L48 Oil Cooler

[tomacole]

My L48 oil cooler has a couple sizable holes in the bottom so it is leaking hydraulic fluid pretty bad. The problem is that apparently from talking to a couple dealers the part is discontinued and there is no replacement part and no one has one. Called a local radiator repair place and they dont work on aluminum radiators. Any ideas on what to do?

 

[rbargeron]

That oil cooler is on the low-pressure tank side of the HST unit so is rarely doing much unless the machine is moving back and forth constantly all day in a hot climate. To replace the cooler an aftermarket one like this would easily be adequate. For most machines in moderate climates, not doing shuttling duty, running without the cooler would be ok if trans oil is kept normally full.

 

[Smokeydog]

Don’t use a transmission cooler. Use a hydraulic oil cooler for rated for your flow. Surplus Center is one of many places to spec hydraulic oil coolers. Flow size, mounting flanges and pipe connections you can adapt. A good hydraulic shop can help. A major component not going to be cheap but adapting a generic one will be modest cost.

My M59 gets plenty hot when bush hogging. Got to clean oil cooler, radiator screen and radiator often. Radiator genie blow guns for air and water work great.

 

[tomacole]

Thanks for the info.

 

[Smokeydog]

Just checked with Messicks online.
H24500 oil cooler, 32771-55370, $363.65. It let add to cart with 3-6 day ordering time.

You can look at their parts diagram and see if that matches yours.

Messicks has been able to get parts my local dealer couldn’t.

 

[tomacole]

Thanks, I called Messicks and a couple other dealers and they all said it is discontinued and none in the country and no replacement. Would think there are still a lot of L48's out there.

 

[fried1765]

Thanks, I called Messicks and a couple other dealers and they all said it is discontinued and none in the country and no replacement. Would think there are still a lot of L48's out there.

I've got an L48,...... but with only 253 hours, assume I am good for a long while yet!
Did you check to see if the L47 might have a very similar cooler?

 

[Smokeydog]

I see many on eBay, generic or for construction equipment. Still going to be tuff to match.

You think the holes are from corrosion or from rubbing? It might be repairable if finding the right person to weld. Vigorous cleaning before and after. I think I would be more comfortable with a slightly oversized generic. On the low pressure circuit you can use hydraulic hose and barbed fitting to help plumb.