correctly and hold up well?

Thanks!

dmulk · Dec 31, 2021

It's only been out for a few months but I took the chance. Glad I did. I found some sealant or part of a.seal up inside one of the coolant ports inside the radiator from the OEM cooler (that gets transfered over to the dorman lower). It's a beautiful piece and my confidence is high. We'll see how the seals hold up over time but I say go for it. The install is fairly straightforward.

78S_106E · Dec 31, 2021

Got mine installed 3 months ago. No probs and the aluminum part looked good. You reuse the original oil cooling fins and the plastic oil filter cap, but the Dorman includes the small O ring seals for their aluminum cooler and the upper/lower manifold gaskets. I did my spark plugs and coil packs while it was all apart.

CJHawk · Dec 31, 2021

Thanks for the insight. I think that will be my weekend project. And, thanks also for the tip on the plugs and coil pack. Makes sense to do as much as possible with everything apart.

dmulk · Dec 31, 2021

Yeah that's a good point. I also did my plugs as well.

vanhalo · Dec 31, 2021

I have heard you need to use the Mopar O rings with it even though they come with it. I am going to use Mopar O rings and intake gaskets when that day comes if it comes.

78S_106E · Dec 31, 2021

My aluminum Dorman came with the little O-rings and the manifold gaskets. I already had the Mopar manifold gaskets to avoid using the Dorman. Upon very close inspection they looked and felt exactly the same. I'm sure if I had swished the gaskets around in my mouth, they would have tasted the same too LOL. I didn't have a spare set of the Orings (5 total iirc). I used the Dorman O rings and have had no problems x3 months. If I had been aware of ANY probs with Dorman O-rings, I would have bought an extra set of O-rings to install. Anyway, it's been 3 months and no problems.

dmulk · Dec 31, 2021

Will report back with any issues. I'll likely carry an extra set of Mopar seals with me in my overlanding trail repair kit now that I don't have to worry about the body disintegrating. 👍🏻👍🏻😎

dmulk · Dec 31, 2021

Interesting, I haven't seen any leaks with mine so, will definitely be carrying a replacement set with me on trips.

dmulk · Dec 31, 2021

Anyone happen to have a part number for the orings that go between the oil cooler and the radiator that is transfered from the OEM cooler to the dorman? They are rectangular and there are four. The newest versions (at the least the ones that came off my 2017) appear to be ORANGE "viton" based.

H3br3wHamm3r · Dec 31, 2021

Mopar does not sell them, and we've had no luck finding a vendor who does. I've seen them on some European parts websites, but not willing to bite the bullet.

TinkerinWstuff · Jan 3, 2022

Just installed one a couple weeks ago. I saw a wide range of prices and availability when I was shopping around for it.

GreenRubi2015 · Jan 9, 2022

Are Mopar orings/seals equivalent in size/fit for the Dorman orings/seals? Are all seals needed for the installation available for purchase from Mopar if you don't want to take the chance with the Dorman parts?

dmulk · Jan 9, 2022

Yes and yes.

vanhalo · Jan 11, 2022

Is there a technical contact for Mopar?

Jeepfag · Jan 25, 2022

How did you guys order one? I’m on advanced right now and it just won’t let me doit. Do you have to call it in? How fast does it come? I’ve got the dreaded cracked left cylinder on my 2012 and my oil cooler is cracked they’re being kind enough to install the aluminum one in for me if I can get it in time. Also upgrading to the 2014 housing because of that damn plastic bypass valve BS
Please help lol

vanhalo · Jan 25, 2022

Oreillys and CARID (won’t have any in stock until March) have had it in stock.

Ebay is your best bet but it will cost you $300

You better make sure they know what they are doing. There are compatibility issue with the Dorman part and the 2012 oil cooler.

Best to look up Motorcity Mechanic on You Tube for an explanation.

Dorman aluminum oil cooler - Any thoughts?

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