Had to strip a Cessna 310's oil cooler 3 times before I got it clean

I was working on a Cessna 310 at KPDX last Tuesday and noticed the oil cooler fins were caked with old debris. I tried pressure washing it once, but the gauge still showed high temps on the next run-up. After a second round with degreaser and a fin comb, it finally came clean. Has anyone else dealt with stubborn oil cooler buildup on these older twins?

2 comments

2 Comments

ninag101mo ago

Did you check the internal passages for crud after you got the fins clean? I've seen buildup in the tubes on old 310s that the pressure washer can't touch. A borescope might save you a third pull if you haven't already looked.

dylanwilliams1mo agoMost Upvoted

Wait, you're telling me the tubes can clog that bad even after the fins look spotless? I always figured a good pressure wash handled everything, but now I'm second guessing my whole routine on these old 310s.