Oil Cooler

[Dubstar]

Is it possible - and easy - to remove the the oil cooler off a 2ltr CU in situ? I have an oil leak that seems to be coming from either the filter or the oil cooler, so I'm thinking worse case scenario that I may have to change the seals. Or even the cooler. I originally thought it was the rocker gaskets, which I did today, but it still seems to be dripping.

[ridders]

If its anything like my 2.1cc watercooled its quite easy. I recently removed and replaced mine due to it being pourous and mixing the oil and water.
Obviously removing the oil filter first, there is then the large flat retaining nut you see at the end of the filter thread stud. You need to undo this (i used a large adjustable spanner as it was bigger than any spanner/sockets i had).
If its a water cooled, you will have to remove the 2 water hoses (flow and return). These are a pain to get off if the original hose clips are still on i used mole grips.
I seem to remember having to remove the tray that fits under the cyclinder head as it restricted access. I also had to undo and remove the hoses from the water pump again due to access.
I strongly suggest replacing the two flow and return hoses to the cooler.
With a bit of wobbling the cooler then comes away complete with seal.
I bought new cooler and seal from GSF and paid around £37.00 for the two.

Basically abount an hour and a half for removal and refit with no special tools or skills needed.

Obviously if you haven't got a water cooled engine then i guess the above is useless!!

[Dubstar]

Cheers mate, but I'm Aircooled all the way! It doesn't look too difficult in the Haynes, but they always show it in a clean workshop with the engine out, as opposed to it being done on the street in the rain lying on sheet of cardboard! It's just do I have to drop the engine to do it?