Dorman 62340XD engine oil cooler lines "Improved Design"

[strutaeng]

I was going to reinstall the engine cooler lines on my 06 Suburban (DIY-rebuilt the engine recently and just installed the block-off plate for the time being.) My lines were starting to get a bit gunked up, but I cleaned them up and think they are reusable. I think I'm going to pass these lines over to my Silverado's 5.3 and get a new set for the Suburban since it's the daily driver.

I see Rockauto sells the GM Genuine version for $107: https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=13941241&cc=1432276&pt=5516&jsn=11116

They also sell these Dorman "improved design" for $129: https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=15219233&cc=1432276&pt=5516&jsn=11117

I generally try to avoid Dorman stuff, but just thought I would ask if anyone has used them?

 

[2006Tahoe2WD]

Looks like the Dorman "improved" design uses metal-braid covered lines.

 

[2006Tahoe2WD]

 

[strutaeng]

View attachment 430905

I wonder what the OE are? I was going to order the "Doorman" and just setting myself up for being a Guinea Pig

I'll post an update...

 

[2006Tahoe2WD]

I wonder what the OE are? I was going to order the "Doorman" and just setting myself up for being a Guinea Pig

I'll post an update...

If you want to "test" this "improved" design okay. However, the OEM hose has a history of lasting a fairly long time. The original type of hose seems to have a thicker "rubber" layer that allows the crimp to grab on to something. You want the failure mode to be a slow leak not a blow out. If it was me I would pass on the new design.

 

[redhat9]

I am wanting to add the factory oil cooler to my 2005 Tahoe, including a new thicker radiator with the oil cooler. I like the design and idea of the Dorman, but I think I am also going to just go with the OE GM lines.

 

[strutaeng]

I never updated this thread, but ordered the GM Genuine version back in the summer.

I had been dragging my feet on getting it installed. I finally did it last night. It wasn't that bad at all (2wd tho). Took about an hour.

I flushed the radiator since I didn't cap the cooler fittings and was worried about contaminants. I cut the old lines and threaded the end on the top one to match Kooler Clean aerosol, that's meant for flushing transmission coolers. Then blew it off with compressed air until completely dry. Bottom fitting got a piece of vinyl tubing to drain into a pan.

I didn't see any drop in oil pressure after installing the cooler lines. I think someone had asked that question, but I wasn't sure. I think technically there "should" be a small pressure drop, but probably unmeasurable.