1984 300SD oil cooler is finally on its way out. Leaks to much now to chance driving and having a massive leak. Any ideas on where I can get a quality german made part at a decent price? Thought about a used part but after seeing them for half the price of a new one, and knowing they are probably rotted from the inside like mine is...it just wont do.

Are you absolutely positive it is the oil cooler itself? The reason I ask is that in most cases it is either stripped threads where the cooling lines attach or seepage from the flex portion of the cooling line. As expensive as the cooler is, I would definitely clean it thoroughly and verify what it is in this case.

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Sam

84 300SD 350K+ miles ( Blue Belle )

I have never heard of one rotting from the inside out. What's wrong with your oil? I have picked good ones up at upullits around here for less than $20.

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80 300SD (129k mi) 82 240D stick (193k mi)77 240D auto - stick to be (153k mi) 85 380SL (145k mi) 89 BMW 535i 82 Diesel Rabbit Pickup (374k mi) 91 Jetta IDI Diesel (155k mi) 81 VW Rabbit Convertible Diesel 70 Triumph Spitfire Mk III (63kmi)66 Triumph TR4a IRS (90k mi)67 Ford F-100 (??)

Have checked the fittings and it is coming from the cooler. Ive been told by a local german mechanic that over time the thin aluminum in the cooler is susceptible to corrosion due to the higher acid levels in diesel oil. It may also have been damaged from a stone or other object, but it is leaking none the less. If you think I could by a used one and be OK then maybe I will try that route.

I've heard of (and seen) the aluminum fins get thin from salt air on the coast, and presume if I lived in the NE it would happen from road salt, but for the cooler to start leaking oil would have some serious corrosion to show for itself!
And that mechanic must be thinking of something on Mars, diesel oil is not corrosive
I agree a good used cooler is worth looking for, many I have seen are just a bit dirty, some simple green on the fins will clean them out (or maybe that oil stuff prevents corrosion?)

ANyhow, look closely to see that the threads on the hose fittings are still in place, as was just pointed out that is one area on the coolers that fails - and usually when the cooler was being removed from the car at a wrecking yard!

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'95 E320 Wagon my favorite road car. '99 E300D wolf in sheeps body, '87 300D Sportline suspension, '79 300TD w/ 617.952 engine at 367,750 and counting!

i concur that a used one will work fine. do check threads and hoses as noted above though.

also when working with the oil cooler be extremely careful removieng and reinstalling the lines. the cooler is fragile and you can twist off the fittings extremely easily (dont ask). also always use two wrenches for same reason.

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.