[Koalamac]

Does anyone have advice for replacing the oil cooler cover without messing up the RTV? I have the oil lines disconnected but it is a really tight fit trying to slide the cover back in without scraping it against the heads. I've been practicing installing it without RTV and I can tell that I am going to make a mess of it as is. Basically, is there a way to get the oil lines out of the way to make more room?

 

[Koalamac]

Well, I guess there is no trick to make it easier. So I will answer my own question...
The service manual says to remove the exhaust/cat pipe, so I tried that thinking it might give more room to move the oil lines. Unfortunately, it was not possible for me to do with the car on ramps (maybe on a lift?). Not sure it would help anyway. I ended up just using brute force to move the long line and lodge it on top of the driver side intake. The key was to use a rope to hold it in place (tied to the driver side windshield arm bracket). I would recommend this method, or have a helper. Using this technique, I was was able to slide the cover in place without disturbing the fresh RTV gasket, which would probably result in another leak!

 

[globuslive]

I did it before you mention, using force, but found the much easier way to disconnect them at the oil filter housing. One line is kinda hard to get around because of housing, but with right tool, housing can be removed in no time as well. Bending lines gave me pretty hard time when installed it back. Glad you have managed it.

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