How many have eliminated their oil cooler lines. Hate those things too. And after reading how they are generally NOT needed I thought about it. Turns out my 96 GMC Sierra 1500 has the 5 speed and has never had the oil cooler lines. AND it never runs hot. Well I had to replace the power steering pump in the wife's new 2000 blazer and while I was down there I took the cooler lines out. Coming from someone who has had to deal with those things blowing TWICE, it was good to know I had that option. And the Blazer runs just as cool at the GMC. from what I read, unless you do a lot of heavy towing those lines aren't really needed.

 

I kept my oil cooler lines even when I installed a larger radiator but like you said, I do heavy towing (relative to the Blazer) and so I wanted every cooling advantage I could get.

 

205,000 miles - 105,000 on the second radiator, everything stock and never had an oil leak.

George

 

The cooler lines aren't as divisive as the Green vs Orange coolant but close. I bought a blazer without them but am working on how to restore this but not use the factory hoses. I am thinking that cutting off the hoses and flaring the lines for a 37 degree fitting and braid hoses might be the way to go.

 

This is what I would do if I still had my oil cooler hoses. And If you don't want to deal with flaring the lines, a decent compression fitting will work just as well.

I eliminated my oil cooler hoses and remote filter a while back, so I have no oil hoses of any kind, and I couldn't be happier. But I don't tow with my Blazer and most of my driving is at low-speed. It's possible the oil might get pretty hot under different circumstances.