I have to say all my fears were pointless. This job simply falls into RTFM category. I can say with confidence that replacing these O-rings on my car is a walk in the park. It probably took me 1.5 hrs considering that I spent half of the time cleaning.

Here is the procedure:

- unbolt coolant extension tank and move it out of the way(two bolts). I only had to unplug coolant level sensor and small hose from the cap. Other hoses were long enough to put tank on top of the engine.
- unclip and remove air filter with cover.
- unscrew and remove other half of air filter housing(intake) - 4 bolts and 3 clumps to disconnect hoses, one electric connector. This opens up good access to the work area with only oil filter in the way.
- remove oil filter(came out clean, no oil spills).
- unscrew the "nut that holds the plate that holds the hoses". This is 13 mm nut, no need to access it from underneath, much easier from top. I used long socket and it was easy.
- pop hoses out, mine came out with no effort. When popping second hose oil will leak - so raise it up quickly and it will stop.
- replace O-rings. Old ones were like plastic, broke.
- insert hoses back. TIP!!! When inserting first hose back oil will start leaking. So, plug the second hose with something and that will keep oil from leaking. No need to empty oil radiator.
- put everything back in reverse order.

There is no need to lift the car at all.

For the results - I took car for a ride(to get some beer!) and put it in the garage. Just checked and there are still some drops of oil, which I hope is either oil I spilled while working, or some other leak. But it is nothing comparing to the leak I had. Before replacement oil was dripping from the hoses and they were soaked - so far they are nice and dry!

Here are some pics:

 

Well Done!

Very glad you got it sorted out and those Pics are sure to help others with the same problem.

Sometimes over thinking the job, makes it seem a lot harder than it actually is.

You've now got the Satisfaction of having done the job yourself and no doubt saving $$$$$$ in the process.

A Garage/Shop would charge you 'Megabucks' to do what you just did!

 

NJ2003XJ8,

Well done! Really pleased that you were able to get it done. As you discovered, it's a relatively easy job on the 6-cylinder cars. And it's good news that you think this has resolved much of the leak problem.

Cheers

Paul

 

The best advice I can give you is to remove the oil cooler and hoses entirely and install
an oil cooler bypass. Not a difficult job at all and ends the problem of oil leaks and ruptured hoses.