I have a 2004 396 with twin Crusader 8.1 mpi's. I think this would apply to other twin 8.1 boats as well. I'm starting the replacement of the dual tube oil coolers. The port engine has the cooler on the inboard side which makes this an annoying but possible job. The starboard engine has the cooler in the same position on the engine which means it's on the outboard side. (Thanks, Crusader) This makes the access somewhere between life-threatening and impossible. Has anyone successfully replaced their outboard oil cooler? I would appreciate any tips or tricks you might be able to share.
I am considering disconnecting the old hoses at the engine and mounting the new cooler on the inboard side. I think the specified hydraulic hoses would reach and raw water hose changes would be relatively minor.
Thanks,
Thatch in Seattle
Crusader 8.1 oil/trans cooler replacement
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bud37
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Re: Crusader 8.1 oil/trans cooler replacement
By the sounds of it, just abandoning the old one may be the best idea. Leave it there....thatchh wrote: May 12th, 2026, 2:14 am I am considering disconnecting the old hoses at the engine and mounting the new cooler on the inboard side. I think the specified hydraulic hoses would reach and raw water hose changes would be relatively minor.
FWIW.....The above is just my opinion.
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thatchh
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Re: Crusader 8.1 oil/trans cooler replacement
At moderate bodily expense I was able to extract the old oil cooler forward from the outboard side. The three hoses at the front were not too bad to access once I accepted nearly standing on my head to get in there. The three at the rear were inaccessible. I disconnected them at the engine. The water and trans oil hoses pulled on through. The engine oil line I was able to feed forward enough to get at the fitting on the cooler and remove it.
I will be locating the new cooler on the inboard stringer. That will allow me to monitor its condition and address any leaks in the fittings. I can reuse the engine oil hoses for now. I already bought new trans hoses so I might save a set as spares. One of the trans oil connections on each cooler was very corroded and pink underneath.
I have some pictures but I can't figure out how to add them to the post. Maybe I don't have permission.
I will be locating the new cooler on the inboard stringer. That will allow me to monitor its condition and address any leaks in the fittings. I can reuse the engine oil hoses for now. I already bought new trans hoses so I might save a set as spares. One of the trans oil connections on each cooler was very corroded and pink underneath.
I have some pictures but I can't figure out how to add them to the post. Maybe I don't have permission.
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