EJ25 Oil cooler Removal?

[JDM97LegacyGT]

Hey guys, I'm posting a thread about my 01 Legacy GT.

I recently put on aftermarket unequal length headers on my car, and have run into a few problems with it.
I think that I would solve all the problems if the oil cooler is removed. So I picked up an engine block plug and a thermostat housing from another EJ25 that didn't have an oil cooler. (That housing doesn't have a spot where a hose connects to)

So I am wondering basically how do I remove the cooler? I was working on it tonight but got dark too soon. Does the cooler spin off? Or is it that threaded bolt what holds it down? Also when putting the filter back on, without the cooler, will it fit directly back on or would I have to get a different filter.... Pics attached.

Thanks for the help in advance

New thermostat housing vs current
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/07/subaru4-2.jpg

New block plug vs current
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/07/subaru3-2.jpg

Oil Cooler
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/07/subaru2-2.jpg

Close up of oil cooler
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/07/subaru1-3.jpg

[chuckthefuk]

that weird... i've never seen a non-turbo subaru use that...

You need a 24mm deep socket :-D

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/07/IMG_5590JPG-2.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/07/IMG_5591JPG-2.jpg

You will need a new oil feed pipe since the length is different (shorter) without the cooler
Subaru OEM P/N = 15018AA050

-Chuck

[mike-tracy]

My old 98 Forester with the tow package came with one. But anyways, sounds like you are on the right track with Chuck's advice and what you've already done.

[JDM97LegacyGT]

Thanks, yeah I figured that's what I needed to get. I think the motor may have been swapped from a Forester at some point not only because of this cooler, but a few other things here n there.

So will the existing filter go right back in once I take off the cooler? It looks like it'd be too small once the cooler is gone

[chuckthefuk]

like i mentioned above you need to replace the oil feed pipe which is the pipe that you will unthread from the motor before pulling the cooler off. In order to spin the same filter back on or any filter that you need the shorter feed pipe which i gave you in my 1st post.

Why are you doing this anyways? Is it not clearing your headers? Have you tried a turbo style filter? They are much shorter then the non-turbo version.

-Chuck

[JDM97LegacyGT]

Oh sorry, I didn't see the text beneath the pics. Yeah not only that the filter is super close to the headers, but because the oil cooler line that runs from the thermostat housing to the cooler itself is literally resting on top. It caused a massive leak because it melted the line! So right now I just have tin foil basically preventing it from leaking

[Wiscon_Mark]

The DIY forum is for DIY threads only, not for asking questions. I moved this to the appropriate forum.

[afterbangin]

I have a friend that runs a Subaru specialty repair shop take one of these off of an old Forester and put it onto my 98 Legacy that we rebuilt the engine on. Like Reason pointed out, it used a 24mm socket to install. My concern is that with it being a turbo, do you really think removing the oil cooler is such a good idea? You want to keep that turbo cool and lubricated which the oil does both. I've seen him use larger volume oil filters for customers that bring their GTs in for service just for that reason so I personally, I wouldn't try to accomplish what you're looking to do if longevity is a concern.

[JDM97LegacyGT]

Oh no, this is a non turbo 2.5! It's a 2001 legacy gt 5 speed with the NA EJ25 motor.

[afterbangin]

haha, i was just outside thinking to myself, "oh wait, there was no turbo legacy in 2001" and jumped on here to point out my retardedism. just to let you know though, people are eager to buy those oil coolers so you should be able to make a good amount of money on selling it after you take it off.