743B oil cooler options?

[oracle_of_ferndale]

The oil cooler on my 743B is shot. What are my options for replacing it? The OEM bobcat part is pricey. Looks like there are less expensive oil coolers of similar size. Has anyone had success replacing an oil cooler with an alternative part?

 

[SkidRoe]

What about it is shot? If it is cracked/leaking, you should be able to have it repaired.
Cheers - SR

 

[Tazza]

What about it is shot? If it is cracked/leaking, you should be able to have it repaired.
Cheers - SR

Just how shot is shot? and do you have access to gear to try and save it?
I had a rusted out oil cooler in my S250, it looked like it was hit with a shotgun it was that bad. I hit it with a sand blaster and silver soldered the rusted tubes. It took me a few hours and a few goes to get it right, but it did work. I brazed what i could see, then using air i submerged it in water to look for bubbles, brazed them and repeat. In the end i got them all.
I don' know of any aftermarket coolers, but i'm sure something could be rigged up if you had the patience

 

[oracle_of_ferndale]

Just how shot is shot? and do you have access to gear to try and save it?
I had a rusted out oil cooler in my S250, it looked like it was hit with a shotgun it was that bad. I hit it with a sand blaster and silver soldered the rusted tubes. It took me a few hours and a few goes to get it right, but it did work. I brazed what i could see, then using air i submerged it in water to look for bubbles, brazed them and repeat. In the end i got them all.
I don' know of any aftermarket coolers, but i'm sure something could be rigged up if you had the patience

Thanks SR and Taz. I took the oil cooler to a radiator shop a few weeks ago and had a pro go after it with bronze and a torch. It cost $100 bucks (good value in my opinion). After I thought I had sorted out the other leaks in my bobcat, I fired up the machine and saw hydraulic fluid leaking from the cooler. Assumed it was a goner. Turns out it needed about 3/4 turn on the fitting and now it seems to be sealed. Could I use the same method (submerging with air) to check for leaks in the control valve?

 

[Tazza]

Thanks SR and Taz. I took the oil cooler to a radiator shop a few weeks ago and had a pro go after it with bronze and a torch. It cost $100 bucks (good value in my opinion). After I thought I had sorted out the other leaks in my bobcat, I fired up the machine and saw hydraulic fluid leaking from the cooler. Assumed it was a goner. Turns out it needed about 3/4 turn on the fitting and now it seems to be sealed. Could I use the same method (submerging with air) to check for leaks in the control valve?

Glad the cooler is all good now.
As for the control valve, i suspect the quad rings that seal the spool shafts, they aren't too hard to replace, accecc can be a pain though.
Before you start, look for wet spots either end of the control block, just rule out a fitting or leaky hose. It may even be the older style setup with a hose that runs from the bottom of the control block up to the port valve. It is shaped like a U and over time it cracks and leaks. Naturally it's a pain in the butt to access and replace....
If it is indeed coming out of the valve at the spool sections, remove the linkages, remove the protective boots, remove the cap on the rear, and the spool should slide out the back.
Now, when you open the valve up, all your oil will leak out. You are best to drain all the oil you can before you start this job.
With the spool out, there will be a quad ring inside the control block that seals between the valve and the rod. I suspect this is what is leaking.