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Ruptured Oil Line to Cooler

  • May 14, 2011 4:39 PM
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    Message # 591388
    Deleted user
    Just a heads-up.  The line from the oil filter to the cooler ruptured the other day, requiring a tow back as there was zero wind.  Lost all the oil into the engine compartment and bilge but caught it in time to prevent engine damage. The lines were original equipment so I guess we got a lot more than their normal life expectancy out of them - 35 years old.  A Navy friend tells me they replace all oil lines every 2 (or maybe 3) years.  These lines were pretty rotten (and darned hard to inspect) so if you haven't inspected in awhile, maybe do so soon.  The transmission oil lines, on the other hand, look to be in good shape, but they don't live very close to the hot engine like the oil liines do. 
  • May 15, 2011 6:50 AM
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    Reply # 591624 on 591388
    Anonymous member (Administrator)
    Ralph Weiland wrote: Just a heads-up.  The line from the oil filter to the cooler ruptured the other day, requiring a tow back as there was zero wind.  Lost all the oil into the engine compartment and bilge but caught it in time to prevent engine damage. The lines were original equipment so I guess we got a lot more than their normal life expectancy out of them - 35 years old.  A Navy friend tells me they replace all oil lines every 2 (or maybe 3) years.  These lines were pretty rotten (and darned hard to inspect) so if you haven't inspected in awhile, maybe do so soon.  The transmission oil lines, on the other hand, look to be in good shape, but they don't live very close to the hot engine like the oil liines do. 

    Ralph - what kind of engine do you have?
  • May 15, 2011 7:26 PM
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    Reply # 591992 on 591388
    Deleted user
    The usual Perkins 4-108, vintage 1977, apparently (according to TAD) with larger than normal oil cooler.  Just removed water heater and engine-driven refrigeration unit so now have enough room in the engine compartment to open a bar.
  • June 24, 2011 7:57 PM
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    Reply # 630060 on 591388
    Deleted user
    Finally got all the auxilliary crap out of the engine compartment (engine refer, water heater) removed oil line, cleaned up a lot of sprayed engine oil, and refitted new oil lines (this time with brass couplings to match the brass couplings on the new oil cooler), new alternator mount and bracket.  Oil change, coolant change, clean engine room, and away we go.  The auxilliary equipment even prevented access to the raw water through-hull --- very bad idea.  The lesson to me is not to be carried away with providing all the amenities of home, like hot running water, at the risk of sinking the vessel because critical components become inaccessible.  Once again, KISS.
  • June 25, 2011 8:47 AM
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    Reply # 630299 on 591388
    Deleted user
    I two (too) had a heavy duty oil line fail to a remote oil filter. 5+ years 300+/- hours. It was the fact I put to much loop in the line, and it hung down and chafed against the motor mount. Ugh! luck would have it it did it when I was on a schedule, but karma (my word) had it happen at the dock so The oil soaking was closer to the shower. So do indeed watch where your lines between the engine and the haul can touch. Best of luck. Norm
    Last modified: June 25, 2011 8:48 AM | Deleted user
  • June 28, 2011 9:13 PM
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    Reply # 634088 on 591388
    Deleted user
    If there's any chance of chaffing, it's well to put some spiral wound plastic protection around the oil line to keep it away from the engine and any other parts.  But with enough time and enough heat the lines will perish---chafe just makes it happen sooner.
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