Vortec 7.4 96-99 oil cooler connector question - Pirate4x4.Com : 4x4 and Off-Road Forum

Oxyacetylene · 07-10-2011, 08:05 PM

I have a 97 Vortec 7.4 that I swapped into my suburban. I would like to get rid of the push lock style connectors and hoses that came on the engine. From what I have found it seems the connectors that thread into the block are 3/8 x 18 thread, and one of the connectors also has a bypass valve built in. I am guessing the bypass valve is there to keep it from blowing a cooler line if the cooler or lines got clogged? Could I remove both connectors and just use brass fittings with hose barb? What about removing both and just putting plugs in the block for now?

If it helps, the part numbers for the connectors are 15718022 (with bypass valve) and 15718023 (without bypass)

chevy_man · 07-12-2011, 05:19 PM

You can plug the block I believe, as some trucks were sold without a oil cooler option.

Brass fittings should work fine, just remember lots of teflon tape. I'd guess that the bypass was actually heat activated, to bring the oil up to temp. But that's just a guess.

Twinturbo496 · 07-12-2011, 06:06 PM

pm BRORSAM, he has a gen 5 502, he previously had a prelube system tied into the cooler circuit, but has deleted it.

Oxyacetylene · 07-12-2011, 09:05 PM

I went ahead and plugged it with two 3/8" pipe thread plugs. So far it seems fine, but I have only driven it around the block. This was in conjunction with other engine work that is almost done, so I haven't driven it much yet. When I go to hook up another oil cooler I want to use something other than those push lock connectors, but we'll see...

Duallie · 07-12-2011, 10:07 PM

Get a stock oil filter adapter from a 70s-80s V8. It bolts on instead of the oil cooler adapter. I did it on my K1500 and gained 5psi. You will have to use a different filter. I used a PF454 (iirc) to clear the front driveshaft. I wouldn't run it with the cooler lines plugged.

07-10-2011, 08:05 PM	#1 (permalink)
Oxyacetylene Wheeler Join Date: Sep 2006 Member # 79622 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 110	Vortec 7.4 96-99 oil cooler connector question I have a 97 Vortec 7.4 that I swapped into my suburban. I would like to get rid of the push lock style connectors and hoses that came on the engine. From what I have found it seems the connectors that thread into the block are 3/8 x 18 thread, and one of the connectors also has a bypass valve built in. I am guessing the bypass valve is there to keep it from blowing a cooler line if the cooler or lines got clogged? Could I remove both connectors and just use brass fittings with hose barb? What about removing both and just putting plugs in the block for now? If it helps, the part numbers for the connectors are 15718022 (with bypass valve) and 15718023 (without bypass) __________________ 1989 GMC Suburban 1500, 97 vortec 7.4 with 0411PCM, 14b FF rear w/Detroit & discs, Dana 60 front, ORD crossover steering, SM465 (factory), 6" lift, 37" Nitto Mud Grapplers on H2 rims Last edited by Oxyacetylene; 07-10-2011 at 08:09 PM.

07-12-2011, 05:19 PM	#2 (permalink)
chevy_man Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Member # 104517 Location: MT Posts: 380	You can plug the block I believe, as some trucks were sold without a oil cooler option. Brass fittings should work fine, just remember lots of teflon tape. I'd guess that the bypass was actually heat activated, to bring the oil up to temp. But that's just a guess. __________________ R.I.P. Jason Payne Last edited by chevy_man; 07-12-2011 at 05:20 PM.

07-12-2011, 09:05 PM	#4 (permalink)
Oxyacetylene Wheeler Join Date: Sep 2006 Member # 79622 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 110	I went ahead and plugged it with two 3/8" pipe thread plugs. So far it seems fine, but I have only driven it around the block. This was in conjunction with other engine work that is almost done, so I haven't driven it much yet. When I go to hook up another oil cooler I want to use something other than those push lock connectors, but we'll see... __________________ 1989 GMC Suburban 1500, 97 vortec 7.4 with 0411PCM, 14b FF rear w/Detroit & discs, Dana 60 front, ORD crossover steering, SM465 (factory), 6" lift, 37" Nitto Mud Grapplers on H2 rims

07-12-2011, 10:07 PM	#5 (permalink)
Duallie Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Member # 65442 Location: SouthCentral Alaska Posts: 164	Get a stock oil filter adapter from a 70s-80s V8. It bolts on instead of the oil cooler adapter. I did it on my K1500 and gained 5psi. You will have to use a different filter. I used a PF454 (iirc) to clear the front driveshaft. I wouldn't run it with the cooler lines plugged. __________________ Alaska sucks. Don't move here. It snows in July. Marauding Polar bears ate my neighbor. Last edited by Duallie; 07-12-2011 at 10:08 PM.

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07-12-2011, 06:06 PM	#3 (permalink)
Twinturbo496 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Member # 184984 Posts: 135	pm BRORSAM, he has a gen 5 502, he previously had a prelube system tied into the cooler circuit, but has deleted it.