I have an 82 model that just started leaking from the inlet and outlet fittings on the oil cooler. After numerous disassemblies I discovered a crack on both inlet and outlet sides of the engine oil cooler. I currently live in Hawaii where parts are extremely difficult to obtain. I can get my hands on a second generation cooler, but it does not look or even bolt anywhere like the one that is on now. Can I use the second gen cooler if I can adapt it to the car? Any advise...

 

This seems to be a problem that happens more and more often. Its usually caused from over tighting the oil lines. You should be able to take your oil cooler to a shop that does welding and have them tig weld up the cracks for you. Should not cost that much. You could use the second gen oil cooler but you will have to make modifications because the mounts are in a differnt place and they use banjo fitings on the side and top unlike the 1st gen ones that go right in on the front of the tanks. Be best to just take it out and have it welded up.

 

The oil coolers have been a problem for years, in 83-4 I worked for Shelley Mazda in Waipahu, I can't remember how many coolers I changed under warranty. Over tightening the fittings can also be a problem. The fix we do here is to cut the old fittings off since they are too thin in my oppion. Then weld the new thicker fittings on. I have 2 different types made for me, one has the original M16x1.50 thread, the other with 3/8 pipe thread. The pipe thread is handy for using braided line. Almost any store that has the braided has -10 to 3/8 pipe adapters so you don't have to make or order the special ones. Also if you damage a fitting you can get one in town. For those of you who have never lived in HI, getting parts can be a BIG pain. Trying to weld up the cracks is a pain, I had problems trying to clean the "weld through" and then retapping and have the threads match, plus trying to get the top at right angles to the threads. If not you will have a hard time stopping the leak past the cruch washer. Rob

 

I'd just replace it with a crown vic unit - easy if you know what you are doing.