Review on Fel-Pro Oil Cooler Gasket ES73012 by Kirk Womack

Ordered a Pentastar oil cooler replacement from MNJWS here on Revain, read my very detailed review there for a discussion of the part and step by step instructions on how to replace the cooler. Long story short I don't think many aftermarket companies make this part and given its complexity and importance in the powertrain, the radiator can be made very cheaply. Many reviewers have pointed out that the rubber seals on some aftermarket coolers have failed prematurely. Since the coolant is on the hot engine block, the gaskets are welded on all surfaces. Fel-Pro is the only company that sells silicone compound seals for Pentastar systems and I hope the silicone compound rubber will hold up better than regular rubber. When you install these spacers on the radiator, they will not appear round. This is normal as the rings are self-adjusting when installed. Before installing, place a drop of clean engine oil on the black gasket just below the filter housing and on the two blue ones that follow the line to the right. Leave the last two dry (these are the coolant passages). When installing, align the side of the filter with the port first, and then the rest of the assembly. Then, using both hands, firmly push the cooler (on the filter housing and the edge of the metal fin) STRAIGHT DOWN. You should hear and hear an audible click when the filter is installed and there should be very little play when you shake and loosen the screws. Screw to specification using the Caty Corner Technique. If you're not careful or technical when reinstalling the radiator, you'll damage either the gasket or the plastic joints of the port on the radiator, or the cylinder block itself (yes, where the flow holes on this thing are mounted on the aluminum engine block installed with bleeping Chrysler plastic, man. ) Silicone can withstand prolonged temperatures of up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. I think Fel-Pro has a good product. As always, time will be the best judge and I will update regularly.