Oil cooler for jeep wrangler

Mishimoto, the world leader in performance cooling products, shows you how to install the Mishimoto performance oil cooler kit for the 2007-2011 Jeep Wrangler JK!

To help keep your Jeep JK cool while off-roading or daily driving, an oil cooler is simply ideal. The Mishimoto Jeep Wrangler JK Oil Cooler Kit has proven to reduce temperatures by up to 40°F, so you know that no matter what you'll be able to keep pushing the limits in your Jeep JK. This kit is direct fit with no modification necessary, making it an easy way to up the cooling power in your Jeep!

Oil cooler for jeep wrangler

  • #1

I just had yet another oil cooler/filter housing break on my 2014 Rubicon. This one only lasted 4 months. Last time it was oil everywhere. This time it is allowing oil into the coolant. Does anyone make an aftermarket unit that is superior in quality?
TIA

  • #2

I know I've seen aftermarket ones that are all metal, however I don't remember where I saw it or if they are still made.

It is a bit odd that it would fail after only four months. The production ones from that time were prone to failure, but new ones you buy should be fine.

You say break though and not fail. Who is changing your oil? If an impact is being put on there you are pretty much guaranteed to break one every oil change. The cap shouldn't be put on with very much force, because it isn't needed. Lot of plastic in engines these days, not much different than overtightening aluminum, don't do it.

Oil cooler for jeep wrangler

  • #3

Dorman is set to release an all aluminum one, but I don't know that it's available yet. The part number is 926-876.

It can't come on the market soon enough.


Here's a youtube on it

Oil cooler for jeep wrangler

  • #4

Update, heres a place that is selling it... $184.99

Oil cooler for jeep wrangler

  • #5

Update, heres a place that is selling it... $184.99

Man, I am not sure why anyone would go back with a plastic one. These things look substantial. Its a bit of effort to swap them, but when i have to do it, I only want to have to do it once.

  • #6

I just had yet another oil cooler/filter housing break on my 2014 Rubicon. This one only lasted 4 months. Last time it was oil everywhere. This time it is allowing oil into the coolant. Does anyone make an aftermarket unit that is superior in quality?
TIA

Yes, Dorman makes one. https://www.amazon.com/product-reviews/B0971WWNH1

  • #7

They list 2014-18 for the Dorman. Would this fit any earlier 3.6L engine.
I believe the only change from 2013 is the oil filter, and I have read in other oiler cooler threads that the oil coolers were interchangeable between years.

Don

Oil cooler for jeep wrangler

  • #8

They list 2014-18 for the Dorman. Would this fit any earlier 3.6L engine.
I believe the only change from 2013 is the oil filter, and I have read in other oiler cooler threads that the oil coolers were interchangeable between years.

Don

This is my understanding, too. You would need to use the new filter and new-style oil cap with the new design. And then be sure to note it somewhere obvious so you or a future owner doesn't screw up.

  • #9

You would also need to use the newer style cooler from 2014 and newer engines

  • #10

I just recieved the wifes Dorman upgrade, her 2014 started leaking at around 65k

  • #12

I probably do a write up on the install I haven't seen many out there on it, I think this will be way better than the stock plastic unit. Time + heating/cooling + plastic = cracks

  • #13

Saw an insightful video where the cause of leaking coolant was "flattened" or worn out O-rings under the housing. If thats the case and there's no cracks, any housing, be it plastic or aluminum, can leak if the gaskets fail. Though, I absolutely understand why going to all aluminum is a great alternative. Particularly for those who do not change their own oil.

  • #14

Doesn't look like the OP every reported back. The video above is very insightful. The tech stated oil or coolant in the V of the engine was typically a failure of the plastic oil cooler base. Oil in the coolant is typically a failure of the oil cooler itself. Wonder how it turned out for the OP?

I have oil down the back of the bell housing. I have my Dorman and plan to start the replacement next weekend.

  • #15

My wife's 2013 Wrangler has this issue right now. To be honest, we've been smelling coolant for months now but couldn't find any substantial leak. The radiator had some signs of failure around the core to tank seam, so 2 weeks ago, I did the radiator, heater core (she hasn't had a working heater in over a year), T/Stat, and Upper/Lower Hoses. Big job and took me a couple days over the weekend to get done.

Now, two weeks later, the coolant smell is worse. Crawled underneath and found coolant sprayed all over the underside from transmission back. One quick google search showed this common problem. Yet another in a line of shitty designed parts on this piece of shit that Jeep never took responsibility for...

I've found that Dorman has a complete assembly available for the early models that include the new filter and cap. 926-959. I'm in the process of trying to find one now, but even Dorman direct doesn't have them. So either $650 from local dealer for OEM or roll the dice with Amazon...

I'm sure this next statement might annoy some people on here since this is a Wrangler Forum, but I told my wife 10 years ago not to buy a Jeep because I knew I would have to be the one working on it all the time. This thing has had so many failures over it's life. I've been driving my 2006 Tacoma since new and it has 300,000 miles and only thing that has failed is an alternator a couple years ago. Everything else has just been consumables. I can't wait to replace this vehicle.

Last edited: Today at 8:40 AM

How much does an oil cooler cost Jeep Wrangler?

The average cost for a Jeep Wrangler engine oil cooler replacement is between $287 and $335. Labor costs are estimated between $185 and $233 while parts are priced at $102. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your specific model year or unique location.

Is it worth getting an oil cooler?

Coolant in the oil is especially bad because it lessens the oil's lubrication ability. Oil coolers are very beneficial for certain types of trucks and performance vehicles. If you put your vehicle under a lot of load or run your car's engine at top speed for long periods, then you could benefit from an oil cooler.

How do I know if my Jeep oil cooler is bad?

Common signs include oil or coolant leaking from the oil cooler, oil getting in the cooling system, and coolant getting in the oil.

When should I change my oil cooler?

Regular oil changes should also ensure that an oil cooler will last the life of your car. Without regular oil changes, the cooler may fail at 50,000 miles and need to be replaced.