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Hi All,

I’ve recently bought a 2004 XKR and I’m gradually working my way through some minor issues and so getting to know the car.

The engine oil cooler at the front of the car has a sheen of oil over it and the dealer assured me that being aluminium it becomes a little porous with age. Is this true does anyone know? If so, is this a precursor of a catastrophic failure? If not, I’ll just keep an eye on it and carry on checking the oil level every week as per normal!

Many thanks,
Dave

Sounds like a salesman's explanation to me! If an oil cooler has oil on it, either it leaks or, just possibly it has a particularly oily covering of road dirt. If it leaks, it won't mend itself. If it has an oily film on the outside, it risks dirt sticking to it and building up to reduce the effectiveness of the oil cooler. Try giving it a good clean with detergent or another oil emulsifier. Then, if it's leaking you will stand a chance of seeing where it's coming from. If it's loose connection, it can be tightened. If the cooler has a leak, replacement is the only option. Mike.

Thanks for the advice Mike. The cooler has been cleaned (only oily on one side) and I’ll keep an eye on it over the few weeks. Dave.